Ice Cream Social and Republican Candidate Q&A

Transcription

1 Hosts Ice Cream Social and Candidate Q&A Saturday, July 14, 2018 The ice cream cone became the state of Missouri's official dessert on August 28, The 1904 World's Fair in St. Missouri State Louis was the birthplace of the treat and has become a rt Desse staple at many community events across the state, such as the State Fair. The University of MissouriColumbia has played a large role in the development of ice cream products for over a century. Missouri presently ranks tenth in ice cream production. (RSMo )

2 Welcome, Thank you for joining us at the second Ice Cream Social and Candidate Q&A for Franklin County hosted by the Franklin County Central Committee. We are excited to see your commitment to learn more about the candidates running for offices. Our goal is to provide you the opportunity to meet the candidates in a fun environment and learn more about them before you vote in the primary election on August 7, We have gathered our candidates and resources to equip you so that you can make the best informed decision. The Central Committee is providing the ice cream and our candidates have volunteered to serve the ice cream toppings. The candidates have agreed to participate in a Question and Answer (Q&A) Session. The Q&A is different than the typical forum or town hall. We had a committee develop the questions pertaining to the duties of the office the candidates are seeking and relevant issues so you can hear their opinions. I encourage you to get involved and participate in the election process this year by being actively involved with supporting the candidates. If you truly want to make a difference, get involved; it can be as simple as displaying a yard sign. If you really want to make an impact, volunteer to serve on the campaign committee for your favorite candidate. As I planned the event in 2016, the guiding message to Christians was that God s people will humble themselves and pray and seek his face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14. I believe it s still relevant this year. Please pray for the upcoming elections, our candidates, our nation, and the elected officials. As you know, no one person is the perfect candidate but it is still our duty to vote and support those elected. I would like to thank The Ridge Church for the use of the Lighthouse Ministry Center, Laura from CustomType for the program design, Representative Kirk Mathews as the emcee, Becki and Terri from Second Blessings for providing the food, Shannon of Penrod Photography, the candidates and elected officials who participated, the central committee members, the Franklin County Federated Women for scooping the ice cream, businesses who donated and the many other individuals who have volunteered and helped to support the second Franklin County Ice Cream Social and Candidate Q&A. Follow us on Facebook: Franklin County Central Committee or find helpful information at the republican central committee s website Sincerely, Wendy Hartmann Franklin County Central Committeewoman/Event Coordinator Did you know? Sunday, July 15, 2018 is National Ice Cream Day President Ronald Reagan is the person to thank for designating the third Sunday of July as National Ice Cream Day and July as National Ice Cream Month in 1984, in proclamation

3 Evening Agenda 4:00pm Build a Sundae Social with Candidates 5:00pm Welcome and Introductions Prayer for our Nation and Upcoming Elections Pledge of Allegiance National Anthem Star Spangled Banner Recognition of the Military & Veterans and Families Recognition of Law Enforcement Officers & First Responders and Families Recognition of Elected Officials and Families Recognition of the Candidates and Families 5:30pm U.S. State Candidates Q&A US Representative District 3 US Senator 5:50pm Franklin County Candidates Q&A Collector of Revenue County Clerk County Judge Presiding Commissioner Prosecuting Attorney 7:10pm State Candidates Q&A State Auditor State Representative Districts 61, 109, 110 & 119 7:55pm Call to Action Closing Prayer God Bless America 8:00pm 9:00pm Build a Sundae Social with Candidates Closing Refreshments: hot dogs, pulled beef sandwiches, chips and drinks are available for purchase throughout the event. Second Blessings, nonprofit food pantry located in Union, is providing the food and will use the proceeds for stocking the pantry. *Schedule subject to change A wise man's heart inclines him to the right, but a fool's heart to the left. Ecclesiastes 10:2 ESV 1

