Candidate questionnaire: Bob Thrower

NAME: Bob Thrower

AGE: 48

PLACE OF BIRTH: Cape Girardeau

SPOUSE'S, CHILDREN'S NAMES:

Son-Jim

Daughter-Lauren

EDUCATION:

Master's Degree from Central Michigan University

Graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College

OCCUPATION: Retired

EMPLOYER: None

BUSINESSES OWNED, ALL OR PART:

Former owner of the Dexter Queen Restaurant

PUBLIC OFFICES HELD OR SOUGHT; GIVE DATES:

Missouri House of Representatives, District 151 (This is my first)

WEBSITE: throwerformissouri.org

EDUCATION FUNDING IS A HOT ISSUE IN THE MISSOURI LEGISLATURE. DO YOU THINK EDUCATION IN THE STATE SHOULD BE BETTER FUNDED, AND IF SO, WHERE WOULD YOU TAKE MONEY FROM TO FUND IT?

Education needs better funding in Missouri. This is a result of trying to balance a budget with poor revenue streams. I'm worried about our ability to recruit and retain quality teachers over the next few years. If we allow their incentives and benefits to erode, we will see our brightest stars leave the profession.

Growing our economy is the best tool for increased funding. Fix our economy and everything else falls into place.

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

Balancing the budget requires a continuous review of state programs. We need to be better stewards of taxpayer dollars.

Missouri is not known as a job friendly state. Our economy is not growing as fast as some of our neighbors. We need to do everything in our power to attract new business. We have an excellent workforce and we owe them better opportunities.

DO YOU SUPPORT THE USE OF STATE AND FEDERAL FUNDS TO EXPAND BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS IN RURAL AREAS?

Federal dollars were available for partial funding of rural broadband and Missouri was one of the recipients. 21% of Missouri is without affordable high-speed access and this hurdle impacts education and local businesses. We have to assist the rural portions of this state in order to level the playing field.

CLOSING REMARKS:

I spent 20 years serving my country as an army officer. I understand the meaning of hard work and I know the importance of teamwork. After retirement, I owned and operated a small business that employed 15 individuals. I understand the stress and pressure that business owners face. I also understand the pressure that the working class faces on a daily basis.

I will work hard in Jefferson City and I promise to represent everyone.