.png)
PLATFORM
POSITIVE POLITICS
I believe in positive politics. As a resident of O’Fallon, Missouri, for about 20 years, I have seen the divide between Republicans and Democrats in our state. My goal is to bridge this gap by finding common ground. We are challenged to do this in many areas of life, even within our own families. We sometimes disagree with our spouses, for example, but we find common ground so we can raise our children together despite our differences. We must do the same as Republicans and Democrats so our district and state can prosper. We must work together. We don’t have to agree on everything, but we do have to respect one another. I am confident I can begin to bridge this divide. Some say it is too wide, that we can’t come together; I believe we can and must. We have to start somewhere, and I am prepared for the challenge!
EQUALITY
God created everyone equally, and equality is one of the foundational stones of the United States of America. The Declaration of Independence says, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Our laws should, therefore, treat everyone equally irrespective of their race, creed, gender, or personal beliefs. We have fallen short of that ideal. There is much work to be done to make it a reality. My goal, as your senator, will be working toward leveling the playing field and ensuring equal opportunities for all law-abiding citizens.
ACCOUNTABILITY
Elected representatives have an obligation to expose corrupt politicians and hold them accountable for their words and actions. Their mission is to serve all, not only those individuals and organizations that offer their endorsements, donations, and votes, but each and every constituent, regardless of party or affiliation. As your Senator, I vow to call out corruption I encounter, whether I see it across the aisle or in my own party. We have a system of checks and balances to protect against this, but it works only when elected officials have the courage to speak out and hold each other accountable. I am prepared to take on that responsibility.
IMMIGRATION
America was built by and for immigrants. In 1565, the Spanish were among the first Europeans to explore and settle in this great land that would eventually become the United States of America. Shortly after, in 1607, immigrants from England established the first colony at Jamestown, Virginia. These people risked everything on dangerous journeys that took months to come and settle this new land that became our home.
I support immigration policy that affords fair and equal opportunities for deserving individuals who go through the proper channels, so they can achieve the American dream in the “Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.” We would not have enjoyed the rich tapestry that is the American experience without the influence and contributions of people from across the globe who have chosen to become US citizens. As our dollar bill states, “E pluribus unum,” out of many, one.
https://www.history.com/topics/immigration/immigration-united-states-timeline
SECOND AMENDMENT
The right to keep and bear arms is protected by the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution. I myself am a gun owner and value that right, but recent tragedies necessitate a closer look at our gun laws.
The rampant mass shootings we suffer, on nearly a daily basis, are a uniquely American problem. When other developed countries have faced similar tragedies, they have acted quickly to enact laws that have successfully mitigated this issue. The United Kingdom, for instance, has banned private ownership of all handguns. Australia has banned ownership of nearly all semi-automatic rifles and shotguns. New Zealand has banned ownership of all military-style, semi-automatic and assault rifles. These bans were all put into effect after the first mass shootings occurred in these countries.
In the United States, conversely, we have allowed these tragedies to persist. We must protect our right to bear arms but also implement a commonsense approach toward the sale, storage and use of firearms. We must also consider red flag laws to keep guns out of the hands of people who have exhibited violent behavior, and might be a danger to themselves or others, as well as those individuals who show signs of serious mental, emotional or psychological instability.
As your state senator, I will review our existing gun laws and work toward improving them to protect innocent lives. Please see below the text for House Bill 126, introduced by Representative Ian Mackey, as an example of legislation I would support.
House Bill 126 – Extreme Risk Protection Orders
https://house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills211/hlrbillspdf/0108H.01I.pdf
Analysis of gun violence in the US:
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2022/s0510-vs-firearm-deathrates.html
ABORTION
Abortion is a sensitive topic. Men may never fully understand the angst a woman goes through when making the gut-wrenching decision about whether or not to terminate a pregnancy. As a Christian, I believe the decision to abort should be the last resort and not the first choice. Having said that, carrying a child to term is not a decision that should ever be forced upon a woman. She must be physically, mentally and emotionally prepared to bring a new life into this world. That is best for both the mother and child. I trust women who are considering terminating their pregnancies to first explore all of their options and then make an educated decision. I support their right to bodily autonomy. When I’m elected, I will work to pass legislation that protects women and their right to choose. I believe they are strong enough and intelligent enough to know what is best for themselves and their families. We must let them take the lead on this issue and empower them to do so.
