Candidate questionnaire: Jim Higgins

NAME: Jim Higgins

AGE: 63

PLACE OF BIRTH: Cleveland, OH

SPOUSE, CHILDREN'S NAMES:

Spouse: LaDonna

Children: Maureen, Sonya

EDUCATION:

BS Civil Engineering from Ohio University

OCCUPATION: Computer Systems Analysts

EMPLOYER: Olin Corporation

BUSINESSES OWNED, ALL OR PART: none

PUBLIC OFFICES HELD OR SOUGHT; GIVE DATES:

Ran for congress several times in the 90's as a Libertarian

WEBSITE: LPMO4GOV.com

WHAT CAN THE GOVERNOR DO TO ATTRACT MORE JOBS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TO MISSOURI?

The only way to promote growth and development is to get the government out of the way. The free market does a wonderful job at allocating resources in an efficient manner. Government actions can only interfere and disrupt the working of the free market. Government should not regulate business nor should it provide subsidies and tax incentives for specific companies and industries. Also reduce taxes; taxes drain much needed capital from the private market.

DOES THE STATE NEED MORE REFORM OF ITS TAX CREDIT SYSTEM?

Yes, tax credits for specific companies or projects have been abused. Taxes should be reduced across the board but not just for a privileged few. Poorly designed tax credits have caused problems. There is very little evidence that tax credits actually benefit the overall economy. They might help specific companies but drain much need capitol form other areas. How tax credits are applied ire based on political considerations which have a poor track record.

SHOULD THE LEGISLATURE TAKE INITIATIVE TO ESTABLISH A USE TAX FOR VEHICLE PURCHASES, OR SHOULD THE DECISION BE LEFT TO COUNTIES?

The decision should be left to the counties, and it would need to be put up for a vote by the people in that county. According the Hancock II amendment all new taxes for a district needs to be voted on by the people of that district. The state legislature would violate Hancock II if it took the initiative and imposed a use tax for vehicle purchases on its own.

MOVING FORWARD, HOW DO WE BEST BALANCE THE STATE BUDGET IN COMING YEARS?

Reduce the number of state employees. Institute a hiring freeze, and where possible provide services with private contractors with an open bidding process. Also provide incentives managers of state departments to not spend their full budget. If there is money left over a percentage of can serve a bonus to department managers. Under no circumstances should taxes be raised the bureaucrats just waste the money then ask for more.

CLOSING REMARKS:

The political debate is not between Liberals and Conservatives. Each want more government but for different reasons. The real debate is between those that want government control and those that want freedom for the individual. Libertarians want less government across the board. Government should not try to control personal behavior. Libertarians want less taxes and regulation. We believe there is too much collusion between government, lobbyists and business.