POLITICS: SCHWAB SEEKS FINAL TERM

JACKSON, Mo. -- State Rep. David Schwab, R-Jackson, has never been opposed in six runs for re-election to the 157th District seat in the Missouri House of Representatives.

The key has been making himself available to voters, Schwab says.

"After I was elected I still held picnics in the community to hear their thoughts," he said, attributing his staying close to "the people he represents" as why he hasn't faced opposition for his House seat.

Unopposed again this November, Schwab has to think back to his first run for the seat 12 years ago to remember a real contest. He entered the Republican primary when longtime state Rep. Marvin Proffer dropped out in May. Schwab defeated Kevin Phillips in August and then Democrat Jack Litzelfelner in the general election.

This will be Schwab's last term in the House because of the state's term limits law.

Providing people with tax relief ought to be the Legislature's prime objective in the upcoming session, Schwab said, explaining that the state budget didn't reach $8 billion until eight years ago, but since then has more than doubled to $17 billion.

Along those lines, he says part of the money from the tobacco settlement should be returned to taxpayers if the theory behind the settlement is that taxpayers paid for the health services made necessary by tobacco use.

He wants to see the state Highway Commission live up to commitments made in its 15-year plan, which the commission scrubbed because the price tag was going to be too big.

He wants to see credibility restored to the Highway Commission by reinstating some of the projects in the original plan and not just those in the cities. "That was promised to the people," he said.

Among those improvement projects are Highway 72 from Jackson to Fredericktown, Mo., and Highway 34 to Van Buren, Mo.

As a member of the minority party, Schwab says, he hasn't had opportunities to write much legislation.

"My approach has been less government and trying to cut taxes ... basically trying to cut regulations and limiting the size of government."

Schwab has enjoyed being a legislator, except for the final two weeks of each session.

"The last two weeks of the session are when all the games are played," he says. "That's when all the wheeling and dealing occurs. Even the sponsors are not sure what they've gotten in the bill."

He likes the role as a buffer between his constituents and the bureaucracy.

"I feel myself as more a representative of the people than a legislator," Schwab said. "I get a lot of calls from constituents who are frustrated. My reward comes when I am able to help them."

David Schwab

Age: 57

Hometown: Jackson, Mo.

Family: Wife Phyllis, children Kevin, Melissa and Chris

Profession: State representative, farmer.

State representative duties and salary: Represents people of the 157th District of Southeast Missouri in the Missouri House of Representatives; $30,534

Club affiliations: Past president of the congregation and chairman of the board of elders for St. Paul Lutheran Church, Missouri Farm Bureau.

Political history: Chairman of 8th District political action committee, Farmers for Emerson, Farmers for Christopher "Kit" Bond, Farmers for John Ashcroft, state representative for the 157th District in the House of Representatives the past 12 years.

Endorsements: Missouri Chamber of Commerce, Independent Business Federation, Missouri Right to Life, Missouri State Teachers Association, National Rifle Association.

CANDIDATE Q&A

What is the single most important issue facing the state?

David Schwab: "Roads. It's a very important issue, but it's hard to deal with through the Legislature. We've got to get some credibility back into the highway commission."

How should Missouri spend its share of the tobacco settlement?

Schwab: "A large portion should go back to the taxpayers if it is under the theory that they are paying for health services. The other part should go for health services and educational programs for children not to smoke."

What do you hope the Legislature will be able to accomplish in the next session?

Schwab: "In the last eight years we have doubled the budget just because of tax growth and other growth in state government. We need to give tax relief to people."