State Representatives, left to right, Ray Weter, Dennis Wood and challenger Jon Owens and Tracy Mooney listen as State Rep. Maynard Wallace speaks. BDN photo by Donna Clevenger
By Donna Clevenger
BDN Staff Writer
clevenger@bransondailynews.comTANEYVILLE — Taney County constituents met both state and local candidates at the Taney Center on Thursday, hearing from them what most people would agree is the top priority — getting the county and state back on a positive economic track.
Mavis Busiek, secretary to the Missouri Republican party and chairperson of District 7 addressed the crowd and offered sage advice, “Primaries are a necessary evil. We have them because we live in a free country. I just pray the (candidates) keep your brain connected to your tongue throughout the campaign.”
The event put on by the Taney County Federated Republican Women was very well attended with a capacity crowd.
Keeping jobs in the county and state, promoting tourism, holding back any tax increases and keeping the current national tax cuts and being fiscally conservative are all money-related issues the candidates touted.
“I believe the big challenge going forward is we need a person in government who is really looking out for our citizens and our businesses — our families. I’ve got a person who will not just talk the talk, but walk the walk,” Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley said, endorsing Sarah Steelman for governor. “As a senator she voted against every tax increase put before her.”
Among the right to life and farm issues, gun control and illegal immigration laws, nearly every state and local candidate who spoke emphasized the concern to turn around the decline in economic growth and development.
Presidential candidate John McCain sent a field representative to speak for him who offered little in the way of specific issues. Field representatives spoke for the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate Candidates.
Mitch Hubbard, running for lieutenant governor, emphasized being pro-life and pro-family.
Incumbent candidates for governor and lieutenant governor also sent representatives. Seven candidates spoke on behalf of their campaigns for state representative.
Tracy Mooney was the only women candidate and is running for the 143rd District.
“You guys don’t know me — I’m a new face in the crowd. The issue I stand (for) is right to life. There is no other issue stronger in this state. We’re not afraid of challenges — this state has some challenges,” she said, adding that the issues in Missouri can’t be covered up, with a bandage but need to brought out in the open.
Opponent and incumbent State Rep. Maynard Wallace said during his turn at the podium, “I’m an old face.” And reminded people of his long years of service.
One noticeable absence from the event was Western Taney County Commissioner Ron Herschend who is challenged by Jim Strafuss. Both Strafuss and Eastern Commissioner Danny Strahan announced they had been endorsed by the Tri-Lakes Board of Realtors.
Roy Combs, challenging Strahan for the eastern commission seat, confessed he was not a “silver-tongued talker like Maynard,” but said, “In my heart I know I can help the county.” He pledged to bring some “common sense” to the running of the county finances.
The one real note of contention came from Susan Chapman Jafari, candidate for Public Administrator. Jafari implied misconduct by incumbent Carol Davis in dealing fairly with the disabled and elderly clients she serves. Davis rebutted the accusation, saying, “I am appointed by the (circuit) court as conservator to the disabled, elderly and minors whose families cannot care for them.