Profile: Clint Tracy

Name: Clinton Tracy

Place of Birth: Cape Girardeau

Spouse's name: Carrie

Children's names, ages: None

Occupation: General manager

Employer: Timberline International Forest Products Inc.

Businesses owned, all or in part: Timberline International Forest Products Inc. (family owned)

Public offices held (elective or appointive): None

Past political campaigns including year and office sought: Candidate for nomination, 158th District special election.

Question 1: Do you support a tax increase for transportation programs? If so, what taxes would be most fair — an increase in the per-gallon fuel tax, a sales tax on fuel, a general sales tax increase or an income tax increase? If not, does the state need to spend more on transportation and where would the money come from?

Answer: I do not support a tax increase of any kind. I have already signed the Americans for Tax Reform pledge committing to oppose any tax increases while I'm in office. The State of Missouri must live within its means, and with a $22 billion dollar budget we have more than enough money. We need to cut waste and ensure all Missourians are getting our fair share and that our priorities for spending that money are in line with our values. With leaders like Senator Kit Bond and Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson working hard for us at the federal level we should be able to take care of our infrastructure without a tax increase.

Question 2: Over the past few years, the state has greatly expanded the availability of tax credits for economic development projects. A recent audit questioned the effectiveness of the program to subsidize low-income housing with tax credits. Do you believe tax credits are effective economic development tools? Do you support continued expansion of the tax-credit based development programs? Explain.

Answer: I believe that too many tax credit programs are ineffective and not helpful. I cannot say that I will never support tax credits as an economic stimulus, but at this point I do not see results that are good enough.

Question 3: Should the limits on donations to political campaigns be eliminated? Should any restrictions be placed on the ability of local political party committees to donate funds or on the ability of an individual to fund multiple political action committees to get around donation limits?

Answer: I believe that the No. 1 priority for contributions to campaigns is transparency. Voters should know — right away — who gives money to me or any other candidate. I have no problem with campaign limits being lifted as long as transparency is complete and immediate.

Question 4: What makes you the best candidate for the position?

Answer: As a Cape native, I have the best interests of the 158th District at heart. I was introduced to Missouri politics in high school. The Cape Lion's Club sponsored me to attend Boy's State. At that time, I knew that serving my community in Jefferson City was something that I wanted to do at some point in my life. I decided to run while I was in Iraq serving in the military because I want to make a difference for all of us and our families. I am committed to working hard for the people of this district while I am in Jefferson City. I have a passion to serve and the leadership experience to know how to work with others for the common good. I will listen to my constituents and stand up for what is right. I have served and continue to serve my country and now I'm ready to serve my community.