Candidate questionnaire: Neal E. Boyd

NAME: Neal E. Boyd

AGE: 36

PLACE OF BIRTH: Sikeston, Missouri

EDUCATION:

Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communications/minor in Political Science - Southeast Missouri State University

Bachelor of Arts in Music - University of Missouri-Columbia

Master of Business Management - University of Phoenix

OCCUPATION: Insurance Salesman/Musician

EMPLOYER: Self-Employed

BUSINESSES OWNED, ALL OR PART:

Cox and Boyd Insurance Solutions

PUBLIC OFFICES HELD OR SOUGHT; GIVE DATES:

Candidate for State Representative District 149; November 2012

WEBSITE: nealeboydformissouri.com

HOW CAN WE BEST ADDRESS POVERTY IN YOUR DISTRICT?

We have to be more aggressive in moving Missouri toward becoming a "Right to Work" State. This will allow us to compete for new industry that we're currently losing to Arkansas and Tennessee. After years on Missouri's Workforce Investment Board (MoWIB), education is imperative in resetting workforce skills throughout the area. We should be looking heavily at vocational and technological education. Having university extensions throughout the region will begin to help us meet that goal.

HOW DO WE BALANCE THE BUDGET: CUT PROGRAMS, RAISE TAXES AND OTHER REVENUE, OR BOTH?

We need to cut taxes on the working Missouri families, cutting out government waste. All programs should be reviewed periodically to ensure that they are efficient and effective. If they aren't then the programs should end. Cutting taxes will help alleviate the strain on our families, the consumers, and lead to increased spending which will increase overall revenue. It works every time it's tried. Raising taxes will only sink our already impoverished 149th.

HOW CAN THE STATE BEST ENSURE THAT STUDENTS ARE RECEIVING A GOOD EDUCATION IN YOUR DISTRICT?

It's our moral responsibility to teach students that education leads to future opportunity. We need to make sure our classrooms have quality teachers and that our school's live up to their accreditation's. Children must come first and that requires a quality educational experience so that they can achieve their American Dreams. Also, we need to find ways to encourage parents to play an active role in their local education system.

CLOSING REMARKS:

I was born and raised in Sikeston and I love Southeast Missouri. It's a great place to live, work and dream. I wish to continue to give back. The poverty rate seeks to eliminate the American Dream for so many of us, especially our children. Pulling the area out of poverty is my goal by providing jobs, cutting taxes, and eliminating waste. I'd appreciate your continued support and your vote. Thank you and God Bless!