4 Election Information Missouri s election information is from the Secretary of State website at The five established parties in Missouri are:,, Libertarian, Green, and Constitution. U.S. and State Offices that file with the Secretary of State in 2018: U.S. Senate, 8 U.S. Representatives, State Auditor, 17 State Senators even numbered districts, 163 State Representatives, Various Judges*. *Some Supreme, Appellate, Circuit Court and Associate Circuit Court judges are either on the ballot or could be on the ballot depending on appointment dates. Local Offices that file with the local election authority in 2018: Associate Circuit Judges, Presiding County Commissioner, County Clerk, Clerk of Circuit Court, Recorder of Deeds, County Treasurer (3rd and 4th Class Counties except counties under township organization), Prosecuting Attorney, County Auditor (1st class without a charter form of government; 2nd class counties), Collector of Revenue (except counties under township organization). Primary Election August 7, 2018 The 2018 primary will be held on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 (the 1st Tuesday after the 1st Monday in August for even numbered years, Section , RSMo.). The filing period for candidates for the August 2018 primary election was from February 27, 2018 through March 27, (Section , RSMo.) Individuals voting in the primary election may select a party ballot of his or her choice. Voters who do not wish to select a party ballot may request a ballot containing other issues, if their jurisdiction s ballot contains issues. Deadline to register to vote was July 11, Proposition A (Right to Work) will be on the August 7, 2018 ballot: Missouri Voters will vote on Proposition A during the primary election. The ballot language reads: Do the people of the state of Missouri want to adopt Senate Bill 19 ("Right-to-Work") as passed by the general assembly in 2017, which prohibits as a condition of employment the forced membership in a labor organization (union) or forced payments of dues in full or pro-rata (fair-share); make any activity which violates employees' rights illegal and ineffective; allow legal remedies for anyone injured as a result of another person violating or threatening to violate employees' rights; and which shall not apply to union agreements entered into before the effective date of Senate Bill 19? State and local government entities expect no costs or savings. Primary Ballot Changes On June 4, Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft s Office reached out to local election officials, encouraging them to delay printing ballots as long as possible in anticipation of candidate withdrawals prior to the August 7 primary election. On June 5, a court case was filed in the Circuit Court of Gasconade County to remove an incumbent from the primary ballot. State law lays out the following process when a county, state or federal candidate for office chooses to remove his or her name from the primary ballot after the initial deadline (May 22) has passed. (Section RSMo.) To view a list of candidates, including those who have withdrawn, visit s1.sos.mo.gov/ CandidatesOnWeb/ America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves. Abraham Lincoln 2

5 Missouri Certified Candidates for the 2018 Primary Election Clerk of the Circuit Court Bill D. Miller (R), Incumbent Bill D. Miller Collector of Revenue Linda Emmons* (R), Incumbent Jamie (Rice) Keen Doug Trentmann Tracy Comely County Auditor Tammy Vemmer (R), Incumbent Tammy (Zweifel) Vemmer County Clerk Debbie Door* (R), Incumbent Kyle Dubbert Tim Baker Associate Circuit Judge - Division V - David Tobben* (R), Incumbent Joseph W. Purschke Associate Circuit Judge - Division VI - David L. Hoven (D), Incumbent David L. Hoven Associate Circuit Judge - Division VII - Stan Williams (D), Incumbent Stan Williams County Municipal Judge - Scott Fulford* (R), Incumbent Gael D. Wood Bill Stahlhuth A. David Arand 3

6 Missouri Certified Candidates for the 2018 Primary Election Presiding Commissioner - Tim John Brinker Griesheimer* (R), Acting, (R), formerly Incumbent John Griesheimer* Trish Mitchell Tim Brinker Jonathan Zimmermann Prosecuting Attorney - Robert Parks* (R), Incumbent Samantha Sam Cerutti Wacker Matthew Becker Recorder of Deeds Jennifer Metcalf (R), Incumbent Jennifer Metcalf State Senator - District 26 Dave Schatz (R), Incumbent Dave Schatz John Kiehne U.S. Representative - District 3 Blaine Luetkemeyer (R), Incumbent Chadwick Bicknell Blaine Luetkemeyer Katy Geppert U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill (D), Incumbent Tony Monetti Austin Petersen Josh Hawley Fred Ryman Christina Smith Kristi Nichols Bradley Krembs Ken Patterson Brian G. Hagg Courtland Sykes Peter Pfeifer Preifer Carla (Coffee) Wright Angelica Earl Leonard Joseph Steinman II John Hogan Travis Gonzalez David Faust Claire McCaskill 4

7 Missouri Certified Candidates for the 2018 Primary Election State Auditor Nicole Gallowy Galloway (D), Incumbent Kevin M. Roach Nicole Galloway David Wasinger Paul Curtman Saundra McDowell State Representative - District 61 Vacant, formerly Justin Alferman (R), Aaron D. Griesheimer Pamela A. Menefee State Representative - District 109 Paul Curtman* (R), Incumbent John Simmons James Cordrey Bob Oreskovic Kevin Juergens State Representative - District 110 Kirk Mathews* (R), Incumbent Dottie Bailey Cody Kelley Matt Doell State Representative - District 119 Nate Tate (R), Incumbent Nate Tate Marcie Nichols Circuit Judge - Circuit 20 Division 1 Craig Hellmann (R), Incumbent Craig E. Hellmann *Retiring, term limit or not seeking reelection Names appear in ballot order 2018 Statewide Primary Election Candidate Summary (as of 6/20/18 5:00pm) Offices Libertarian Green Constitution Total U.S. Senator State Auditor U.S. Representative State Senator State Representative Circuit Judge Total Information is from the Secretary of State website at and the Franklin County Clerk s Office. 5

