MoBikeFed Voter Guide: Missouri House Candidates

The Missouri Bicycle Federation sent information to all candidates for office in Missouri this year, and invited each candidate to provide a statement of their position on bicycling and walking issues.

The statements from Missouri House candidates are below.

Please note that this is not an endorsement of any particular candidate or party--MoBikeFed is simply passing along verbatim the information that each candidate has provided to us. This information must, of course, be considered in context together with other available information about the candidates to make a complete, informed voting decision.

Missouri House District 4

* Mike Thomson (R) - thomson4rep@earthlink.net http://www.mikethomson.org/

* Richard R. Oswald (D) - roswald@rpt.coop http://www.RichardROswald.com

Mike Thomson has responded with this statement:

Bicycling is more that just a great sport. It is a relaxing way to stay
fit and a good mode of transportation for those short trips around town. I
would encourage the use of bicycles.

Mike Thomson
Mike.Thomson@house.mo.gov

Richard R. Oswald has responded with this statement:

I enjoy bicycling and walking myself, and bicycling obviously conserves
energy as well as being enjoyable exercise.

Count me in.

Richard R. Oswald
660.787.0222 mobile
660.744.2513 home
roswald@rpt.coop

Missouri House District 59

* Jeanette Mott Oxford (D) - jeanette.oxford@house.mo.gov,
http://www.jmo4rep.com

* Michael J. Peters, Jr. (L) - ?

Jeanette Mott Oxford has responded with this statement:

Thank you for offering to pass on a message to your members in my
district.

I am indeed anxious to make my district and the entire state a place where
walking and biking are safe and frequently utilized. Since I am an
overweight person who struggles to lose weight and occasionally gets going
in the right direction, at least temporarily, I know the benefits of
regular exercise.

I have enjoyed biking and walking and encourage urban planning that
maximizes opportunities for citizens to do both.

I appreciate the web links that you have provided so that I can learn more
about how to be an advocate for walkers and bikers. I look forward to
working with you in the 2009 Legislative Session.

JMO

Jeanette Mott Oxford
State Representative - 59th MO House District
314-771-8882 (home); 314-775-8940 (cell)
2910 Lemp, St. Louis, MO 63118
www.jmo4rep.com

Missouri House District 60

* Jamilah Nasheed (D) - Jamilah.Nasheed@house.mo.gov

Ms. Nasheed has responded with this statement:

The Missouri Bicycle Federation has my full support. I look
forward to working with you to improve the environment for
bicycling and walking in Missouri. Together, we will work to
increase the number of walking and bicycling trails and bicycle
routes.

Sincerely,

Jamilah Nasheed
State Representative
District 60
Jamilah.Nasheed@house.mo.gov
Web page: http://www.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills081/member/mem060.htm

Ms. Nasheed is running unopposed in this election.



Missouri House District 83

* Jake Zimmerman (D) - Jake.Zimmerman@house.mo.gov

Zimmerman has responded with this statement:

I'm not much of a cyclist, but I regularly walk from 4-10 miles a day for
pleasure and exercise. So as you can imagine, I'm pretty sensitive to the
importance of livable spaces with room for cyclists and pedestrians. (I
sure notice the difference between areas with good sidewalks and those
without them, especially at night!)

Improving our infrastructure to help get more people outdoors and moving
under their own power is good for our communities, good for our public
health, and - ultimately - good for economic development, too. I look
forward to working with members of the Bicycle Federation and other
interested parties to improve Missouri's record in this area.

All the best,

Jake Zimmerman
Missouri State Representative
District 83

Jake.Zimmerman@house.mo.gov
http://www.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills081/member/mem083.htm

Mr. Zimmerman is running unopposed in this race.



Missouri House District 87

* John J. Diehl, Jr. (R) - ?

* Mark Zoole (D) - mark@markzoole.com, http://www.markzoole.com

Mark Zoole has responded with this statement:

I am Mark Zoole, Democratic candidate for the Missouri House of
Representatives in the 87th Circuit (the St. Louis County area including
Brentwood, Ladue, Warson Woods, Frontenac, and Rock Hill).

I ride a Fuji touring bike, and my wife, Jen, prefers her hybrid. We often
take weekend bike trips throughout Missouri, Iowa south-central Illinois,
doing usually no more than fifty miles or so in a day depending on how many
bakeries we find along the way.

A few years ago, we took a week-long bike trip through Wisconsin where I
did my first century.

Cycling is important to me and I would enthusiastically support it and work
closely with the Missouri Fed as a member of the Missouri House.

