Profile: Jeff Glenn

Name: Jeff Glenn

Date of Birth: Dec. 25, 1969

Place of Birth: Sikeston, Mo.

Spouse's name: Tracey

Children's names, ages: Zac, 9, and Josh, 6

Occupation: Sales Executive

Employer: Delta Companies, Inc.

Businesses owned, all or in part: None

Public offices held (elective or appointive): Chairman of the Cape Girardeau Park Board

Past political campaigns including year and office sought: None

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 believe the state faces serious transportation infrastructures issues as the construction budget for MoDOT shrinks from $1.2 billion to $560 million in 2009-2010. At the same time the federal highway trust fund faces insolvency. Our roads, bridges, ports, railways and airports must be maintained so that we can create and sustain good jobs. The state may be forced to find new sources of revenue. All of the taxes listed above could be considered and, in fact, some combination could provide the needed funds. Any new tax should be placed before the voters of the state. Ultimately, it should be up to the voters of the state, and not members of the General Assembly, to determine how to address the funding shortfall. I will support most efforts that result in increased economic development and more jobs for our state.

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 tax credits can be effective economic development tools. I do believe credits should be examined periodically to ensure the state is getting a good return on its investment. A good return can come in the form of increased revenue for the state or more jobs for our citizens. If a particular tax credit is deemed not to provide a good return on investment, it should be repealed. I believe there are some tax credit programs in the state that increase economic activity and create jobs. I support expansion of these types of tax credits.

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: Political campaigns have become ridiculously expensive in our state even with campaign contribution limits. The complicated maze of PACs and local political party committees make it too easy to funnel money to candidates. Legislation to lift the limits has created more transparency in the political process. I believe people should know who is gaining influence through large campaign contributions. I support that transparency.

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

Answer: Experience matters. Relevant experience matters most. I spent four years as U.S. Senator Jim Talent's District Director for Southeast Missouri. That's four years working every single day in a legislative office providing constituent services for a 22-county region with roughly 500,000 constituents. I spent another year working directly in the Missouri General Assembly. I spent every day working on legislation, pushing good bills, stopping bad bills, developing the relationships necessary to be an effective representative. No representative moves legislation alone. I have the relationships with other legislators that will allow me to effectively move legislation important to the people of the 158th district. My five years of legislative experience is five more than either of my opponents. That experience means I will be able to hit the ground running, working on issues important to the people of the 158th district rather than spending time learning how to do the job. Experience matters. Relevant experience matters most.