Candidate questionnaire: Steve Hodges

NAME: Steve Hodges

AGE: 63

PLACE OF BIRTH: Cape Girardeau, MO

SPOUSE'S, CHILDREN'S NAMES:

Spouse, Amy

Children: James, Andrew, Adam

EDUCATION:

Graduate of East Prairie High School

B.S. Business Administration, Southeast Missouri State University, 1971; Master of Business Administration, University of Missouri, Columbia, 1972

OCCUPATION: full-time state representative

EMPLOYER: State of Missouri

BUSINESSES OWNED, ALL OR PART:

Former owner/manager Tru Valu Foods, East Prairie, MO

PUBLIC OFFICES HELD OR SOUGHT; GIVE DATES:

State Representative for 161 district, 2007-2012; presently, candidate for 149th district

East Prairie School Board 1981-1994

HOW CAN WE BEST ADDRESS POVERTY IN YOUR DISTRICT?

The 149th district will be composed of three of the poorest counties in Missouri. An agriculture-based economy, improvements in ag-technology has reduced the number of related jobs. I feel that our best source of possible employment lies in job training for needs of the area. Computer skills (all areas), medical careers, practical skills (mechanics, plumbing, electricians, etc.) have jobs that need be filled by trained individuals. Of course, new business placements would solve immediate problems.

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

I feel in our recessed economy that raising taxes is not an option. People in the 149th district (and the state) are struggling to put food on the table. Fuel and energy prices, medical costs, and other increased costs of living are changing people's lives. There is always a need for increased efficiency in program operations. Until the economy begins producing additional state revenues, we must explore alternative sources of revenue.

THE MOST SIGNIFICANT EVENT IN YOUR DISTRICT IN RECENT MEMORY MIGHT BE THE 2011 MISSISSIPPI RIVER FLOOD. HOW CAN A STATE REPRESENTATIVE HELP THE AREA AS IT RECOVERS FROM THE DAMAGE DONE?

My home county, Mississippi, was hardest hit by the flooding of the Birds Point/New Madrid spillway in 2011. Farmers in that area have done an amazing job getting in a fall crop for 2011 and in the 2012 operation. Nonetheless, the effects of that devastation will be seen for years. Other flooding in Southeast Missouri is being responded to. Rice acreage is on the rebound for 2012, as are other crops.

CLOSING REMARKS:

I have lived, gone to school, worked, and raised my family in this area. I know the people and what their problems and concerns are. For six years in the House of Representatives, I have studied, listened, and responded as the spokesman for my people. I have worked very hard to attend functions, tour facilities, and speak with my constituents. I respond to people in and out of my district. Please vote for Steve Hodges.