Missouri Senate 27th district candidate: Donald Ray Owens

Name Donald Ray Owens

Age 65

Place of birth Fredericktown MO

Spouse's, children's names

None

Education

Graduated: Fredericktown HS, 1969; Defense Language Institute, 1970; Foreign Services Institute, 1971; Attended: Southeast Missouri State University, 1976/77 - 1981/82; Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, 1986.

Occupation Semi retired truck driver/bus driver

Employer Fredericktown R-1 School District

Businesses owned, all or part

Buckhorn Realty LLC, owner/broker

Public offices held or sought; give dates

Sought: State Senate 2004; Madison County Presiding Commissioner, 2014; Madison County Clerk,

Email donrowens51@yahoo.com

Phone (573) 783-1431

Do you support Amendment 2?

Yes. An individual without connection doesn't stand a chance against an opponent who is funded by outside groups with unlimited financial resources. I have not asked for nor have I received ANY contributions for my campaign which explains why you have not seen any signs/ads or received any mailings from me.

Do you support Amendment 3?

No. I cannot support another tax on the working poor, the ones this proposal would affect the most. Our current Senate and House leaders do not have the guts to pass a tax themselves so they pass it off to the citizens to raise taxes on themselves.

What steps should be taken to improve funding for Missouri's roads and bridges?

Cut waste, institute a reasonable increase (5-6 cents) in the fuel tax, then use that money for roads and bridges, not walking/biking trails that are used by a small select group. Hold construction companies accountable for poor construction or substandard materials used to pave our highways.

Besides roads and bridges, what is the biggest challenge for the state of Missouri that the legislature needs to address?

Creating good paying jobs. Increasing the minimum wage to a livable wage.