Below are a selection of responses from the candidates who filled out Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey since July 17. To read each candidate’s full responses, click their name at the bottom of the article.
Manny Abarca (D) is running for Jackson County Legislature to represent District 1 and is on the ballot in the general election on Nov. 8. Here’s how Abarca responded to the question “What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?”
“I am mostly interested in establishing a transparent and fair foundation for County government. Every issue area after that can have an unbiased shot at getting passed.
Here are a few of the issues I highlight online:
- Property Tax Reform Plan
- Establishment of a Senior Services Fund
- Support for Working Families
- Access to Parks and Conservation
- Efficiency in our Government
- Promotion of Arts and Culture
- Efficient Regional Healthcare Pipeline
- Jackson County Nondiscrimination Act and Equity Policy
- Economic Development and Infrastructure Investment”
Click here to read the rest of Abarca’s answers.
Megan Marshall is running for election to the Jackson County Legislature to represent District 3 At-Large and is on the ballot in the general election on Nov. 8. Here’s how Marshall responded to the question “Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?”
“We don’t need any more politicians content in their Ivory Towers – dismissive and indifferent to the needs of working people. Those who refuse to put service before self. Our communities deserve engaged and responsive leaders. Not those who believe getting your vote is the end of their service.
I’m committed to constituent engagement across Jackson County. I will be the most accessible legislator in county government. Engagement and accessibility has not been a hallmark of county government and that must change. Taxpayers deserve to know who their representatives are and feel confident their concerns are part of the decision-making process. When residents across our county are left in the dark, it breeds distrust. When representatives are not committed to listening to taxpayer concerns, their decisions lack proper responsiveness and instead worsen the lives of residents. I will continue listening to the concerns of taxpayers and work diligently to deliver meaningful change.
The budget is reflective of what a government values. What government values should reflect what taxpayers value, because policymakers’ first obligation should always be to those they represent – not their own interests. Residents of Jackson County want property tax relief, affordable housing, reduced crime, greater access to mental health and drug recovery services, and most importantly, confidence that their county government is working for them.”
Click here to read the rest of Marshall’s answers.
If you’re a Missouri candidate or incumbent, click here to take the survey. The survey contains over 30 questions, and you can choose the ones you feel will best represent your views to voters. If you complete the survey, a box with your answers will display on your Ballotpedia profile. Your responses will also populate the information that appears in our mobile app, My Vote Ballotpedia.
If you’re not running for office but you would like to know more about candidates in Missouri, share the link and urge them to take the survey!
Additional reading:
- Bryce Lockwood (D) – U.S. House, Missouri’s 7th Congressional District
- Manny Abarca (D) – Jackson County Legislature District 1
- Michael Baumli (D) – Missouri State Senate District 12
- Megan Marshall (D) – Jackson County Legislature District 3 At-Large
- Jason Pearson (R) – Jackson County Executive
- Sharon Spero (Nonpartisan) – Clay County Commission Western District-Seat 2
- Mitchell Sudduth (D) – Jackson County Legislature District 2
