As Rep. Jeanie Riddle, R-Mokane, looks to represent Missouri's 10th district in the state senate, Holts Summit resident Travis Fitzwater has started his campaign to replace Riddle in the Missouri House of Representatives.
Fitzwater is running for the 49th district, which includes the central and southern parts of Callaway County. The cities in the district include Fulton, Holts Summit and Mokane.
Currently, Fitzwater is the chief operating officer for the Missouri Pharmacy Association and sits on the Holts Summit Fire Protection District's Board of Directors. His work with the association has led him to Jefferson City, representing the association and working with legislatures. His work in Missouri's capitol, he said, will benefit him in his campaign for the House, as he has a deep understanding of Missouri's legislative process, and has "seen people working together."
Fitzwater said he's received local support from businesses, the Callaway County Republican Committee and Riddle. Fitzwater and Riddle walked together in the annual Fulton Jaycees Christmas parade.
If elected, Fitzwater said he would like to look at expanding energy opportunities in Callaway County, specifically with Ameren. Energy expansion would be equivalent to job expansion, according to Fitzwater. A specific way to possibly do this, he added, is to develop a small modular reactor, a lesser version of the current one.
"A small modular reactor would cost less but provide a major amount of energy and opportunites for jobs," Fitzwater said.
In relation to bettering business in the state, Fitzwater said tax incentives for businesses - like the current initiative with Boeing - should be more common. He said he wants to work on "lowering taxes and reducing regulations."
"It will help businesses keep more of what they earn and that goes for individuals as well," Fitzwater said.
Another major platform for his campaign, Fitzwater said, is the Fulton State Hospital. Although he admitted he has more to learn about the hospital, Fitzwater said it's a "huge piece of the community" and the hospital's employees need a better work environment. He described the current work environment as harsh and dangerous.
"Missouri needs a feasible and up-to-date facility," Fitzwater said.
Riddle said in November that improving the state hospital is on her agenda, and Gov. Jay Nixon will be in Fulton on Monday to propose the construction of a new state mental hospital. He will speak at 1:30 p.m. in the hospital.
This is Fitzwater's first time running for the House, but he has campaign experience. Fitzwater helped on both campaigns for his father-in-law, Rep. Tim Remole, R-Excello.
Fitzwater's motivation for running, he said, is his love for his community.
"I'm so thankful to live here ... I'm excited about this journey," Fitzwater said.
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