Mark Zoole
1200 So. Big Bend Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63117
(314) 647-1200
zoole@sbcglobal.net

Missouri House District 89

* Timothy W. Jones (R) - tim@timwjones.org, http://www.timwjones.org/

* George D. "Boots" Weber (D) - geoboots@aol.com, http://georgedweber.com

Tim Jones has responded with this statement:

Thank you for contacting me with the message and request.

In response I am stating that I do very much look forward to working with
bicyclists and pedestrians in my district about issues of concern to them.


As an avid runner myself, a sport that I have enjoyed for over twenty
years, I know how important and vital it is to provide for safety and
security for all individuals who use our public roadways, including
pedestrians, runners, joggers and bicyclists.

Thank you.

Tim Jones
State Representative-89th District
tjones@dosterguin.com

Missouri House District 91

* Randy Jotte (R) - randy@randyjotte.com, http://www.randyjotte.com/

* Jeanne Kirkton (D) - jkirkton@earthlink.net, http://www.jeannekirkton.com

Randy Jotte has responded with this statement:

Thanks for your inquiry. I believe bicycling and hiking are great avenues
of recreation and provide both mental and physical health.

I have frequented Grant's trail with my wife and two children, ages 9 and
11. I believe trails for hiking and bicycling are a true public asset and
have supportd such programs in Webster Groves as a member of our city
council. I intend to do the same as a member of your general assembly.

The 91st House District includes all of Glendale, Oakland, and Shrewsbury
and most of Webster Groves.

Thank you.

Randy Jotte
Republican Candidate, House District 91

Jeanne Kirkton has responded with this statement:

I am the Democratic candidate for state representative in H-91, which
includes Glendale, Oakland, Shrewsbury and most of Webster Groves.

Your issues are my issues. I have been a long time member of Trail Net and
Rails to Trails. Bike trails are an important topic to me personally and
as a Webster Groves City Councilmember. We work closely with Great Rivers
Greenway on the bicycle/pedestrian trails that are planned to run through
our city.

I am a huge proponent of pedestrian-friendly cities and support the
Complete Streets initiative. As a nurse, I understand the importance of
getting people out of their cars and on their feet. It's a win-win for
everyone in terms of personal health, a cleaner environment and decreasing
reliance on fossil fuels.

Thank you for contacting me. You may count on me as an ally.

Sincerely,
Jeanne Kirkton

Missouri House District 95

* Mike Leara (R) - mleara@gmail.com, www.mikeleara.com/

* Alice Geary Sgroi (D) - aandpsgroi@yahoo.com, alicegearysgroi.com/

Alice Geary Sgroi has responded with this statement:

I am delighted to support bicycling, running, and walking. As a former
bicycle rider who hopes to return to the activity, I enjoy cycling as well
as walking.

I consider these activities not only as recreation, but they can also help
reduce the use of fossil fuels and relieve traffic congestion. This is
beneficial for decreasing the strain on oil supplies (with potential
effects on prices) and their pollution which is harmful to the environment,
can speed up global warming, and is injurious to health (directly from lung
disease, not to mention obesity and other effects of a sedentary life
style.)

I do most certainly look forward to working with bicyclists and pedestrians
about issues of concern to them, whether about safety or an increase in
bicycle- and walking-friendly routes.

Alice Geary Sgroi
Candidate House District 95
aandpsgroi@yahoo.com

The other candidate, Mike Leara, has not yet responded with a
statement.


Missouri House District 110

* Belinda Harris (D) - Belinda.Harris@house.mo.gov

Ms. Harris has responded with this statement:

My adult children recently bought me a new, old-style bicycle. I love it. I
never was the fan of hand breaks and my enjoyment was for pleasure and
exercise, not speed so the bike from my past was what I wanted.

I go riding with my granddaughters, an eight year old and a six year old.
The three year old is using training wheels and the one year old is looking
for a seat on my bike!

Bicycling is the best exercise and gives me an opportunity to socialize
with my granddaughters.

State Representative Belinda Harris
District 110
Belinda.Harris@house.mo.gov
http://www.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills081/member/mem110.htm

Ms. Harris is running unopposed in this election.



Missouri House District 113

* Mark J. Bruns (R) - 573.635.9903, Mark.Bruns@house.mo.gov,
http://house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills081/member/mem113.htm

* Al Mueller (D) - 573-634-9121, allanmueller@hotmail.com,
http://almueller.org/

Mark Bruns has responded with this statement:

I support initiatives such as bicycling and walking for the obvious health
reasons, in addition to the fact they are excellent transportation
alternatives.