8 Duties and Responsibilities of Franklin County Elected Officials Franklin County Commission The Franklin County Commission is the executive body of Franklin County operating under the 1st Class guidelines established by the Revised Statutes of Missouri. The executive body of the County Commission is made up by a Presiding Commissioner, 1st District Commissioner, and 2nd District Commissioner. The Presiding when elected takes in the entire county, where the District Commissioners each have a district of the county where they are elected by that particular population. However, all Commissioners have the same duties and responsibilities for administrating County business. The County Commission establishes policies and procedures, enact ordinances, supervises the activities of County Departments, which includes: Public Works (Highway, Building, and Planning and Zoning) Health, IT, and adopts county budget and provides various other services. The Administrative Office is responsible for carrying out all acts of the County Commission, bidding all goods and services for all county budgeted funds, contracts, building needs and ADA responsibility, employee screening and liaison to Engineering and Road and Bridge. Franklin County is divided into four legislative districts in the Missouri House of Representatives: District 61, District 109, District 110 and District 119. Franklin County is also a part of Missouri s 26th Senatorial District. Commission Districts Map Assessor The Assessors responsibility is to value and assess real estate and personal property located within the county. Contrary to popular misconceptions, the Assessor does not calculate taxes, collect taxes, set tax rates or create tax bills. The Assessor is concerned with property values, not taxes. The collector s office creates the tax bills and collects the taxes for the various taxing entities that are located within the county. Taxing jurisdictions determine the tax levy, which is the rate of taxation required to fill the gap between the operating budget and expected revenue. The assessor s work is subject to review by the Board of Equalization and the State Tax Commission. The State Tax Commission is the state agency charged with general supervision of assessors and with enforcing property tax laws. Auditor The Franklin County Auditor s position is an elected, four-year term. The Auditor is responsible for: serving as the County s Chief Budget Officer, preparing and overseeing all County budgets, compiling information for the yearly outside audit of the County, processing purchase requisitions and purchase orders, auditing daily receipts and deposits from various departments, auditing monthly reports from various departments, completing quarterly reports to the State of Missouri, conducting an annual physical inventory of County assets and maintaining the fixed assets ledger. Circuit Court Clerk The circuit clerk is responsible for maintaining complete and accurate records of the court; collecting, accounting for and disbursing all monies paid into the court; and performing other duties, as necessary, to assist the court in performing its duties. Some of the duties of a circuit clerk are receiving, processing and maintaining the judgments, rules, orders and all other proceedings of the court, issuing process, such as summons, subpoenas, executions, garnishments, sequestrations, judgments, orders and commitments, collecting and disbursing all fines and costs, on the court's order, collecting and disbursing other monies paid into the court, selecting and summonsing jurors, preserving the court seal and other property of the office, providing uniform case reporting, maintaining the court case files in an accurate and complete manner, and providing staff assistance to the judges to provide for the efficient operation of the court. 6

9 Duties and Responsibilities of Franklin County Elected Officials Clerk of the County Commission Clerk of the County Commission is the chief election authority for the county and its political subdivisions, and is responsible for conducting all public elections held in the county. Clerk s office is also responsible for all voter registration activities in the county. Currently, there are more than 69,000 people registered to vote in Franklin County. Duties include: keep minutes and records of the Commission, manage the general ledger of the several funds of the County, record all receivables other than miscellaneous to general ledger, issue all warrants on invoices through general ledger, manage all payroll for County employees, compile and calculate values submitted by Assessor and State, submit final values to State and to taxing entities within the County, monitor all revenues and expenses of Federal and State grants and reimbursements, compile and publish the annual financial statement and assist in gathering data for annual audit, and monitors and disperses funds for the Tax Increment Financing area and a Community Improvement District agreements with the City of Washington. Collector of Revenue Office The Franklin County Collector of Revenue is responsible for the collection and distribution of current and delinquent taxes for the county and 64 other taxing entities within Franklin County. In addition to collecting taxes for real and personal property, the Collector also collects levee, railroad, and utility taxes, along with issuing merchant s and manufacturer s licenses. Prosecutor The Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney s office is responsible for the enforcement of state criminal law and child support enforcement within the borders of Franklin County. The Prosecutor s office consists of attorneys, investigators, a victim advocate, a child support unit, a bad check unit and a delinquent tax unit together with clerical staff. We aggressively prosecute all types of criminal cases from murders, sex crimes, drug offenses, burglaries, stealing, arson, forgery and fraud, and traffic offenses from speeding to DWI s. Public Administrator The Probate Court Appoints the Public Administrator to act on each case as ordered: Probate estates for deceased, conservator estates, guardian estates, or for any other actions the court desires. Clients are called wards and they can be of any age. They can be elderly or young with no family to support them that is why the public administrator is appointed. The Court Order tells you what your duties are and the Public Administrator has the task of finding the best placement according to the disability and the finances available to the ward. Most cases are involved in disputes of some kind. The Public Administrator is required to file an annual report on each case according to the specific case and the Probate Court Judge has the final approval on your report. Recorder of Deeds The Recorder of Deeds office is where land records are preserved and stored including Deeds of Trust, Warranty Deeds, and Quit Claim Deeds. Plats and Surveys are also recorded and kept as permanent record in our office. In addition, the Recorder s office issues and records marriage licenses. They are maintained as a permanent record and indexed by the parties names and the date of the marriage. The Recorder of Deeds office only records documents. It is recommended that you consult an attorney or title company to assist you in creating any documents that need to be recorded. Sheriff Franklin County Sheriff s Office Deputies provide all the law enforcement services necessary to meet the needs of its residents and the demands to apprehend criminals and deter crime as the means of committing crime evolves. Areas of expertise include: Emergency Response Situations (SWAT), Chemical Munitions, Cybercrime, Crisis Negotiations, Firearms, Hazardous Materials, First Responder CPR, Narcotics and much more. A minimum of 600 hours of specialized law enforcement training is required of all deputies employed by the Franklin County Sheriff s Office. Treasurer The duties of the Treasurer s Office are to receive and safely keep the revenues and other public monies of the county, to invest surplus funds, and to distribute the monies collected to the proper recipients. Acting as the bank for the county, the Treasurer apportions taxes to local public entities such as school districts, fire districts, ambulance districts, sewer districts and other units of local government. All monies received through the Treasurer s Office are deposited into contract bank accounts that are fully federally insured. 7

