Candidate Q&A - State house; Chuck Miller

District 157

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?

I am not in favor of any kind of tax increase. I think our first priority should be to reduce spending and that may mean eliminating programs. At a time when families are experiencing belt tightening, it is time for the state also to tighten its belt, not create more taxes for working men and women.

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?

Recently, the Missouri Department of Transportation outraged many businesses and others when it announced that Highway 72 would be widened in Jackson to four lanes with a center median preventing left turns. I pledge to work with MoDOT to be more open with project planning so that citizens will be able to provide input and ultimately more support for projects. In the August election, the voters clearly said they are not ready for additional taxes to benefit MoDOT with the overwhelming defeat of a tax increase proposal. Perhaps the biggest contribution I can make as a state representative is to work with MoDOT to restore its credibility with the people of Missouri and fight for Southeast Missouri's fair share of highway money.

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 am not interested in going to Jefferson City and passing a bunch of laws as a state representative. In fact, I believe the best way to represent Southeast Missouri will be to fight much of the proposed legislation, especially legislation that adversely affects our freedoms and our way of life. In keeping with my legislative priorities, we need to consider a legislative agenda that puts our economy on track and encourages it to grow.

4. What agriculture-related legislation would you propose?

I am the only candidate in this race who lives on a farm. In fact, I live on a farm that has been in my family since Missouri became a state in 1821. As a state representative, I want to preserve and encourage our family farmers so that we don't grow dependent on foreign foods like we have grown dependent on foreign oil. Specifically, I would support and propose legislation that provides incentives to family farms to adopt value-added farming practices.

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

I am not a lawyer. I have never run for political office, but I am at a time in my life where I can devote my full-time attention to representing the values of Southeast Missouri in the General Assembly. While I have already raised my family and retired, my opponent is just starting out with a young family and career. In fact, I had already served honorably in the U.S. Air Force when my opponent was born. My priorities as a state representative will be based on my life experience in Southeast Missouri and living on the family farm: attracting good-paying jobs; fully funding public education; fighting the high cost of prescription drugs and health care; protecting our Second Amendment rights; preserving our family farms; and securing our fair share of highway money.