BLACK, SHARP SEEK 161st HOUSE SEAT

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- State Rep. Lanie Black faces a re-election battle from New Madrid, Mo., restaurateur Van Harry Sharp in his bid for a second term in the Missouri House.

Black, a Republican, won election to the 161st House seat in 1998. The district, which covers parts of Mississippi, New Madrid and Scott counties, traditionally has been a Democratic district.

Sharp hopes to capitalize on those Democratic roots, but Black, a Charleston area poultry producer, hopes his first-term record will win over voters.

"I just think I have done a pretty good job," said Black. "I have worked pretty hard at the job."

Said Black, "I have two years of experience now so I think that is pretty significant."

Black identifies himself as "pro gun, pro life," having voted against collective bargaining for public employees. He describes himself as "not hard core anti-union."

Sharp, co-owner of Rebecca Sharp Catering, emphasizes his Southeast Missouri roots. He said he understands the issues facing "our everyday lives."

"I will not be a puppet of political party guidelines and play politics with the people of Southeast Missouri," he said. "Southeast Missouri is home to me and the people here are a very important part of my life."

Both Black and Sharp said Missouri's deteriorating roads and bridges are a major concern, and both want to see the state improve the Interstate 55 exit at Scott City.

"The congestion problem associated with this exit needs to be addressed, not only to speed traffic flow, but to help ensure the safety of our children," said Sharp.

Black favors the Missouri Department of Transportation's new plan to spend 60 percent of highway revenues on road and bridge maintenance and 40 percent on new construction. In the past, he said, those percentages have been reversed.

Black said the state also needs to consider establishing toll roads to meet transportation needs.

Black said there is "a good chance" Interstate 70 might be considered for a possible toll road.

"There are ways that you can operate toll roads today where local traffic doesn't wind up paying the tolls," he said.

Both Sharp and Black view education as another major issue facing the Legislature in the 2001 session.

Both candidates favor smaller classroom sizes.

Black wants less government bureaucracy when it comes to education funding.

"I think very, very strongly that the state ought to be sending the money to the local districts without so many strings attached to it,' said Black.

Sharp wants to expand early childhood development and provide career paths for students who don't seek a college education.

"We must provide for our children the best possible education in order to give them the social and intellectual skills necessary for a changing technological society," Sharp said.

Lanie G. Black III

* Age: 53

* Hometown: Charleston, Mo.

* Party: Republican

* Profession: State representative and poultry producer for Tyson Foods, row crop farmer for 25 years.

* Family: Married. He and his wife, Ann, have two children.

* Club affiliations: Member of First Baptist Church in Charleston and deacon and choir member of the church, Charleston Kiwanis Club, Charleston Chamber of Commerce, Mississippi County Farm Bureau board of directors and past president of the board, and former Boy Scout master.

Political history: Elected in 1998 as state representative for the 161st House District, seeking re-election to a second term.

* Endorsements: National Federation of Independent Business, National Rifle Association, Missouri Right to Life, Missouri State Teachers Association, Missouri Chamber of Commerce, Associated Industries of Missouri and Missouri Nurses Association.

Van Harry Sharp

* Age: 36

* Hometown: New Madrid, Mo.

* Party: Democrat

* Profession: Restaurateur, co-owner of Rebecca Sharp Catering.

* Family: Single

* Club affiliations: Member of the First United Methodist Church.

* Endorsements: Missouri National Education Association, Missouri Federation of Teachers, Missouri State Council of Fire Fighters, Missouri AFL-CIO, Missouri Progressive Vote.

Candidate Q & A

161st district race questions and answers

In terms of other issues, what do you see as the biggest problem facing the Legislature next year?

Black: "Education. I think most of what is wrong with education right now stems from the disintegration of the traditional family unit. I think we have got to do a better job as parents and families. I think smaller classrooms, especially in early grades, would be a good step. I think very, very strongly that the state ought to be sending the money to the local districts without so many strings attached to it."

Sharp: "One of the biggest problems facing our Missouri Legislature this next session is that of funding for educational programs. I was afforded the opportunity for a good education through a quality public school system. Therefore, I will work to ensure that our public schools get their fair share of state tax revenue to improve facilities, curriculum and teachers. I would support programs that expand early childhood development, reduce classroom size and establish career paths for non-college-bound students."

Why should voters elect you?

Black: "I know the people. I know the communities. I know the needs of the area. I understand agriculture because I lived it. I have two years of experience now so I think that is pretty significant. I am a conservative person. I just think I have done a pretty good job."

Sharp: "I have a strong managerial and business background by being a business owner in Southeast Missouri. And having been born and raised in Southeast Missouri, I have roots and an emotional tie with the people of Southeast Missouri. Therefore, I understand firsthand the issues and problems facing our everyday lives."