148th Missouri House district candidate Duston Stone

__Name:__ Duston Stone

__Age:__ 32

__Place of birth:__ Cape Girardeau, MO

__Spouse's, children's names:__ Son - Laythan

__Education:__ Scott City High School Graduate

__Occupation:__ Railroad conductor, Farmer

__Employer:__ Union Pacific

__Businesses owned, all or part:__ Landowner

__Public offices held or sought; give dates:__

Presently serving as the Director, Illmo Special Road District (2007-Present)

Seeking election to the Missouri House of Representatives for the 148th District.

__Website:__ www.facebook.com/dustonstoneforstaterepresentative

__Email:__ duston123@hotmail.com

__What makes you the most qualified candidate for this position?:__

I'm running because Jefferson City just isn't listening to regular people like me. I'm a father, a man of deep faith and a farmer who is a fifth generation son of Scott County. As a proven conservative I've worked hard as a road commissioner for our citizens to get the most out of our tax dollars. I'll bring those same strong fiscal conservative values to the legislature to work for the people of the 148th district.

__What are the biggest issues facing your district? If elected, how would you address them?:__

I come from a family of farmers and farm myself so I will lead the fight in Jefferson City against the growth of big out-of-state agribusinesses who are running our family farmers out of business and are hurting our local economy. I'll also fight the EPA tooth and nail to stop Obama's War on Coal which threatens to hurt to of our district's larger employers -- Associated Electric, BMU, BNSF Railway, and UPRR Railroad.

__Among the most debated ballot issues for the Aug. 5 election is Amendment 7, the transportation tax. Are you in favor of or against the measure? Why?:__

Everyone agrees we need to address our infrastructure but under Amendment 7 most of the projects are in the big cities with very little help for the rural areas. It's for that reason I oppose Amendment 7.

__Do you support Medicaid expansion in Missouri? Why or why not?:__

I am against the expansion of any federal entitlement program unless there are steps taken to reform or retool the program to make it more effective and reduce fraud, waste and abuse.

__Amendment 1 will also be considered by voters on Aug. 5. What is your stance on the measure commonly known as "right-to-farm?":__

I grew up working on the family farm and am a farmer myself. I understand just how difficult it is to make ends meet in today's era of out-of-state agribusinesses who can count on politicians to fight for them and their ever increasing corporate profits. That's why I support Amendment #1 to our State Constitution to protect and guarantee the right of our citizens to farm and ranch our land.