Candidate Q&A - State house; Peter Myers

District 160

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 don't believe that we should or will be able to raise taxes. With only $2 billion of the $19 billion state budget that can realistically be adjusted to balance the budget, the House and Senate will have to examine all non-entitlement programs. All such programs must be prioritized from the ground up. There are some "sacred cows" that will have to have three- to five-year caps placed on them.

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?

Assist the highways commission in restoring credibility to the Missouri Department of Transportation and the commission by revising the way the highway commission is appointed, as well as concentrating spending on the actual maintenance and construction of our state's highways.

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?

Reduce the number of committees in the Missouri House. Revise the budget process to closely resemble some type of zero-based budgeting.

4. What agriculture-related legislation would you propose?

Look at the pesticide registration fee with tight restraints on how the fee increases could be spent. Address Department of Natural Resources water pollution definitions of the bodies of water in the state, while maintaining reasonable, balanced standards and incentives for improving and maintaining water quality. Continue to cooperate with family farmers and federal agencies to find solutions to animal waste management. Provide ideas and incentives for value-added agriculture, which would include using biodegradable fuels such as biodiesel for farms, homes and industries in Missouri and the nation. The latter would include stimulating research at Missouri's universities in cooperation with our state's agribusinesses. Take an intelligent, balanced look at how we manage our state water supplies.

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

I want to continue to use the experience and working knowledge that I have acquired from my "hands-on" farming and natural resource experiences for the residents of Missouri now and in the future. My federal administrative and state legislative experiences, as well as my working knowledge of agricultural, environmental, budget and social programs will serve me well in my remaining years in the state legislative bodies.