Candidate questionnaire: Dave Spence

NAME: Dave Spence

AGE: 54

PLACE OF BIRTH: Saint Louis, Missouri

SPOUSE, CHILDREN'S NAMES:

Suzie Spence - Spouse

Logan, Tierney, Paige, Keeley

EDUCATION:

B.S. University of Missouri-Columbia

OCCUPATION: Small Businessman

EMPLOYER: Self

BUSINESSES OWNED, ALL OR PART: Alpha Packaging, Legacy

PUBLIC OFFICES HELD OR SOUGHT; GIVE DATES:

None

WEBSITE: www.spenceforgovernor.com

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

My approach to attract more jobs and economic development is simple and based on my 27 years of experience creating jobs in the private sector. As governor, my top priority would be to create a business and regulatory environment where job creators can thrive. We need to get government off the backs of Missouri businesses and out of the way.

DOES THE STATE NEED MORE REFORM OF ITS TAX CREDIT SYSTEM?

Yes, Missouri's tax credit system has spiraled out of control and needs to be comprehensively reformed. I support a moratorium on all tax credits in our state until such time as we determine which credits, if any, are providing a positive return on investment for Missouri taxpayers. Government should not pick winners and losers, and currently that is how our tax credit system is performing.

SHOULD THE LEGISLATURE TAKE INITIATIVE TO ESTABLISH A USE TAX FOR VEHICLE PURCHASES, OR SHOULD THE DECISION BE LEFT TO COUNTIES?

I supported HB 1329 because it keeps in place the policy the state of Missouri has had for sixty years. We should not punish Missouri businesses and job creators by making it more attractive for Missourians to shop out of state is not a good tax policy.

MOVING FORWARD, HOW DO WE BEST BALANCE THE STATE BUDGET IN COMING YEARS?

By creating more jobs. I believe our budget problems are a direct result of the unacceptably high unemployment of the Nixon administration. As governor I would get the economy growing and create an environment where job creators can thrive. We need more people working and paying taxes, not increased taxes.

CLOSING REMARKS:

In 27 years as a small business owner and CEO, I've learned how to lead, manage and get things done. Under Jay Nixon, Missouri is falling behind. He has spent his career suing businesses and driving job creators out of our state. Government can't and shouldn't be expected to solve every problem. Government needs to get off the backs of job creators. That will lead to economic growth, more jobs, and more prosperity for Missourians.