Candidate questionnaire: Ellen Brandom

EDITOR'S NOTE: Rep. Ellen Brandom's candidate questionnaire is being posted because, due to technical problems, the Southeast Missourian didn't receive it by our deadline.

Name: Ellen Brandom

Age: 70

Place of birth: Quincy, Ill.

Spouse's, children's names:

Spouse deceased

Mark, son

Mary Ellen, daughter

Education:

A.A. Stephens College

B.A. University of Missouri-Columbia, Graduated Summa Cum Laude

M.A. University of Missouri-Columbia

Occupation:

State Representative District 160/Small business owner

Employer:

State of Missouri

Businesses owned, all or part:

MEM Crestview LLC

Hutter Oil (interactive corporation)

Public offices held or sought; give dates:

Sikeston School Board, 1986-1998

State Representative District 160, 2007-present

Website: www.ellenbrandom.com

Should the Missouri Legislature take steps to reform the tax credit system?

Some credits need to be reformed and others eliminated. I will look at each program and ask two questions. Are the credits being used efficiently? And are the credits accomplishing their stated goals. If the programs are working we should keep them. If not, fix it or get rid of them.

Implementation of a statewide voter ID system has been a controversial issue split along party lines. Do you support efforts to create a statewide voter ID system?

Voter ID is just plain common sense. We should always protect the integrity of our elections, the foundation of our democracy. Voter ID ensures that every vote counts and legitimate voters have a strong voice. According to one study, there are over a million dead people still on our voter rolls. This is unacceptable and must be fixed. We should always protect the values that have made America such a great place to live.

In tough budget times, how should the state approach higher education funding?

During tough budgetary times, it is important to cut the waste, fraud and abuse out of government so vital programs like education can be funded to the great extent possible. It's also important for the funding to be equitable across the state. I'll work to ensure that our colleges and universities get the funding they need to provide a quality education to our children and grandchildren while keeping college affordable and accessible to students.

Closing remarks:

The core issue in this election is the economy, and I understand the problem our businesses are facing. I owned a small business for 32 years, and I have been personally affected by the heavy-hand of government. I have balanced a budget and met a payroll. I will work to get government out of the way so our businesses can grow and prosper. I ask for your vote on Aug. 7.