Candidate Q&A - State house; Kevin Engler

District 106

1. Options to help the state out of its continuing budget problems include raising taxes, eliminating more programs or a combination of the two. Which would you prefer and why?

Raising taxes is not an option. I support zero-based budgeting with an evaluation of programs and getting input from department employers, as well as end users.

2. Keeping in mind that lawmakers have no control over how money from the state road fund is spent, what action do you propose to improve Missouri's transportation system?

The Department of Transportation needs to be completely revamped and run more like a business. A news release from MoDOT saying they are "new and improved" will not restore their credibility.

3. With the large number of fresh faces in the General Assembly next year due to term limits, what changes would you propose in the way the legislature does business?

I don't know since I haven't been there, but less partisan infighting and more cooperation in January instead of the last two weeks of the legislative session is a start.

4. What agriculture-related legislation would you propose?

There are some promising uses for strawboard manufacturing that I would like to explore. Strawboard is a particleboard-type wood product that has multiple uses. It's expansion could have a big effect on straw growers or future straw growers.

5. In one paragraph, why should someone vote for you rather than your opponents?

I have a record of public service from being past president of the Chamber of Commerce, Lions, Jaycees and St. Joseph Church, as a member of the city council and now as mayor that is unsurpassed. When you make a big purchase of an appliance or a car, you look at the past performance. That is what I am asking voters to do.