Taney County Meet the Candidates Night held

By CINDY THOMAS, Staff Writer

Taney County Federated Republican Women hosted a “Meet the Candidates” night on Thursday, June 2, at the Lions Club meeting room on East Hwy. 76 in Branson, co-sponsored by the Taney County Republican Central Committee.

To start the evening, interested citizens from across Taney County enjoyed refreshments provided by Golden Corral and McDonald’s while browsing information tables hosted by Republican candidates for U.S., Missouri, and Taney County offices along with their families, friends and volunteers. Many attendees said this informal time of meeting and asking questions was infinitely valuable in their research and would ultimately help them make their decisions for the August primary and the general election next fall. “Many of the candidates for the national offices appear similarly qualified on paper,” commented one man. “Talking with them personally was really helpful.”

Following the meet-and-greet, emcee Scott McCaulley moderated a three-minute window for each candidate to share about their qualifications, experience and priorities. Several of the Republican candidates for U.S. Senator from Missouri, as well as all the 7th District Congressional candidates, were on hand, plus State Auditor candidate Scott Fitzpatrick. In addition, Republican candidates for Associate Judge Division 1, Presiding Commissioner, and County Clerk addressed the audience. Current State Representatives Travis Smith, District 155, and Brian Seitz, District 156, rounded out the speaker list.

Some local candidates do not have opponents in the general election, while others are unopposed in the Republican primary but will face Democratic opponents in November. Some of the unopposed candidates had tables for personal conversation but chose to forgo addressing the audience, to allow more time for hearing from those in primary races to decide the Republican candidate for the general election.

Among candidates hoping to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt and U.S. Rep. Billy Long, who is himself a candidate for the Senate seat, certain topics garnered considerable focus, particularly with regard to actions taken by the current Presidential administration.

Candidates addressed inflation, gas prices and the need for energy independence; increased security in light of recent school shootings while protecting Second Amendment rights; election integrity; veterans’ issues; and more. While candidates varied with regard to suggested solutions, a common theme was that government’s purpose is to protect, not take away, individual rights, something several stated the current climate in Washington is not doing well.

At the state level, both Rep. Seitz and Rep. Smith as well as auditor candidate Fitzpatrick, who is currently state Treasurer, spoke to the need for a balanced budget, expressing concern that a budget must not continue the pandemic spending levels. The representatives addressed such concerns as federal overreach; keeping corporate taxes at levels that encourage Missouri business; support for veterans; keeping Missouri a strong pro-life state; and protecting the integrity of women’s sports. Both emphasized their commitment to being available and responsive to constituents.

County office candidates shared their varying experience including local family businesses and previous offices held, but a common theme was the importance of proactive citizen involvement, keeping local and state government constitutionally accountable. More information about candidates is available at their respective websites; many are also active on social media. A user-friendly sample ballot tool can be found at ballotpedia.org; and candidate lists plus helpful voter information such as polling places can be found on the county website, www.taneycounty.org. All candidates and the sponsors for the evening were united in urging citizens to do their research and get out and vote in the August 2 state and local primary and the November 8 general election.