Candidate questionnaire: Debra Tracy

Candidate Name: Debra Tracy

Party: Republican

Age: 56

Place of birth: Osage, Iowa

Spouse: Brian

Children: Clinton, Lauren

Occupation: Wife, mother, grandmother, substitute teacher manager and federal programs administrative assistant, elder/laypastor, volunteer leader and business owner

Education: Graduated with honors from high school in Creston, Iowa

Attended Southwestern Community College, Creston, Iowa

Attended University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa

Attended Missouri Western State University, St. Joseph, Missouri

Attended Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Completed a three year lay pastor training with the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy in conjunction with classes through Dubuque Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa

Employer: Cape Girardeau Public Schools, District 63

Businesses owned, all or part: Timberline International Forest Products, Inc. and Timber Transport, Inc.

Previous offices held/sought: Cape Girardeau City Council, Ward 3, 2005-present.

Question 1: Missouri has seen two straight years with steep declines in revenue. What programs should be cut or eliminated to reduce spending?

Answer: Deep cuts have to be made across the board leaving no "sacred cows". Each department and program will have to be evaluated on its own merits and the budget process should run a rigid course. Accountability, sustainability and effectiveness should determine program maintenance. Adoption of and adapting to "less is more" must be a prevailing attitude for everyone including an attitude of opting out and cutting back by those providing and seeking services.

Question 2: Federal highway funds are projected to be cut dramatically. Would you consider asking voters for a tax increase to fund highway construction? Why or why not?

Answer: No. I am signing the no tax increase pledge. We have to prioritize our transportation projects and spend accordingly. People prioritize income, so must government at all levels in improved measure! I believe transportation must be restored as top priority in the over-all process federal and state. The uncertain climate must drive our priorities, clarify and purify our responsibilities and motives without increasing the tax burden. I believe transportation should be a top federal priority.

Question 3: Should the use of tax credits for economic development be expanded, curtailed or eliminated? Why?

Answer: Tax credits can be a useful economic development tool. On the other hand, they are out of control in my opinion. Tax credits need to be changed from an entitlement to an appropriated expenditure. We need to account for the dollars of tax credits that we won't be spending on other programs. Bring tax credits into the appropriations process so we can account for them honestly and prudently.

Question 4: What is the most important state issue for constituents in the 158th District?

Answer: Financial accountability. The State must ensure taxpayer monies are wisely spent. We also must ensure that we are doing all we can to make Missouri an attractive and competitive place to bring businesses. Good job training, creation and expansion must be priorities in fiscal decision making for the 158th. Cape Girardeau and Missouri are good places to live and work. I hope to be a part of getting that word out through Jefferson City.

Closing remarks: I want to represent Cape Girardeau where I have lived, worked, raised my family, served as a volunteer leader, owned a business, and been rooted for the past 31 years. I want to be a part of the legislative process that keeps the best interests of the 158th as my #1 priority. It would be an honor and privilege to work for you in Jefferson City. May blessings abound in our city and state!