The District Has Changed

Boy, has it! Instead of a strip Knob Noster, thru Warrensburg, to Holden, it's the east side of Warrensburg, then a stretch across NE Johnson County into Pettis County (including Houstonia & Hughesville), then on to Saline County through Sweet Springs to Marshall. A lot of these folks have never been exposed to a Libertarian candidate, so it will be an experience.

Filed today

I filed for the 51st today & am now an official candidate. New area, will be an interesting campaign.

Changed the title

Since Johnson County is no longer in the 121st District, I've changed the name to reflect the district in which I'm located, the 51st. Not yet absolutely committed to run yet, though.

2012 plans

I will pretty definitely run for something (probably legislative) next year, just can't tell what until the redistricting is complete.

Waiting for redistricting

Before I make plans for 2012, I'll see what the redistricting does to the 121st - and maybe to me. I wouldn't be surprised if I suddenly found myself in the 120th (Henry County and environs); it's only 1/2 mile away.

Last chance to reach the voters

The KOKO debate was last night, and the Daily Star Journal posted their candidate surveys yesterday. I've posted my notes for the KOKO event and my answers to the Daily Star Journal at my political website. This includes a link to the Daily Star Journal, who published their surveys in a comparative format.

Last Friday, we were in the UCM Homecoming parade, back just ahead of the horses. This Friday, we'll be in downtown Warrensburg from 4-6 PM promoting LP candidates and handing out candy to the costumed hordes.

2 months to election day

It's slightly less than two months until election day. I printed up little fliers stating my general qualifications and a few positions, but not the full gamut. As a realist, I believe that these positions are achievable (even if they are only partial steps toward a free society).

* Pass the FAIR TAX - get rid of taxes that limit incentive to produce.
* Decriminalize possession of marijuana, as a start to ending the war on drug users. Start with medical marijuana if we must, but empty the jails of small time users.
* Pass school choice and allow vouchers. Create better education through competition.
* Eliminate eminent domain abuse by stopping its use for "economic development." Homes & businesses should not be taken from one private party & given to another.
* Limit market-distorting "incentives," such as TIF, TDD, NID, etc. Too often they're issued on trumped-up forecasts & promises, and the taxpayers end up supporting much more than was expected. I'd like to eliminate them, but as long as other states use them, that's probably unrealistic.
* Sunset all taxes - There should be NO permanent taxes. All taxes should sunset in 10 years, requiring a vote to renew, unless tied to a specific bond issue (which should not be renewable).
* Stop legislating science - Renewable energy mandates cost us money and favor some technologies over others that may be more promising. Let the market decide.
* Stop legislating morality involving consenting adults - Get the state out of the marriage business (other than registering contracts), the adult entertainment business (remember, I said "consenting adults"), etc.
* Allow concealed carry by any adult who can legally own a firearm, without permission of the state.

I'm sure there's more that I can take a stand on. That's enough for now.