10 Elected Officials - State of Missouri - Representing Franklin County Term Year Elected Year State of Missouri Office Name Party U.S. Senator Roy Blunt Four 2016 U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill Four 2014 U.S. Representative (District 3) Blaine Luetkemeyer Two 2016 Governor Mike Parson Four 2016 Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe Four 2016 Attorney General Josh Hawley Four 2016 Auditor Nicole Galloway Four 2014 Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft Four 2016 State Senator - 26th District Dave Schatz Four 2014 Treasurer Eric Schmidt Four 2016 Lt. Governor Parson was sworn in as Governor on June 1, 2018 to replace Eric Grietens. Senator Kehoe was appointed by Governor Parson on June 18, 2018 to complete term. State Representative Name Party Term Year Elected Year State Representative District 61 Vacant (formerly Justin Alferman) Vacant Two 2016 State Representative District 109 Paul Curtman* Two 2016 State Representative District 110 Kirk Mathews* Two 2016 State Representative District 119 Nate Tate Two 2016 Franklin County Name Party Term Year Elected Year Clerk of the Circuit Court (State of Missouri Position) Bill D. Miller Four 2014 Collector of Revenue Linda Emmons* Four 2014 County Assessor Tom Copeland Four 2016 County Auditor Tammy Vemmer Four 2014 County Clerk Debbie Door* Four 2014 County Commissioner District 1 Tim Brinker Four 2016 County Commissioner District 2 Dave Hinson Four 2016 County Treasurer Debbie (Willming) Aholt Four 2016 Franklin County Sheriff Steve Pelton Four 2016 Presiding Commissioner Tim John Brinker**** Griesheimer* Four 2014 Prosecuting Attorney Robert Parks* Four 2014 Public Administrator Mary Jo Straatmann Four 2016 Recorder of Deeds Jennifer Metcalf Four

11 Elected Officials - State of Missouri - Representing Franklin County Term Year Elected Year Judicial Office - Franklin County/State Name Party Presiding Judge (Not an elected position - selected by circuit judges) Isidore "Ike" Lamke Six 2016 Circuit Judge - Circuit 20, Division 1** Craig Hellmann Six 2012 Circuit Judge - Circuit 20, Division 2 Isidore "Ike" Lamke Six 2016 Associate Circuit Judge - Division V David Tobben* Four 2014 Associate Circuit Judge - Division VI David Hoven Four 2014 Associate Circuit Judge - Division VII Stanley D. Williams Four 2014 Judicial Office - Municipal Division Name Party Term Year Elected Year Franklin County Municipal Division*** Scott Fulford* Four 2016 New Haven Municipal Division Scott Fulford Two 2017 Pacific Municipal Division Daniel Leslie Two 2018 St. Clair Municipal Division A. David Arand Two 2017 Sullivan Municipal Division Michael Randazzo Undisclosed Two 2017 Union Municipal Judge A. David Arand Two 2017 *Retiring, term limit or not seeking reelection **Judge Hellmann was appointed by Governor Grietens on November 28, 2017 to replace Judge Gael Wood who retired as Circuit Court Judge in October 2017 due to age limit. ***Scott Fulford was appointed by Judge Lamke on December 28, 2017 to replace Judge Hellmann (elected in 2016 as County Municipal Judge) who was appointed by Governor Grietens to replace Judge Wood. ****Debbie Door names Tim Brinker as Acting Presiding Commissioner effective July 9, 2018, upon ***Scott Fulford was appointed by Judge Lamke on December 28, 2017 to replace Judge Hellmann (elected the retirement of John Griesheimer effective July 6, He will continue to serve as First District in 2016 as County Municipal Judge) who was appointed by Governor Grietens to replace Judge Wood. Commissioner. Anticipate appointment by Governor after the Primary Election. The Washington Municipal Court no longer operates after Dec. 31, 2017 after city officials agreed to disband the court due to new requirements imposed on city courts in Missouri. 9

