Greg votes...

Good afternoon, y'all

Thought I'd offer some views on the bubble sheet I'll be filling in on Tuesday.  I don't think my precinct will have the touchscreen, but if they do, here's where my index finger will/would be pointing. (I know the title is lame, but it's the best I can do without sounding like Kevin Costner in "Swing Vote."

MISSOURI SENATE = Roy Blunt
Sorry, Robin Carnahan.  Both "Blunt" and "Caranhan" are well known names in Missouri politics, so no one can claim "outsider"status here.  And you've both done your share of mudslinging.  I just have no desire to see more of what I've seen over the past two years.

MISSOURI REPRESENTATIVE (8th District) = Jo Ann Emerson
Two years ago, Tommy Sowers could have REALLY made this interesting.  But, after the past two years, why reward the Democratic party with more ability to pass multi-thousand page bills at 11:30p.m. CST.  It'd only be hyperbole if they hadn't already done it TWICE...

STATE AUDITOR = Tom Schweich

CAPE COUNTY PRESIDING COMMISSIONER = Clint Tracy
I think his experience in Jefferson City as Cape Girardeau's representative will serve the county well.  Pat Wissman (D) has also voiced opposition to using the old federal courthouse as a replacement to the Common Pleas Courthouse, which would not make me want to vote for him regardless.

CAPE COUNTY RECORDER OF DEEDS = Janet Robert
About the only Democrat I'm voting for.  She's done the job admirably while she's been in that office.  I see no reason to chance something that's working well.

FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH :: over in Illinois, I'd be a supporter of Republican Mark Kirk over Democrat Alexi Giannoulias for the U.S. Senate, and Republican Bill Brady over Democrat Pat Quinn for Governor.  In a state that is MONTHS, bordering on YEARS paying it's obligations to schools, counties, and doctors, why would I want to reward the powers/party in charge with another term?  Take one good look at Alexander County, and tell me how things have improved over the last couple of years.  Can't run a sheriff's department with the squad cars (you can't buy save for some charity from another department in Florida!) that you can't afford to keep gassed up.  The city of Cairo, IL, is a whole set of depressed and forgotten about from the folks up in Chicago.

Those in Cape Girardeau will be asked (for the third time) if they support the licensing of gambling/gaming operations in the city.  A yes vote would allow the city to pursue the final gaming licence available in the state.  For what it's worth, I'd recommend a YES vote on this one.  Put simply, if Isle of Capri's operation puts 400-475 people to work in an area with unemployment bordering up against 10%, why not allow what would be SOUTHEAST MISSOURI'S 6 to 8TH LARGEST EMPLOYER?  The two hospitals, Southeast University, TG-Missouri (Perryville), Mary Lee-Gilster, and Noranda (I think) would be the only bigger employers.  Morality aside, it is legal in this state, and my libertarian side, seeing the pros outweigh the cons, says go for it.(See editorial, Sunday, Oct. 24, for a full perspective.)


Those in Jackson will also be asked to approve a 1/4 cent sales tax in order to allow the construction and manning of a new fire station to cover the east side of the town.  Jackson, you've been growing by leaps and bounds over the past two decades.  Part of being a bigger city is making sure you can effectively serve your population.  I'm surprised that Jackson is STILL a one-fire-station town.  I'd vote YES.

MO Proposition A would prevent cities and counties in Missouri, other than St. Louis and Kansas City (who already have them) from imposing an earnings tax, and would require the voters of St. Louis and Kansas City to hold separate votes every 5 years to determine if the earnings tax remains or is phased out over a 10 year period.  Once gone in those two cities, it could not return.  At first, I was very much in favor of this proposal -- it's no secret that I'm in favor of anything that makes it tougher for taxes to be increased, and easier for taxes to end.  And I see the success of Cape Girardeau's Transportation Trust Fund (TTF) taxes (now in it's FOURTH rendition) as proof of the effectiveness of sunset clauses.  But I'm a little concerned that the entire state is being asked to vote on something that most directly affects the two largest cities in Missouri.  Why aren't the citizens of those two municipalities making that decision.  Of course, if it were just a vote of those two cities, many of those who work in St. Louis city and Kansas City wouldn't have a say in things.  A little split on this one, but I'm thinking this will get a YES vote from me.

MO Proposition B would prevent large-scale dog breeding operations from neglecting dogs, establishing new baseline handling and care standards, and would put limits on the number of dogs available for breeding at each operation.  Also creates a new misdemeanor of "puppy mill cruelty."  My question is "why?"  Outside of seeing cute fluffy puppies horribly mistreated, the arguement that current law fully enforced wouldn't correct the situation hasn't been made.  It hasn't even been offered.  Plus, considering the anti-agriculture and anti-hunting stances of the Humane Society of the United States (not to be confused with the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri or your local animal shelter) and the ASPCA, the fine print worries me.  Voting NO on this one.  Try again.

MO Constitutional Amendment 1 = Require County Assessors to be elected from all counties.  Why is the state dealing with something that is best handled at the county level?  More importantly, why are people wanting to make a position that handles how much your property is valued in regards to property taxes an elected position?  Since I can't tell why this is on the ballot, voting NO.

MO Consitutional Amendment 2 = Exempt former prisoners of war with a disability that is the direct result of their service in our armed forces from property taxes on their homestead.  Granted, if anyone deserves a property tax exemption, it's those who've served in our military, especially POWs.  Only problem with this is that I can easily see a slippery-slope on this one.  What about police/firefighters/military killed in action...    Kinda SPLIT on this one.

MO Constitutional Amendment 3 = Prevent state, county, and other political entitites from imposing any new tax regarding transfer of real estate.  Property owners already pay property taxes every year.  Plus, I'm all for eliminating any additional paperwork, fees, delays and taxes when I'm buying the largest item most people own in their life.  Voting NO on this one.