Soft winds blowing in occasionally, and an orange and pink sunset, provided the perfect backdrop Thursday evening for the League of Women Voters Candidate Stump Speaking, held under the Jaycee Shelter behind the Audrain County Historical Sociey Museum. Candidates for state representatives and all county offices took turns sharing their views with voters, as the clock ticks closer to Tuesday's Primary Election.
The Mexico Noon Lions Club provided homemade ice cream and desserts during the event.
No questions were asked of the candidates. Each was allowed 5 minutes to introduce themselves and present their platforms. Candidates from each of the four parties were invited and spoke at the event, with the exception of the Constitution Party.
As the League's Voter Service Chairman Alice Leonatti put it, explaining why invitations weren't extended to the candidates vying for the U.S. Senate seat, "We figured realistically, that on a Thursday evening, the Thursday before primaries, for those candidates to come to Mexico to speak for 5 minutes, didn't really seem very reasonable."
U.S. Representative District 9 candidate James O. Baker was first to the microphone, speaking his views on pro-life, gun rights, and the four "Rs" he believes should be in education – reading, (w)riting, (a)rithmetic and religion.
"I've met a lot of people and find we have things in common – our faith in God, and love of country," Baker said. "I consider myself a common sense candidate. Common sense is what we need in Washington."
Baker's contender Blaine Luetkemeyer did not attend. Libertarian Steve Wilson, the candidate for U.S representative from the Bowling Green area, also was unable to attend. His opponent, Christopher Dwyer, however, was on hand, and spoke candidly about his desire to change the constitution – particularly the 16th and 17th Amendments. He would like to see both repealed.
He also opposes health care reform legislation passed earlier this year. "It's unconstitutional to force someone to buy something," he said. "I believe they've overstepped their bounds."
Sen. Wes Shoemyer was working the 18th District in another area, and also was unable to attend. His campaign treasurer spoke in his absence, saying, "(Wes) appreciated your help in the last election, and will appreciate your help again next Tuesday, and especially in the November elections."
John Cauthorn, candidate for state representative of District 21, opened his platform, playing with the truth. "My name is John Cauthorn. I live on a farm near Molino, Mo., and we need high speed Internet." Mainly to stay competitive as a country, he said.
Cauthorn bragged about Mexico's new ag building, ethanol and bio-diesel facilities and the Missouri Plant Science Center. The longtime politician said he would like to see the extension of Hwy. 54, with four lanes of highway clear to Louisiana, and on to further destinations. "My heart is in Audrain, and I know the values of rural Missouri," he told the audience. "I don't believe we need to raise taxes. What I want is to make those in the legislature be more responsible."
Paul Quinn, who is running uncontested for State Represen-tative for District 9, said he's not in favor of being "47th, 48th, and 49th in everything" in the nation. It's time, he said, "to see what the people want to do."
The two candidates vying for the state representative District 10 slot, Linda Witte and Edwin Lockwood, offered their views.
Witte grew up on a small farm in Vandalia, and feels her background in education and administration will help her make a difference. She told the crowd, "I have an understanding of the needs of the district. I lived here my whole life."
Her concerns are for more jobs, pushing for the four-lane highway, high speed Internet, and giving more leverage to farmers raising livestock.
"Everywhere I go, the biggest concern I'm hearing is the need for more jobs. Bowling Green at this time is showing progress, due to their four-lane highway. I've been attending coalitions in support of making this happen here," Witte said. She also believes that farmers should be able to raise their livestock the way they see fit, not necessarily by the book. "We realize there's a need for regulations, but most farmers are very good stewards of the land, and are going to protect their profits."
Lockwood raises buffalo on his small farm in Hallsville. He and his wife are both teachers, and feel the country needs better education, better pay for teachers, and ways to create more jobs. "Taxes are necessary at times," he said.
Kelly Schultz, a candidate for state representative District 21, thanked the League of Women Voters for "looking past the sound bites to find out what (the candidates) are about." She pledges to be "responsive and accountable," and to work very hard for the people. To show her sincerity, she offers her cell phone number to constituents, and promised the number would not change if she is elected.
All of the Audrain County official candidates are running unopposed, but each were also given 5 minutes to offer their gratitude to the public, and share some of the changes they foresee for their county offices.
Recorder of Deeds Janis Deimeke is following in the footsteps of longtime recorder Virginia Pehle, and says she looks forward to continuing her work with the county. Pehle is retiring at the end of her term. Deimeke plans to continue offering friendly service. Her office is working on updating their computer systems with dated records, and researching a way to provide online services for their customers.
Associate Circuit Judge Linda Hamlett did not attend, but sent a letter thanking everyone for their support.
Circuit Clerk Penny Creed announced her name change, which nows includes a hyphen (Creed-Craighead), but she assured the crowd that she will "always answer to Creed" and "always be there for them."
County Clerk Shelley Harvey has been the clerk since 1995, and says she looks forward to the future. Her main goal is to keep the office progressive. "... In the future, we want to be able to bring more technology in to keep Audrain County progressive."
The county treasurer’s office has implemented a new software system that connects with the city clerk, and allows them to work more efficiently. Federal IRS payments are automatically entered into the computer. Treasurer Patty Meyers said this is only the beginning of the advancements she plans for her office.
Prosecuting Attorney Jason Shellabarger plans to continue his work as a full-time prosecutor for Audrain County, and continue his good relationship with his local law enforcement, and his quest for justice.
Collector of Revenue Diana Rennick closed out the evening on a somber note. As the collector, she sees a lot of foreclosures and bankruptcies come through, and a lot of taxes unpaid. Which she said, "is really sad." She offered her assistance to help in any way she can.
Election polls open at 6 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 3, and close at 7 p.m.