12 Franklin County Central Committee Candidates The purpose of the Central Committee shall be to promote principles and to recruit, assist and elect candidates. To support the Constitution and laws of the United States of America and the Constitution and laws of the State of Missouri to the end that government shall be truly and in fact a government of the people, by the people and for the people. The Central Committee is designed to be a working, politically active committee, wherein each member holds responsibility for the activities and the functions for the Party and its structural subdivision (townships, wards, etc.) within the Central Committee District. The following individuals have filed for a seat on the Central Committee and will be sworn in at the reorganization meeting on the Third Tuesday of August. Candidates are elected every two years. Candidate names will not appear on the ballot since no opposing candidates. New committee members can be seated throughout the year so if you are interested in serving on the Central Committee, please contact Committee Chair, Trish Mitchell at or Committee Vice Chair, Dennis Hartmann at Township/Ward Committeewoman Committeeman Boles Township Sue Luedde* Tim Millerick* Calvey Township Roberta Robbie Brouk* Peter A. Kelly* Central Township Wendy Hartmann* Dennis Hartmann* Lyon Township Kathie Zuroweste* Don Brueggemann* Prairie Township Open Derek J. Sentinella* St. Johns Township Sue Hellebusch* Open Sullivan Ward 2 Sandra Davidson* Open Union Ward 3 Susan Ida Luedde* Open Union Township Pam Heitzmann* Tom Heitzmann* Washington Ward 1 Joy Gerstein* Open Washington Ward 3 Open John D. Scarborough* Washington Ward 4 Trish Mitchell* Mark Mitchell* Franklin County Townships/Wards with Committeeman and Committeewoman Additional Open Seats: Boeuf Township Pacific Ward 1 Sullivan Ward 1 Boone Township Pacific Ward 2 Sullivan Ward 3 Meramec Township Pacific, Ward 3 Union Ward 1 New Haven Ward 1 St. Clair Ward 1 Union Ward 2 New Haven Ward 2 St. Clair Ward 2 Union Ward 4 Washington Ward 2 *Individuals refiled for seat Your Township/Ward is based on where you reside. You can locate your Township/Ward at the Missouri s Voter Outreach Center: VOSearch.aspx or you can contact the County Clerk s office at Save the Date: General Election November 6, 2018 Did you know? In the 2016 General Election, Franklin County had 70,716 registered voters and 50,131 voted which was 70.89% of registered voters. Source: 10

13 Voting Information Missouri s election information is from the Secretary of State website at Missouri's Voter Outreach Center Your election information is based on where you reside. The Missouri s Voter Outreach Center will provide you with your polling place, upcoming elections, view candidates and issues and view your current districts. See sample below of information provided. Federal/State District County Districts Federal: Federal Judicial District: Circuit Court Circuit # Congressional District: Us Representative District # Commission: Commissioner # State Senate District: State Senate District # Legislative District: State House District # Supreme Court: Missouri Supreme Court Township: Name School: Name Appellate District: Eastern Appellate Court District #SHOWIT2VOTE: Missouri s new photo voter ID law (HB 1631), effective on June 1, 2017, outlines identification options for registered Missouri voters to use on Election Day at their polling location. Most Missourians have a Missouri Driver's License or Nondriver License, which is an acceptable photo ID for voting. Option 1: Provide a Missouri issued Driver or Non-Driver license, U.S. Passport, or Military ID Option 2: Provide a secondary form of identification, such as a paycheck or bank statement and sign a statement confirming their identity Option 3: If the voter has no form of identification, but is a registered voter, they may cast a provisional ballot Missouri s photo voter ID law also requires the state of Missouri to assist voters who might not have a photo ID with the process of obtaining one free Missouri non-driver license for the purpose of voting. Register to Vote: Voters may register in person at their County Clerk's office (Franklin County Government Center at 400 E. Locust, Ste. 20, Union). Voter registration applications are also available at a Department of Motor Vehicles office or any state agency providing service to the public. Your Voter Registration Form must be POSTMARKED by the 4th Wednesday before the election. Deadline to register for the Primary Election on August 7, 2018 was July 11, 2018 and the General Election on November 6, 2018 is October 10, Find Your Polling Place: You may contact the Franklin County Clerk s office at (636) or you can look up at Absentee Ballot: Deadline: Mail in or faxed absentee ballot requests must be received by the election authority no later than the 5:00 p.m. on the Wednesday prior to any election (August 1, 2018 for the August 7, 2018 Primary and October 31, 2018 for the November 6, 2018 General). Voters can vote by absentee in the office of the local election authority until 5:00 p.m. the night before the election. 11

