Candidate questionnaire: Chris Hutson

Candidate Name: Chris Hutson

Party: Republican

Age: 35

Place of birth: Cape Girardeau

Spouse: Lindsey Hutson

Children: Jack Hutson & Kate Hutson

Occupation: Financial adviser

Education: Jackson High School Class of 1992; Southeast Missouri State University, 1996, BSBA in Finance; William Woods University, Master of Business Administration Candidate, December 2010

Employer: Edward Jones

Businesses owned, all or part: None

Previous offices held/sought: None

Question 1: Do you support the county changing to a charter form of government? Why or why not?

Answer: I would consider leading the move toward a charter form of government, if we can fully see that it creates more efficiency for the county. The process I would most support, would be the use of a petition to put the consideration on a ballot. This process would allow us to know that there is strong support for the issue throughout Cape Girardeau County.

Question 2: What are the major challenges facing Cape Girardeau County?

Answer: 1. Jobs and Industrial Recruiting. We have to be working with the Cape Area Magnet and the chambers of commerce to provide jobs and opportunities for us and future generations.

2. We have to make sure that the maintenance and paving of county roads remains on schedule and under budget.

3. We need to maintain our fight for the federal courthouse.

4. We need to improve the selection process to county appointed boards.

Question 3: Cape Girardeau County has escaped the worst impacts of the recession, With revenue about stable. How would you help make sure the county budget is fiscally stable in 2011?

Answer: With my 14 years of financial management experience, I would work closely with the auditor, treasurer and the head of each department to help develop a budget that is consistent and balanced. Sometimes hard decisions need to be made, like pay freezes and budget cuts. I am not afraid to make those decisions for the betterment of our county. This county will be ran in a fiscally conservative manner.

Question 4: What changes would you make in the way commission meetings are conducted or the way the county operates?

Answer: 1. Everyone in attendance, whether you are a commissioner or a visitor, will be treated with the utmost respect and professionalism.

2. I'm willing to add evening meetings to allow more citizens to attend.

3. I would like to see a quarterly town hall meeting held in various places throughout the county.

4. If there were funds in the budget for the equipment, I would like to see meetings webcasted.

Closing remarks: Having been born and raised in Cape Girardeau County, I am committed to seeing Cape County build for the future. With new vision, new leadership and a new voice, I believe there will be prosperity for Cape County families. Our families deserve the best and I am not only running for my family, but yours. Holding true to what Cape County values and pressing forward for a brighter tomorrow. I'd appreciate your vote August 3rd!