Candidate questionnaire: Wayne Wallingford

Candidate Name: Wayne Wallingford

Party: Republican

Age: 63

Place of birth: Geneva, Ill.

Spouse: Suzy Wallingford

Children: London, Brandon

Occupation: Chief People Officer

Education: Master of Arts, Management and Supervision with a specialization in Health Care Administration, Central Michigan University; Attended Texas Christian University on a Masters level with an emphasis on Communication Theory; Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, University of Nebraska, Omaha; Academic Instructor School, Air University; Air War College; Wing Instructional Systems Manager Course, Air University; Air Command and Staff College; Squadron Officer School, Air University; Undergraduate Navigator Training, Air Training Command

Employer: McDonald's

Businesses owned, all or part: None

Previous offices held/sought: State Representative, District 158, 2008

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

Answer: Government programs are not immune to excess. Bureaucracies often sprinkle money on non-essential projects that seemed like good ideas at the time. In the depths of a recession we must rigorously prioritize. A fat-cutting mission calls for close scrutiny of every program. If programs are not paying richly for themselves in added value, it may be time to say goodbye. The challenge for a leader is having the wisdom to know where to trim.

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: Missourians do not need their tax burden increased. Missourians already pay federal and state gas taxes, registration fees, and license plate fees. We must not add to the serious economic meltdown. Instead, we need to make sure that we manage our infrastructure resources effectively by focusing these limited resources responsibly and prioritize spending based on our transportation needs. It is a mistake to automatically consider taxes as the first option to solving transportation needs.

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

Answer: Missouri's current tax credit system is out of control and, because of our State's budgetary crisis, needs to be reformed. This should include a cost-benefit analysis to target the area where a tax credit is the most effective. Economic incentives need to provide the most jobs with the least impact on State revenue. Finally, cost limits need to be in place to make sure we remain within our budget.

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

Answer: The people consistently tell me they see the economy and jobs as the most important issue. In these recessionary times every individual and household is impacted by the economy. That's why I will promote policies of job creation and fight against those policies that will hurt the local workforce and small business owners. Our economy will only be helped by increasing employment. Less regulation and lower taxes will be the catalysts to make this happen.

Closing remarks: When Suzy, our two children and I moved here over 25 years ago, we all knew Cape Girardeau would be our home. Today, it's also the home of four of our grandchildren. I am proud to have served Cape Girardeau through my church, community and civic organizations. Now I'm ready to put my 42 years of proven leadership, day to day business experience and community service to work for you as your next State Representative.