Cape Girardeau Ward 4: Robbie Guard

Date of Birth: 12/20/1977

Place of Birth: Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Spouse, children's names:

Wife: Carrie Guard, Daughters: Morgan Hessenkemper and Claire Guard

Occupation: Commercial Loan Officer

Employer: MRV Banks

Business owned, all or part:

None

Previous offices held or sought:

None

Do you currently hold the office for which you are running? No

What in your background or education makes you qualified for this office?

My 10 year career in banking and leadership roles in civic and professional organizations have equipped me with the knowledge and mentality to work within the council to make a positive impact for Cape Girardeau. I have a deep understanding of complex financial situations and how to work within the diverse socio-demographic climate in Cape. Most importantly, I have been a lifelong citizen of Cape and have personally witnessed what has worked and has not

What do you believe is the greatest challenge facing your city government?

With National and State trends being to make government bigger and passing unrealistic budgets, I believe that we must work even at the local level to keep our local government at a manageable size as well as to pass budgets that represent our needs. We must reduce the turnover in the Police and Fire Departments and work to get them the best resources possible so that they can do their jobs safely and effectively.

If elected, do you have any plans for improving the city government?

Cape Girardeau is an incredible community for business and I want to make it easier and more attractive for that to continue. More times than not, government moves slower than business needs. I hope to add more to the conversation for minimalizing bureaucratic red tape that hinders business, setting clear expectations, and being more proactive to improve relationships critical for continued growth. We must also increase the number of Policeman patrolling our streets.

Do you favor or oppose the use tax and vehicle sales tax measures on the ballot?

I am in favor. It allows us to be able to keep the three grant funded Police Officers as well as to hire up to an additional seven patrolmen. Funds will also add a training officer to help firefighters with rescue/medical tactics and to add mental health professional services in the Police Dept. The vehicle sales tax generates an estimated $200,000 for the city budget and potentially effects less than 1% of the population.