Candidate questionnaire: Gerald Adams

Candidate Name: Gerald Adams

Party: Republican

Age: 58

Place of birth: Cape Girardeau

Spouse: Nancy Adams

Children: Nathan Adams, Joshua Adams, Jacob Adams

Occupation: Printer

Education: Graduate Jackson High School B.S. in Agriculture University of Missouri at Columbia

Employer: Nordenia, Inc.

Businesses owned, all or part: None

Previous offices held/sought: Member, Jackson R-II School board of directors, M.O.S.I.P.

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

Answer: It's very hard to make cuts on the most important needs of our children and the people that need our help the most. The reality is that education social services are the two largest items in the budget. Summer school could be the next cut for 2011. Tax credits will have to be cut to keep more money in the general revenue fund.

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: I would consider asking the voters if they would increase the fuel tax to keep up with road improvements and keep our roads safe.

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

Answer: I feel that tax credits need to be curtailed until the economy improves and only issue the ones that are working.

Question 4: What is the most important state issue for constituents in the 157th District?

Answer: Jobs are the most important issue for our state. There are manufacturing jobs that are not being filled because employers are afraid to hire full-time workers. I feel the stimulus money could have been spent more wisely to cover hiring cost. this will put more money back into our general revenue through increased sales tax and state income tax if people are working.

Closing remarks: I possess the experience and knowledge in many fields that will help me make the tough choices in Jefferson City. I have extensive knowledge in education funding and know the cuts in the budget that will do the least harm to our children's education. I have been a successful farmer and businessman. Above all else I have the high ethical and moral standards to represent all the people in the 157th district.