Candidate questionnaire: Randy Morse

NAME: Randy Morse

AGE: 53

PLACE OF BIRTH: Peoria, Ill.

SPOUSE, CHILDREN'S NAMES:

Brenda Morse, married 35 years

Angie Huckstep, (daughter) her husband and 3 children live in Scott City, she is completing an elementary education degree.

Nathan Morse (son) married, youth pastor in Arkadelphia, Ark.

OCCUPATION: Pastor

EMPLOYER:

Scott City First Assembly of God

PREVIOUS OFFICES HELD OR SOUGHT:

Pastor in Scott City 17 years, Chaplain Scott City Police, Chaplain Ministry on the River, Presbyter overseeing 25 churches in Southeast Missouri, Vice president of the Teen Challenge board of directors, past president of the Scott City Chamber of Commerce, president of the Ministerial Alliance, Director of Benevolences for Scott City, committee for MAPS Missouri Department of Education, Southeast Region Instructor of the Year for the Department of Conservation.

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE FACING SCOTT CITY?:

Jobs, Infrastructure, business and community atmosphere.

When there are jobs in our area, when businesses are healthy, when community atmosphere is strong and positive, then there will be more funding for future infrastructure and community betterment projects. But we must also focus on improving or maintaining what we already have. This will create a more pleasing environment and economy for our citizens and attract more jobs and people to move to Scott City.

WHAT IN YOUR BACKGROUND OR EDUCATION MAKES YOU QUALIFIED FOR THIS OFFICE?:

I have lived and pastored a church in Scott City for 17 years, I see myself as a friend and a pastor to the entire community. It was through Larry Dunger we received funding from United Way for the Scott City Food Pantry and Benevolences. Funds also came in from churches, grants, our school and our local civic organizations. I have been close to the people's needs and I have worked with businesses, the school, the churches, the city and for community betterment. I met with a dear friend from Austin, Texas, Peter Strople (who invented the design that birthed laptop computers). He and his team helps communities by bringing in companies and working to enhance and market existing ones as well as the region itself. He has agreed to work with our area agencies for economic development in our region. Our Scott City sign says, "The Best is Yet to Come," I believe it is here as well as yet to come. I know and love the people of Scott City, and I wish to see a community united in every area, our city government, businesses, schools, local organizations and churches all working together to make an even better community now and for the future of all its people. Nothing can be done without the help of the people and God. I offer no promises but, with God's help to continue to do my best and I believe that He will open up doors of opportunity for us.