Missouri House, 156th District -- Shelley Keeney

Name: Shelley (White) Keeney

Party: Republican

Birth: June 24, 1979, Cape Girardeau

Spouse's name: Matt Keeney

Occupation: Former teacher at Leopold Schools, district assistant to Senator Jason Crowell and Representative Rod Jetton

Public offices held: None

Past political campaigns and offices sought: None

Question 1: What is the most important issue facing the office of State Representative, 156th District?

Answer: Lowering the cost of living for our families. Gas prices are out of control. We should strengthen the laws to prevent price gouging by the oil companies and we need to become less dependent on foreign oil. There's no reason to give our money to the very people who have attacked our country. We need to encourage wind, solar, biofuels and more drilling of our own oil right here in America. Property taxes have skyrocketed out of control and it's forcing many folks, especially those on fixed incomes, out of their homes. I want to lower taxes so people can keep more of their money to pay the higher costs of gasoline, food and insurance.

Question 2: What in your background or education makes you qualified for this office?

Answer: Having been a teacher, I've seen the difference a quality education can make and the problems facing parents and students trying to gain the knowledge necessary to be successful in life. As the wife of a state trooper, I understand the dangers that face too many of our citizens each and every day. We have to work harder to reduce crime and drug use in our state. Living with a law enforcement officer allows me to see first-hand how destructive drugs are to our families.

Question 3: Why are you better qualified than your opponent?

Answer: I'm going to run a positive campaign and not say anything negative about my opponent. One of the things that has helped me the most is that I've been working in the district, helping people with their problems and hearing about the issues they are concerned about for the past four years. I believe I have a good understanding of the district and its people and believe I share their conservative values.

We've been fortunate to see some transportation improvements in our region, such as highways 67 and 72. Working with MoDOT and our communities as well as the citizens along the highways has been an enjoyable experience I hope will help me in continuing to improve the roads and bridges in our region.

Working with small businesses when they try to deal with the rules, regulations and taxes placed on them by Jefferson City has shown me how important it is to get the government off their backs.

I feel strongly about protecting life and the sanctity of marriage and as a hunter will always support our second amendment rights.

Question 4: Will you have an office in Bollinger County for constituents to contact you?

Answer: I have been manning our local legislators' district offices for the past several years and have enjoyed the monthly office hours, getting to meet the constituents and helping them with their problems. I have already talked to business owners throughout the district and lined up locations for a district office in each county if I am fortunate enough to be elected. I've learned it is important for constituents to know they can contact their state representative and office hours would be one way for me to stay informed about the issues and concerns facing the people in the 156th district.

Question 5: What legislation do you propose to introduce that will benefit the district?

Answer: I would like to see a reduction or elimination on property taxes on cars and trucks. This would help the family budget. I would like to see a fair property tax assessment system that would reflect the true value of the property. I would like to see a bill pass that would prohibit illegal immigrants from receiving welfare or state benefits. We should strengthen the laws to allow our schools to remove children from the classroom who have discipline problems. I will support reforms that will lower the cost of health care so more families can afford insurance and have better access to quality, affordable health care.