VOTE411 Voter Guide

I am passionate about championing public policies that bolster working families, such as supporting unions and raising the minimum wage, fully funding our public schools, and making sure healthcare and prescription drugs are more affordable. I am passionate about polices that restore reproductive rights to women, and give our LGBTQ community the same rights and protections the rest of us take for granted. Lastly, I feel strongly about building and maintaining our infrastructure, with an eye on the future as we do. That means protecting our environment while we grow and improve our roads, bridges, and sewer systems.

Missouri's state government is severely out-of-balance. One party has been in charge for over two decades. I believe that having balance in government is the best way to find a solution. I live in a swing district. I know that working with my neighbors, regardless of party, is the best way to find solutions. Our Republican legislature has broken down into infighting and elected officials have stopped listening to the voters. That is why I believe that is it time to break the Republican super-majority. This will restore some parity to Jefferson City, both sides will have to truly work together again. My main job as a representative is to listen to my constituents, and work to make their lives easier.

I am just a normal guy. I work an 8-5 job, I visit my grandkids whenever I get the chance, I help out in my community whenever I can. My strength is that I live my life like everyone else. When I talk to my constituents we tend to have a lot in common. I know what my constituents need because they are they same things that would make my life better. My work experience has given me insights into how to better deal with growing and changing communities and work to alleviate problems caused by bad government policy.

This is my third run for State Representative, which has allowed me to become even more involved in my community than I already was. The main thrust of this work has been going out and talking with people one-and-one, and really listening to what they have to say on behalf of both myself and other candidates and causes. When I was younger I did some volunteer work for area homeless outreach organizations. Trying to give back has always been very important to me. Professionally, I feel a lot of pride at the numerous public works projects I have worked on over the years.

Before running for office, I ran a small business providing speech, occupational, physical, and music therapy services to children and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. I spent several years advocating at the State level for changes in regulations that would help to ensure individuals with disabilities would have access to these therapy services.

As a state legislator, I have remained focused on public policy that positively impacts access, quality, and cost of healthcare services in our state. I have championed legislation that would reduce the amount of prior authorizations required by insurance companies, allowing more streamlined and cost-effective care to be provided.

In 2023, I passed legislation that helps adults with disabilities access competitive, integrated employment opportunities. In 2024, I passed legislation allowing children with medical complexities to have access to childcare options in their communities.

I think the best thing that we can do to address current challenges is to remain diligent about listening to the public and what they are experiencing. We cannot know the best ways to fix and address Issues if we are not gathering information from people in our community that experience the successes and challenges related to various needs.

When someone brings an issue to me, I generally attempt to gain information from many different resources so that I can ensure I have as many facts and details as possible. This helps me develop a well-rounded plan of action.

One of my biggest strengths is my work ethic. I am someone who will not quit until a job gets done. I am willing to dig into hard topics and complex public policy ideas to make a positive impact for my community.

I serve on several different non-profit and advisory boards in our community offering my expertise and volunteer hours. In addition to my legislative committees, I also serve on the Substance Abuse Task Force, Eating Disorder Council, and the Missouri Autism Commission. My service in all of these is focused on ways that I can serve our community by helping to highlight the need for resources but also showing off the wonderful ways our collaborative community gets things done.

I am a member of Christ Community Church and serve regularly in the Children's Department.