Profile: Donnie Kiefer, 2nd District Scott County Commissioner (D)

Date of birth: March 15, 1959

Place of birth: Cape Girardeau

Spouse: Mary Ann

Children: Morgan Kiefer Swinford (Spouse Blaine), 25; Mallory Kiefer, 22; Madelyn Kiefer, 17

Occupation: Auto mechanic

Employer: Self

Businesses owned, all or in part: Kiefer's Service (Sole Proprietor)

Public offices held: (Present) President, Chaffee R-11 Board of Education-Member, Chaffee Police Personnel Board (past) president, Chaffee Park Board

Past political campaigns: 2002 candidate for Missouri House of Representatives 160th District

1. Would you support resurrecting the idea of the half-cent sales tax for law enforcement?

Answer: Yes, if it is determined that the tax is needed and with the stipulation that the disbursements benefit the entire county.

2. How do you propose the county deal with the ever-declining revenue to fund 911 operations?

Answer: I would propose that the county work to obtain an agreement with cell phone providers to receive a surcharge on cell phone usage similar to the current surcharge received for land-line usage.

3. Like other rural Southeast Missouri counties, Scott County is in need of more quality jobs to retain its work force and improve quality of life. How would you attract industry to the county?

Answer: First I would educate myself on the current challenges facing the county in respect to attracting new industry and retaining its work force. Then I would work closely with a team of people to outline a course of action for drawing business to our county. Scott County already has good, hardworking people who, with the right resources, can move the county forward.

4. What makes you the best candidate for the job?

Answer: As a lifelong resident of Scott County and small business owner for 30 years, I can bring a business background along with leadership capability and dedication to serving the people of Scott County. Having served on many civic and elected boards, I am experienced in working with people and open to new ideas. I will use a commonsense approach to deal with issues.