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Soft winds blowing in occasionally, and an orange and pink sunset, provided the perfect backdrop Thursday evening for the League of Women Voters Candidate Stump Speaking, held under the Jaycee Shelter behind the Audrain County Historical Sociey Museum. Candidates for state representatives and all county offices took turns sharing their views with voters, as the clock ticks closer to Tuesday's Primary Election.
The Mexico Noon Lions Club provided homemade ice cream and desserts during the event.
No questions were asked of the candidates. Each was allowed 5 minutes to introduce themselves and present their platforms. Candidates from each of the four parties were invited and spoke at the event, with the exception of the Constitution Party.
As the League's Voter Service Chairman Alice Leonatti put it, explaining why invitations weren't extended to the candidates vying for the U.S. Senate seat, "We figured realistically, that on a Thursday evening, the Thursday before primaries, for those candidates to come to Mexico to speak for 5 minutes, didn't really seem very reasonable."
U.S. Representative District 9 candidate James O. Baker was first to the microphone, speaking his views on pro-life, gun rights, and the four "Rs" he believes should be in education – reading, (w)riting, (a)rithmetic and religion.
"I've met a lot of people and find we have things in common – our faith in God, and love of country," Baker said. "I consider myself a common sense candidate. Common sense is what we need in Washington."
Baker's contender Blaine Luetkemeyer did not attend. Libertarian Steve Wilson, the candidate for U.S representative from the Bowling Green area, also was unable to attend. His opponent, Christopher Dwyer, however, was on hand, and spoke candidly about his desire to change the constitution – particularly the 16th and 17th Amendments. He would like to see both repealed.
He also opposes health care reform legislation passed earlier this year. "It's unconstitutional to force someone to buy something," he said. "I believe they've overstepped their bounds."
Sen. Wes Shoemyer was working the 18th District in another area, and also was unable to attend. His campaign treasurer spoke in his absence, saying, "(Wes) appreciated your help in the last election, and will appreciate your help again next Tuesday, and especially in the November elections."
John Cauthorn, candidate for state representative of District 21, opened his platform, playing with the truth. "My name is John Cauthorn. I live on a farm near Molino, Mo., and we need high speed Internet." Mainly to stay competitive as a country, he said.
Cauthorn bragged about Mexico's new ag building, ethanol and bio-diesel facilities and the Missouri Plant Science Center. The longtime politician said he would like to see the extension of Hwy. 54, with four lanes of highway clear to Louisiana, and on to further destinations. "My heart is in Audrain, and I know the values of rural Missouri," he told the audience. "I don't believe we need to raise taxes. What I want is to make those in the legislature be more responsible."
Paul Quinn, who is running uncontested for State Represen-tative for District 9, said he's not in favor of being "47th, 48th, and 49th in everything" in the nation. It's time, he said, "to see what the people want to do."
The two candidates vying for the state representative District 10 slot, Linda Witte and Edwin Lockwood, offered their views.
Witte grew up on a small farm in Vandalia, and feels her background in education and administration will help her make a difference. She told the crowd, "I have an understanding of the needs of the district. I lived here my whole life."
Her concerns are for more jobs, pushing for the four-lane highway, high speed Internet, and giving more leverage to farmers raising livestock.
"Everywhere I go, the biggest concern I'm hearing is the need for more jobs. Bowling Green at this time is showing progress, due to their four-lane highway. I've been attending coalitions in support of making this happen here," Witte said. She also believes that farmers should be able to raise their livestock the way they see fit, not necessarily by the book. "We realize there's a need for regulations, but most farmers are very good stewards of the land, and are going to protect their profits."
Lockwood raises buffalo on his small farm in Hallsville. He and his wife are both teachers, and feel the country needs better education, better pay for teachers, and ways to create more jobs. "Taxes are necessary at times," he said.
Kelly Schultz, a candidate for state representative District 21, thanked the League of Women Voters for "looking past the sound bites to find out what (the candidates) are about." She pledges to be "responsive and accountable," and to work very hard for the people. To show her sincerity, she offers her cell phone number to constituents, and promised the number would not change if she is elected.
All of the Audrain County official candidates are running unopposed, but each were also given 5 minutes to offer their gratitude to the public, and share some of the changes they foresee for their county offices.
Recorder of Deeds Janis Deimeke is following in the footsteps of longtime recorder Virginia Pehle, and says she looks forward to continuing her work with the county. Pehle is retiring at the end of her term. Deimeke plans to continue offering friendly service. Her office is working on updating their computer systems with dated records, and researching a way to provide online services for their customers.
Associate Circuit Judge Linda Hamlett did not attend, but sent a letter thanking everyone for their support.
Circuit Clerk Penny Creed announced her name change, which nows includes a hyphen (Creed-Craighead), but she assured the crowd that she will "always answer to Creed" and "always be there for them."
County Clerk Shelley Harvey has been the clerk since 1995, and says she looks forward to the future. Her main goal is to keep the office progressive. "... In the future, we want to be able to bring more technology in to keep Audrain County progressive."
The county treasurer’s office has implemented a new software system that connects with the city clerk, and allows them to work more efficiently. Federal IRS payments are automatically entered into the computer. Treasurer Patty Meyers said this is only the beginning of the advancements she plans for her office.
Prosecuting Attorney Jason Shellabarger plans to continue his work as a full-time prosecutor for Audrain County, and continue his good relationship with his local law enforcement, and his quest for justice.
Collector of Revenue Diana Rennick closed out the evening on a somber note. As the collector, she sees a lot of foreclosures and bankruptcies come through, and a lot of taxes unpaid. Which she said, "is really sad." She offered her assistance to help in any way she can.
Election polls open at 6 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 3, and close at 7 p.m.