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss these and any other issues with
my constituency.

Mark Bruns
District 113
Mark.Bruns@house.mo.gov

Al Mueller has responded with this statement:

I have always supported ideas that encourage the use of bicycles for
recerational and transportation needs. I was previously a State Rep. and
in 1976 had an amendment adopted to the St. Louis BiState sales tax that
would have require a modest percentage of the collections to be used for
bike paths in the St. Louis metropolitian area. The amendment died in a
conference committee.

I believe we need to encourage the use of bicycles as an alternative to the
vehicles in the cities across Missouri. I look forward to working with the
federation to meet that goal.

Al Mueller
allanmueller@hotmail.com

Missouri House District 123

* Chris Molendorp (R) - chris@chrismolendorp.org, http://www.chrismolendorp.org

* Juan I. Alonzo (D) - http://www.juanalonzo.com

Chris Molendorp has responded with this statement:

Thank you for your email. I appreciate your interest in my campaign.

I do indeed look forward to working with you on issues of concern to
pedestrians and bicyclists.

As a former member of the Raymore, MO Park Board and the Raymore, MO City
Council, I am familiar with the concept of "complete streets". While often
a municipal issue, MODOT needs to be aware of the needs of everyone who
uses the roads they design. Not just motorists.

I'm also walking a lot; like many Americans I'm battling obesity. I've
lost over 30 pounds this year as a result of walking. My wife Julie and I
have often had the same feeling most of your members have had: "that car
didn't see me!" Many collector and arterial streets simply don't have
sidewalks.

I understand your organization's push to bring awareness to this issue.

In addition, I'm hopeful the KATY Trail will connect someday to Pleasant
Hill (Cass County) just east of my district. This will be a great asset
for the pedestrians and bicyclists in this area.

Thanks so much for your interest in my race. Your members could log onto
www.chrismolendorp.org to learn more.

Warmest Wishes,
Chris Molendorp
Republican Nominee, 123rd District
chris@chrismolendorp.org

Missouri House District 126

* Edgar Emery (R) - Ed.Emery@house.mo.gov http://www.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills081/member/mem126.htm

* Linda Marie Crane (D) -
lindamariecrane126@live.com www.lmcranemostaterep126.com/

Ed Emery has responded with this statement:

Although I never biked competitively I have biked many miles for
transportation, exercise, and pleasure. Since moving to rural Missouri, my
bikes have not really fit the terrain. I am not sure what public policies
may hinder your efforts to promote biking, but it would be a pleasure to
hear your ideas and concerns.

Sincerely,
Ed Emery

Linda Marie Crane responded with this statement:

Great! I did not know this organization existed, but you sound great and
have my suppport; I teach in Springfield, Central High, and got to see
some of the Tour of Missouri this year and last....

My next door neighbor, on our dirt road way back in the boonies home is
Rick Mayer, who works for Greenways out of Greene Co...the bike and walking
trail made from the old railroad - I drive along it every day, as I go to
work.

I think biking is great, I think walking is great, whether I gain office
this time or not, you have my support; Please put me on your mailing
list..thanks,

Linda Crane
lindamariecrane126@live.com

Missouri House District 127

Candidate: Thomas Flanigan (R)

Flanigan has responded with this statement:

As a member of the Carthage, Mo City Council I supported and voted for
improvements to the Carthage portion of the Ruby Jack Trail.

I look forward to working with you and your organization on issues we can
agree on.

Sincerely,

Tom Flanigan
Missouri House of Representatives
Representative-Elect
District 127
PO Box 1034
Carthage, Mo 64836
www.flanigan08.com

Mr. Flanigan is running unopposed in the District 127 race.


Missouri House District 141

* Jay Wasson (R) - Jay.Wasson@house.mo.gov,
http://www.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills081/member/mem141.htm

* Ron Shawgo (D) - ron@ronshawgo.com, http://www.ronshawgo.com

Ron Shawgo has responded with this statement:

Thank you for your interest in my candidacy.

Of course I support this federation! I used to ride but have had to resort
to the walking trails now with two new knees.

Since I have been canvassing this whole district I have also noticed a lack
of sidewalks in many of the subdivisions, new as well as older, and this
district has no such thing as bike lanes on any of the roads, however poor
lighting needs to be addressed first before bikers are able to ride safely.

Walking trails are becoming more abundant as communities begin to
concentrate on family health, but I think we still need more people
involved in the out doors........

Ron Shawgo
ron@ronshawgo.com

The other candidate, Jay Wasson, has not yet responded with a
statement.