14 Missouri Judiciary System The Missouri Judiciary consists of three levels of courts: The trial courts (also known as the circuit courts), an intermediate appellate court (the Missouri Court of Appeals) that is divided into three regional districts, and the Supreme Court of Missouri. Trial (Circuit) Courts of Missouri Missouri's counties and the city of St. Louis are organized into 46 judicial circuits. There is a court in every county. The circuit court is typically in the county seat (or the city of St. Louis) and may be in additional locations in the county. Missouri circuit courts are courts of original civil and criminal jurisdiction. That is, cases usually begin in the circuit court, which is where trials may occur. Within the circuit court, there are various divisions, such as associate circuit, small claims, municipal, family, probate, criminal and juvenile. Missouri is the 20th Judicial Circuit Court and serves Franklin, Gasconade and Osage counties Circuit Judges Craig Hellmann Ike Lamke Associate Judges David B. Tobben serving Franklin County David L. Hoven serving Franklin County Stan Williams serving Franklin County Ada Brehe-Krueger serving Gasconade County Robert D. Schollmeyer serving Osage County Missouri Court of Appeals The Missouri Court of Appeals is the intermediate appellate court. It handles appeals from the circuit courts. That is, if a party loses at the circuit court and believes a mistake was made, that party may file an appeal. The Court of Appeals handles all appeals except those in the Supreme Court's exclusive jurisdiction. (The Supreme Court has exclusive jurisdiction of challenges to the validity of a United States statute or treaty, the validity of a state constitutional provision or statute, cases requiring construction of revenue laws, the title to state office, and cases where the death penalty is imposed.) Cases initially decided by the Court of Appeals may be transferred from the Court of Appeals to the Supreme Court. Historically, less than ten percent of appeals are transferred to the Supreme Court. Thus, for the vast majority of appeals, the Court of Appeals decision is final. The Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District, is the state's largest appellate court, with offices in the historic Old Post Office building in downtown St. Louis. The Court is composed of 14 judges who handle approximately 50 percent of the intermediate appellate caseload in Missouri, covering 25 counties and the City of St. Louis. Oral arguments are regularly conducted in St. Louis, Hannibal, Cape Girardeau and other locations within the Eastern District. Franklin County is part of the Eastern District of the Missouri Court of Appeals. 12

15 Missouri Judiciary System Supreme Court of Missouri The Supreme Court of Missouri has been the state's highest court since 1820, when the first Missouri constitution was adopted. The Supreme Court's role is to ensure a stable and predictable system of justice by serving as the final arbiter of disputes involving the state's constitution and laws. As such, it hears and decides many of the most important and often the most controversial legal issues affecting Missouri citizens, businesses, organizations and even factions of government. What cases does the Supreme Court hear? Missouri voters have approved changes in the state's constitution to give the Supreme Court exclusive jurisdiction the sole legal power to hear five types of cases on appeal. Pursuant to article V, section 3 of the state's constitution, these cases involve: The validity of a United States statute or treaty. The validity of a Missouri statute or constitutional provision. The state's revenue laws. Challenges to a statewide elected official's right to hold office. Imposition of the death penalty. Unless their case involves one of those five issues, people who want a trial court's decision reviewed must appeal to the Missouri court of appeals. Most of these cases involve routine legal questions and end there. Certain cases, however, can be transferred to the Supreme Court at the Court's discretion if it determines that a question of general interest or importance is involved, that the laws should be re-examined, or that the lower court's decision conflicts with an earlier appellate decision. This is similar to the process the United States Supreme Court uses in choosing cases. Judges Missouri has 415 judges and commissioners. There are seven Supreme Court judges and 32 appellate judges on the three geographic districts of the intermediate court of appeals (the Missouri Court of Appeals). In the trial courts throughout the state, there are 142 circuit judges, 202 associate circuit judges, and 33 commissioners and deputy commissioners. The qualifications for judge are governed by article V, section 21 of the Missouri constitution. In most counties in the state, circuit judges and associate circuit judges are elected by popular vote. Vacancies during a term are filled by appointment by the governor until the next general election. In the urban areas of Kansas City, Springfield and St. Louis, circuit and associate circuit judges are selected pursuant to Missouri's constitutional nonpartisan court plan. All appellate judges, including those on the Supreme Court, are selected pursuant to the nonpartisan court plan. Judges who wish to serve beyond their term must seek another term. Judges subject to the nonpartisan plan must stand for retention at the general election prior to the expiration of their terms. Trial judges elected in partisan elections must seek reelection. Judges may serve until the age of 70. If a judge retires, resigns or dies during his or her term in office, a vacancy is created. Vacancies for judicial offices subject to the nonpartisan plan will be filled following that plan's procedure. For other vacancies, the governor appoints a new judge to fill any portion of the term of judicial office that remains. It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible - George Washington 13

