League of Women Voters Candidate Forum set for March 30, 2023

The Mexico- Audrain County League of Women Voters will host a Candidate Forum for City Council and School Board Candidates Thursday, March 30 at the Mexico YMCA beginning at 6:30 p.m. The Forum will be held in the pickleball court area. 

The League of Women Voters of Mexico-Audrain County is a nonpartisan political organization and cannot endorse or oppose any candidate for office. However, a basic purpose of the League is to promote informed voting. The League makes every effort to assist candidates in presenting their opinion(s) to the voters. 

Each candidate was contacted by the League and asked two questions pertaining to the election. Their responses to these questions as well as their answers to questions submitted by the audience attending the Forum will make up the program. The Forum is open to the public and all are encouraged to attend.

Candidates were asked two questions, with a 200-word answer limit for each.

Here are the questions asked:

1. What are your qualifications for a position on the Mexico School Board?

2. What do you see as the 2 major issues confronting the Mexico School Board during the upcoming term? How would you recommend these issues be addressed?

1. I am a U.S. Army veteran, commercial helicopter pilot, and small business owner. I believe, with my background, I can bring a broad and unique set of skills to the decision-making table. As a veteran, I understand loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, and integrity. I plan to utilize and adhere to these priceless values that have made me who I am today. I believe with my skills as a pilot and educational knowledge of the helicopter industry, I can bring a calm and unwavering ability to effectively work under pressure and serve all the patrons of my district. As a small business owner, I understand the importance of communication, transparency, maintenance of our buildings, having tough conversations, making decisions, and budgeting.

2. Discipline: We have teachers that are leaving the district in staggering numbers due to the lack of discipline and support. I believe that if we outline a definitive discipline policy and support our teachers when executing discipline, then we have a foundation on which to build. I believe that by following through with the above mentioned and listening to our teachers when they outline their needs, we can collectively solve the teacher shortage issue and simultaneously correct the discipline issue.

1. Uplifting Parent and Teacher Voices: I believe that we should have a thorough policy pertaining to patrons speaking at board meetings. We currently have a policy that is extremely vague and is left to the board members discretion if a patron can voice his or her grievances. This is a fundamental right of the people! It is imperative that we correct this issue with respect to transparency and accountability between the district and the patrons of this community.