Candidate questionnaire: Ron McCormick

Candidate Name: Ron McCormick

Party: Republican

Age: 52

Place of birth: St. Louis

Spouse: Mindy McCormick

Children: Adam McCormick, son; Brandon McCormick, son; Hannah McCormick, daughter; Bailey McCormick, daughter

Occupation: Business owner

Education: BSW, Southeast Missouri State University

Employer: Self

Businesses owned, all or part: Heartland Supported Living, M&M Development and Land Management.

Previous offices held/sought: Scott County Commissioner, District 2

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

Answer: At this point it would be difficult for me to say without reviewing the budget.

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 am not in favor of asking my constituents to pay any additional taxes for roads or anything else for that matter.

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

Answer: Tax credits have been a good tool in creating jobs in most classes. Although creating a measurement tool to measure each credit's effectiveness would be helpful.

Question 4: What is the most important state issue for constituents in the 161st District?

Answer: Job creation and economic growth.

Closing remarks: Small business is the backbone of this country. We need to incentivize small business with tax cuts and other economic incentives.