Candidate questionnaire: Donna S. Lichtenegger

NAME: Donna S. Lichtenegger

AGE: 61

PLACE OF BIRTH: St. Louis, Missouri

SPOUSE'S, CHILDREN'S NAMES:

Husband John Lichtenegger. Children Brent Lichtenegger and Leigh Flanagan. Brent is married to Michelle Birk, children Kaleb, Garrett & Hannah. Leigh is married to Kevin Flanagan w/children Ryan and Lindsey Grace

EDUCATION:

2 years University of Missouri and 2 1/2 years at Forest Park Community College with an A.S. Degree in Dental Hygiene

OCCUPATION: Registered Dental Hygienist

EMPLOYER:

State of Missouri-State Representative

BUSINESSES OWNED, ALL OR PART:

My family owns Appleton Valley Farm, Inc.; Missouri Lakes, LLC (residentail development) an interest in Krypton Solutions, LLC (R&D printed circuit boards)

PUBLIC OFFICES HELD OR SOUGHT; GIVE DATES:

State Representative, District 157 elected November 2010

Seeking election as State Representative District #146

WEBSITE: Lichtenegger157.US

HOW WOULD YOU WORK TO ENSURE ECONOMIC GROWTH CONTINUES IN JACKSON AND THROUGHOUT YOUR DISTRICT?

Economic growth for Jackson and all of Cape Girardeau County has to be centered on our existing Industries and Small Business. I will continue to make sure every State and local incentive and economic tool for expansion is available for existing employers. Today jobs tax credits and job training credits are appropriate for industry. We must provide high level technical and vocational training and properly fund our schools and Universities to attract and retain industry.

HAS THE DREAM INITIATIVE HELPED DEVELOPMENT IN UPTOWN JACKSON?

The Dream initiative will help greatly. Dream is in year two of a planning process to research and find ways to Revitalize Uptown Jackson. Uptown merchants, city residents, high school student, business owners and elected official are working to make Jackson's Uptown a vibrant, exciting place to shop, visit and live. This planning will secure the future of Uptown Jackson. Once complete an Action Plan to keep Uptown Jackson alive and thriving can be implemented.

HOW DO WE BALANCE THE BUDGET: CUT PROGRAMS, RAISE TAXES AND OTHER REVENUE, OR BOTH?

I have helped balance two State Budgets. You must consolidate programs, make programs more efficient, departments more electronic and paperless, find ways to eliminate waste and fraud and hold each department accountable for every dollar. Raising taxes is not the answer. While we have eliminated some tax credits to enhance revenue we need a modern tax system like the fair tax or flat tax of a combination. As legislators we must have very focused priorities.

CLOSING REMARKS:

As promised I have devoted full time to the honor of serving as your State Representative. Call me anytime at 979-1084 with any question or issues. Elected Representatives and Senators have no right to a State Pension. I have co-sponsored and will file a bill December 1st eliminating this abuse. This job is a Public Trust not a retirement plan. I will continue to support funding for education, job creation and sensible Health Care initiatives.