16 MISSOURI FACTS Missouri's State Capitol State government in Missouri focuses on the state's beautiful, domed Capitol, dominating the bluffs of the Missouri River in Jefferson City. The dome, rising 238 feet above ground level and topped by a bronze statue of Ceres, goddess of vegetation, is the first view of Jefferson City for travelers arriving from the north. The structure is Jefferson City's leading tourist attraction and is a mecca for school groups who arrive by busloads, particularly during General Assembly sessions when they fill the galleries to watch the Senate and House of Representatives in action. In addition to housing the two legislative bodies, the Capitol provides office space for the governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, treasurer, state auditor and some administrative agencies. The structure is also notable for its architectural features, including its eight 48-foot columns on the south portico and six 40-foot columns on the north side; its 30-foot-wide grant stairway and its bronze front doors, each 13 by 18 feet largest cast since the Roman era. The Capitol's first floor features the State Museum. Outstanding paintings, pediments and friezes decorate the Capitol interior. A prime attraction is a series of Thomas Hart Benton murals in the House Lounge. Statuary is a prominent feature of the Capitol grounds. Heroic bronze figures depicting Missouri's two great rivers, the Mississippi and Missouri, and a 13-foot statue of Thomas Jefferson dominate the south entrance. A bronze relief depicting the signing of the Louisiana Purchase by Livingston, Monroe and Marbois and the Fountain of the Centaurs are the most outstanding features on the north grounds. The present Capitol, completed in 1917 and occupied the following year, is the third Capitol in Jefferson City and the sixth in Missouri history. The first seat of state government was housed in the Mansion House, Third and Vine Streets, St. Louis; the second was in the Missouri Hotel, Maine and Morgan Streets, also in St. Louis. St. Charles was designated as temporary capital of the state in 1821 and remained the seat of government until 1826 when Jefferson City became the permanent capital city. The first Capitol in Jefferson City burned in 1837 and a second structure completed in 1840 burned when the dome was struck by lightning on February 5, The present Capitol was constructed for $4,215,000, including site and furnishings. It is five stories high, 437 feet long, 300 feet wide in the center and 200 feet wide in the wings. The dome is 238 feet high and the height of the wings is 88 feet. In includes 500,000 square feet of floor space. Missouri Senate The Missouri Senate is the upper chamber of the Missouri General Assembly. It has 34 members, representing districts with an average population of 174,000.[1] Its members serve four-year terms, with half the seats being up for election every two years. ( en.wikipedia. org/wiki/missouri_senate#cite_ref-1 Missouri House of Representatives The Missouri House of Representatives is the lower chamber of the Missouri General Assembly. It has 163 members, representing districts with an average size of 37,000 residents. House members are elected for two-year terms during general elections held in even-numbered years. In 1992 Missouri approved a constitutional amendment providing term limits (previously there were no limits).[3] No Representative may serve more than eight years in the House. Each candidate for the office must be at least twenty-four years old, a registered qualified voter in the state for at least two years, and a resident of his or her district for at least one year.[4] Missouri's house is the fourth largest in the United States although the state ranks 18th in population. Legislation was introduced in 2011 to cut its size to 103 in Bigger legislatures in the United States are New Hampshire (400), Pennsylvania (203) and Georgia (180).[5][6] Wikipedia First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 ESV 14

