Candidate questionnaire: Susan Montee

NAME: Susan Montee

AGE: 52

PLACE OF BIRTH: St. Joseph, MO

SPOUSE, CHILDREN'S NAMES:

Children:

Amanda Montee

Andy Montee

Austin Montee

EDUCATION:

Graduated from Bishop LeBlond High School

Undergraduate degree in Accounting from Drury College

Earned CPA license from Drury (1985)

Earned Law Degree from UMKC (2000)

OCCUPATION: Attorney at Law/CPA

EMPLOYER: Montee Law Firm

BUSINESSES OWNED, ALL OR PART: Montee Law Firm

PUBLIC OFFICES HELD OR SOUGHT; GIVE DATES:

Elected St. Joseph City Council, 1998

Elected Buchanan County Auditor, 2000

Elected Missouri State Auditor, 2006; Sought, 2010

WEBSITE: http://www.susanmontee.com

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

First we must ensure that the tools used for economic development are as efficient and effective as possible. The Lieutenant Governor sits on boards primarily responsible for awarding tax credits for development. I would work to preserve credits that spur growth and jobs while weeding out non-producing programs instead of using arbitrary caps as control measures. As a member of the Missouri Tourism Commission, I would take an active role in promoting our resources.

THE CURRENT LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR HAS MADE CLEAR HIS PERSONAL OPPOSITION TO HEALTH CARE REFORM. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE LAW?

All Americans should have access to affordable, quality health care. Now that the question of constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act has been settled, we need to make sure that we move forward to cover our citizens who are uninsured. Among the benefits are expanded coverage for children up to age 26, protection for people with pre-existing conditions and a closing of the Medicare Part D donut hole.

HOW CAN THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR BEST SERVE THE STATE OF MISSOURI?

The Lieutenant Governor acts as the state advocate for both our senior citizens and our military veterans. The office ensures that our vulnerable citizens are protected, by making sure that our elderly are properly looked after and protected by law and by seeing to it that our military returning from active duty receive all the benefits they deserve. The Lieutenant Governor should also work with the Governor to advance all policies of our state.

CLOSING REMARKS:

The primary responsibility of the Lieutenant Governor is to be Governor should the need arise. Therefore, we should evaluate our candidates with the same seriousness brought to the top ticket. My experience as State Auditor gave me a perspective on the operations of state government that legislative experience cannot match. I understand the challenges facing our state, especially in these difficult economic times. I am the only candidate prepared to lead from day one.