Candidate Q&A - State house; Dennis Smith

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?

I would prefer a serious review of state agencies above middle management to find ways to work more efficiently, saving money. Agencies are struggling to provide services at the consumer level, where they are seriously needed.

In addition to this review and before raising taxes or eliminating programs, we need to seriously consider a complete review of our government structure, which drives our budget. And last, the state needs to stop using one-time funds to fill budget gaps. The state may need to have one year of "real pain" to get a handle on our budget.

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?

Education of citizens and pressure on the Missouri Department of Transportation for accountability through the state auditor's office. Pressure brought by citizens can be very powerful; the formation of a citizen oversight board would do that.

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?

The change that has needed to take place for some time will come because of term limits. (I still am not sure I favor term limits). Freshman legislators will have to ask more questions, demand more facts and information, and take things a bit slower. Senior members will have to take more time in working with all the new legislators. I will be one of the freshman faces asking more questions, wanting more facts, and taking things slower.

4. What agriculture-related legislation would you propose?

Agriculture has been an important part of our economy for a long time. There is now a group working to put together our agriculture needs and assets and I will use this information to study what to do in the future. We need to continue to protect our land resources, find new markets for our products, and protect farmers from paying an unfair amount for water and sewer utilities because of expanding developments next to their lands. I would support legislation to reduce unnecessary regulations on farmers.

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

As I am retired from the military, I will have the time to be a full-time legislator. Our General Assembly originally had citizen legislators. However, the role of a House member has become increasingly more difficult as laws have become more complicated. The time required to properly review facts and information to make informed decisions has increased greatly. I will be able to give the office and the people of this district the time to do the job properly. I also have the leadership ability and right attitude to work with legislators on both sides of the aisle. I have much experience in dealing with varied groups of people.