EDUCATION
I got my MBA from Eastern Illinois University and my wife got her Masters from Washington University, in Missouri. I have two sons and they are both going to High school in the Wentzville School District. Our family fully understands the importance of education. I believe teaching is just not a job it is an opportunity given to the teachers to shape lives and in the process shape the future of our states and our country. I hold teachers in the highest regards. I value the hard work and dedication that they put in day after day year after year. I also appreciate the support staff in the schools that ensure that quality is being maintained, and there is a healthy balance between the amount of academic load versus giving enough time to the kids to enjoy other things in life like sports and other activities.
The Wentzville School District scored 99.1 percent in the evaluation system, up from 97.5 percent last year and the highest the District has scored since the state started using the evaluation tool six years ago.
I support the minimum teacher salary increase that was passed in 2022.
I support Pre-K and kindergarten for all.
I support equal education access by fully funding k12 formula – all children should receive the best quality public education they can get, regardless of zip code.
I support higher investment in higher education.
I support the promotion of the Trade Schools along with Colleges.
HEALTHCARE
Canada, the United Kingdom and Germany are among the countries that provide free healthcare to their citizens. They view healthcare as a right; we do not. The U.S. can learn how to design a public option from these countries, so we can reform our own system. Our end goal should be free healthcare for everyone in Missouri and the United States. Achieving this goal will require significant time and effort. As we work toward that ideal, we must continue to improve the system we currently have.
Accessibility to affordable and quality healthcare is a basic need that should be available to all. Millions of hard-working Americans have been left without healthcare, for themselves and their families, because of the exorbitant cost. Families are being driven to make increasingly difficult choices between paying for prescription drugs, medical care and their monthly bills. No one should have to choose between seeing a doctor, picking up a prescription or feeding their family.
I promise as your senator, this will be one of my top priorities. I support fully funding Medicaid expansion, which was done during the 2022 legislative session. We need to ensure that we continue to fully fund it in the future. The voters demanded it, and we must respect the choice they made.
CLIMATE CHANGE
Climate change presents a dire and immediate threat to the survival of our planet. In 2021, NOAA reported that North America experienced its 7th warmest consecutive year on record, with the January-December 2021 average global surface temperature being the sixth highest since 1880. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change at NASA stated that “scientific evidence for warming of the climate system is unequivocal.” In recent years, Missouri has seen an increase in the prevalence of floods and tornadoes. It is in the best interest of both our State and our Country to place an emphasis on enacting new climate change policy in order to mitigate the harm that has already been caused. In 2008, Missouri adopted a renewable portfolio standard which aimed for 15% of electricity sales to come from renewable sources by 2021. Additionally, Missouri has implemented the Renewable Fuel Standard Act, which requires that all gasoline should contain at least 10% ethanol. I believe that these measures are not enough. As your State Senator, I will push for targets and cap-and-trade programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. I will also push for state-level incentives for electric vehicle purchases and reduction in the prevalence of single-use plastics. I will strive to make Missouri a leader in climate change policy.Through climate reform, we seek to achieve the following;
-
Significantly decreased greenhouse gas levels in Missouri (including CO2, methane, and more) within the next 30 years
-
Increased usage of electric vehicles and renewable energy sources such as solar panels and wind turbines to power Missouri and reduce our carbon footprint
-
Decreased usage of single-use plastics (such as plastic grocery bags) to reduce pollution and trash in landfills
-
Increased state funding for carbon sequestration initiatives, which will create jobs for Missourians while lowering carbon dioxide levels and increasing air quality