Candidate Q&A - State house; Timothy Doubledee

157th District

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 eliminating programs. Productive citizens are already taxed too much for the poor results we see in return. We are not getting our money's worth, and it is impossible for us to support all of the promises politicians make to get elected. Individuals need to learn again that we can see to our own needs and those of our friends, families and communities without government intervention. We can do a better job, if politicians would only let us keep what we earn.

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?

I propose that we switch, gradually, to a system of pure user fees, such as vehicle registration fees, gas taxes, and tolls (for new projects). User fees are the most proper way to fund any service the government proposes to deliver if it is not allowing the private sector to do it. However, I do not propose raising such fees, tolls and taxes until other taxes are reduced or eliminated entirely, such as income taxes, property taxes, corporate taxes and death taxes.

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?

Since I am not a politician and not schooled in procedures in Jefferson City, I cannot say exactly what I would change. I can say that I will conduct business in a far different manner than most citizens are accustomed to.

First, I will make every decision based on one principle: It is immoral to take property from some individuals and use it for the unearned benefit of other individuals. I will vote against any proposal that violates that principle. I would also stop treating citizens like serfs, subject to edicts from government on how to live their lives and how to pursue their own happiness.

4. What agriculture-related legislation would you propose?

I will propose to strike down any law which interferes with a landowner's use of his land, so long as his activity is not violating the rights of others. Covenants among willing individuals are the only proper guidelines in a free society. I will also propose to end any subsidies that reward or protect certain individuals at the expense of others.

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

Because, unlike my opponents, I am not beholden to an established party or in the pocket of a pressure group. Politicians from the Democratic and Republican parties are caught up in the civil war amongst differing constituent groups for government money, which rightly belongs to the people who earned it. Both sides have abdicated their responsibility to protect individual rights, especially the rights of those who don't vote for them. I will always respect your freedom and the right to your own life, to live however you see fit, so long as you are peaceful and honest.