Robert Butler
STATE SENATE DISTRICT 22
Two Democrats seeking chance to oust Wieland in fall
A pair of Democratic candidates are looking for the chance to prevent Republican Paul Wieland from winning a second four-year term as the District 22 representative in the Missouri Senate.
Wieland, a self-employed insurance agent and broker from Imperial, previously served three terms in the Missouri House of Representatives. He is running unopposed in the Aug. 7 primary, as is Richie Camden, a Libertarian from the Hillsboro area.
In the Aug. 7 primary, Democratic voters will choose either Robert Butler, an attorney from Barnhart, or Edward Thurman, a retail worker from High Ridge.
Thurman did not return a Leader candidate questionnaire.
The winners in the primary election will face off in the Nov. 6 general election.
State senators and representatives receive a $35,915 annual salary plus mileage and $113 per day in expenses for each day the General Assembly is in session.
BUTLER, 53, lives at 4594 Klable Road, Barnhart. He and his wife, Miriam, have four children. He is a workers’ compensation attorney. He received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Missouri in 1986 and a law degree from the University of Missouri in 1989. He has been on the Democratic Central Committee since 2016 and is the Northwest Democratic Club’s president, a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Arnold, where he was secretary of the men’s club, president of the parish council and a parish finance committee member. He also has coached youth sports.
Social media: Website: RobertButlerForSenate.com Facebook: Robert Butler for Senate
How will you vote on Proposition A and why?
Butler: I will vote no on Prop A. So-called “right to work” proposals are a coordinated effort to undermine collective bargaining rights, thus lowering wages and reducing workplace safety. The sole purpose of Proposition A is to allow huge, mostly out-of-state corporations to maximize their profits at the expense of Missouri families. Skilled workers in Missouri bring value to projects all over our state, especially in Jefferson County. Additionally, our professional unions ensure we have the most qualified law enforcement, nurses and teachers. Now and in the future, I strongly oppose any proposal meant to undermine working families.
What are your thoughts on how to protect insurance coverage for Missourians who have pre-existing conditions?
Butler: Providing access to quality, affordable health care options makes sense morally, and it also makes sense economically. Investment in local health care options contributes to the reduction of overall health care costs by preventing costly emergency room visits by those with little or no insurance. I will work to expand Medicaid and push to maximize the use of federal funding to provide adequate coverage for those with pre-existing conditions. I will also work to preserve the requirement that health care plans in Missouri cover those with pre-existing conditions.
Higher education has been hit by funding cuts to balance Missouri government's budget. In regard to Jefferson College, how would you address this?
Butler: For too long, legislators in Jefferson City have been reducing state revenue to subsidize out-of-state corporations and billionaires. These cuts come at the cost of reduced funding for roads, public safety and education. Funding community colleges like Jefferson College is a sound investment in our families, our communities and our state. Missouri businesses depend on a well-educated and well-trained workforce to deliver the services and products their customers demand. Jefferson College provides a high-value option for local students. I will work with the leadership at Jefferson College to make the case for restoring funding.
Why should voters elect you to this position? List your goals, if elected.
Butler: My family and I have lived in Jefferson County for 22 years. Every day, I talk with working families and small business owners who feel shortchanged by our government. I will work with both sides of the aisle to fund options for quality health care, invest in public schools, and fund infrastructure and law enforcement – including Jefferson County 911 Dispatch. I will support legislation to protect private property ownership. That means working to prevent projects such as mining operations around Lake Tishomingo. Most importantly, I want to bring our Jefferson County family values to Jefferson City.