Candidate questionnaire: Clint Tracy

Candidate Name: Clint Tracy

Party: Republican

Age: 36

Place of birth: Greenville, Ill.

Spouse: Carrie Tracy

Children: Theodore "Teddy"

Occupation: State Representative/ Naval Reserve Officer

Education: 1992 Cape Central High Graduate; 1996 BS History- United States Naval Academy; 2009 Strategy and War- Naval War College; 2009 Joint Military Operations- Naval War College

Employer: State of Missouri

Businesses owned, all or part: Bloom

Previous offices held/sought: State Representative, 158th District, 2009-present.

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

Answer: I am in favor of having more informational meetings like those sponsored by the LWV, to educate people about the charter form of government and what criteria must be met before a charter can be established. I think we need to have an open and honest discussion about the process and move forward from there. As I've talked to people around the county, the charter form of government doesn't seem to be a priority.

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

Answer: 1. Flat or declining revenue. We must control our spending and work on bringing new jobs to the county.

2. Public perception of the commission. We have an excellent bunch of folks working for the county and the focus needs to shift from the commission to the outstanding job that the county employees do. I will put the best interest of the county first and would ask all who are like minded to join me.

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: The government must operate its budget just like you do at home. There are two sides to the equation, revenue and spending. In order to make a sound fiscal budget, you have to control/reduce spending and expand the tax base; not by raising taxes, but by diligently recruiting more businesses to Cape County to generate more revenue.

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

Answer: In the Missouri House, we stream live debate over the Internet. I think that is an inexpensive way to make government more transparent and accessible.

Closing remarks: I believe that my military background, leading sailors and managing multi-million dollar budgets, and my State Representative experience, make me the candidate with the most unique set of skills to serve as Presiding Commissioner. My No. 1 priority is showcasing Cape Girardeau County to potential businesses and showing them that we have excellent towns, schools, and churches that are perfect for living, working, and raising a family. I humbly ask for your vote on Aug. 3rd.