17 STATE SYMBOLS Missouri's State Animal Missouri Mule On May 31, 1995, Governor Mel Carnahan signed a bill designating the Missouri mule as the official state animal. The mule is a hybrid, the offspring of a mare (female horse) and a jack (male donkey). After its introduction to the state in the 1820s, the mule quickly became popular with farmers and settlers because of its hardy nature. Missouri mules pulled pioneer wagons to the Wild West during the 19th century and played a crucial role in moving troops and supplies in World Wars I and II. For decades, the Show Me State was the nation's premier mule producer. (RSMo ) Missouri's State Bird On March 30, 1927, the native bluebird became the official state bird of Missouri. The bluebird, considered a symbol of happiness, is usually 6 1/2 to 7 inches long. While its upper parts are covered with light blue plumage, its breast is cinnamon red, turning rust-colored in the fall. The bluebird is common in Missouri from early spring until late November. (RSMo ) Missouri's State Floral Emblem On March 16, 1923, Governor Arthur M. Hyde signed a bill naming the white hawthorn blossom the official state floral emblem of Missouri. Known as the "red haw" or "white haw," the hawthorn (crataegus) is a member of the great rose family, which resembles the apple group. The hawthorn blossoms have greenish-yellow centers and form in white clusters. More than 75 species of the hawthorn grow in Missouri, particularly in the Ozarks. (RSMo ) 15 Missouri's State Song The "Missouri Waltz" became the state song under an act adopted by the General Assembly on June 30, The song came from a melody by John V. Eppel and was arranged by Frederic Knight Logan, using lyrics written by J.R. Shannon. First published in 1914, the song did not sell well and was considered a failure. By 1939, the song had gained popularity and six million copies had been sold. Sales increased substantially after Missourian Harry S. Truman became president, and it was reported that the "Missouri Waltz" was his favorite song. (RSMo ) Missouri's State Tree On June 20, 1955, the flowering dogwood (Cornus Florida L.) became Missouri's official tree. The tree is small in size, rarely growing over 40 feet in height or 18 inches in diameter. The dogwood sprouts tiny greenishyellow flowers in clusters, with each flower surrounded by four white petals. The paried, oval leaves are olive green above and covered with silvery hairs underneath. In the fall, the upper part of the leaves turns scarlet or orange and bright red fruits grow on the tree. (RSMo ) The State Exercise The jumping jack exercise was invented by Missouri-born Army General John J. Black Jack Pershing as a training drill for cadets when he taught at West Point in the late 1800s. The idea for the jumping jack designation came from students at Pershing Elementary School in St. Joseph. (RSMo ) Missouri's State Musical Instrument The fiddle became the state's official musical instrument on July 17, Brought to Missouri in the late 1700s by fur traders and settlers, the fiddle quickly became popular. The instrument was adaptable to many forms of music, could be played without extensive formal training and was light and easy to carry. For generations, the local fiddle player was the sole source of entertainment in many communities and held a position of great respect in the region. (RSMo )

18 Resources Alliance Defending Freedom American Minute Badge of Hope Ministries Bott Radio Network Concerned Women for America Defenders of the Unborn KLPW - Election Central Missouri GOP National Day of Prayer Thrive St. Louis United for Missouri U.S. Vote Foundation Franklin County Central Committee meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7:00pm in the Government Building in Union. Franklin Countywide Club meets the 1st Thursday of every month at 6:00p.m. Moe s Pizza in Washington. The Franklin County Federated Women (FCFRW) is a member of The Missouri Federated Women (MOFRW). Our objective is to promote an informed public through political education and activity, while fostering Party ideals. Our club is open to any voting age female resident of Franklin County who supports the Party Platform. Please come and join us at Krakow Store each 3rd Thursday of the month at 6:00 p.m. in the meeting room/restaurant. Jennifer Metcalf, President Second Blessings is a nonprofit organization that reaches out to the Franklin County Community to help keep families fed with a giving heart. Located at 105 East Main Street, Union, Missouri. Call (636) Every effort was made to make sure information is accurate and credit to the source. Information was gathered from the Missouri Secretary of State Office ( Missouri Courts ( and the Franklin County website ( franklinmo.org/) It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible - George Washington 16

19 QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER TO ASK THE CANDIDATES Here are some possible questions to ask the candidates to help you discern if the candidates have similar beliefs as you when it comes to moral issues, liberty and biblical beliefs. What do you believe is the Primary Role of the Government? Who do you consult with to arrive at an answer/solution for a major decision you have to make? Questions Candidate Name Candidate Name Candidate Name Candidate Name Candidate Name Candidate Name Are you a Christian? Do you believe Life begins at Conception? Do you believe Marriage should be between a man and a woman? What Church do you attend? Do you consider yourself Pro-Life? Do you support the Second Amendment? Do you believe Missouri should be a Right to Work state? Did you support Common Core for Missouri? Do you support Legalized Marijuana for Missouri? Are you in favor of Prescription Drug Monitoring? Do you read the Bible? Do you support Transgender Restrooms? Do you support defunding Planned Parenthood? Do you support Concealed Carry? Would you pursue Federal Grants? If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under. ~ President Ronald Reagan

20 Missouri State Facts State capital: Jefferson City Original state capital: St. Charles Admission to the Union: August 10, 1821 (24th state) Area: 69,704 square miles (21st in U.S.) Population: 5,988,927 (18th in U.S., according to 2010 Census) Most populated cities: Kansas City: 459,787 St. Louis: 319,294 Springfield: 159,498 Independence: 116,830 Columbia: 108,500 Center of national population: Plato, Missouri Highest point: Taum Sauk Mountain (1,772 ft) Lowest point: St. Francois River (230 ft) If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from the heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal the land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 God Bless America, my home sweet home!