Candidates running for Cole County elected offices respond to the following questions that News Tribune readers submitted.
Eastern District commissioner candidates
How do you feel about Agenda 21-Sustainable Development? - Charlotte Schnieders
According to information from the United Nations, Agenda 21 is a comprehensive plan of action to be taken globally, nationally and locally by organizations of the United Nations System, governments and major groups in every area in which humans have an impact on the environment. It was adopted by more than 178 governments at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in June 1992. The United States did vote in favor of this.
Republican Jeff Hoelscher: "Against it. I wasn't familiar with it, but I researched it, and it is communism. Definitely not for it."
Democrat Ed Williams: "Agenda 21 is a grand plan with some noble goals, but decisions made in Cole County have to do what is best for citizens of Cole County. I believe the biggest threat to quality of life in Cole County comes from local people who try to take advantage of citizens for their own benefit. The best counter action is a well-informed electorate that participates in local government at every opportunity. I believe participation will prevent actions that are not in our interest."
Do you support countywide zoning? If so, please justify. - Hayden Combs
Hoelscher: "As a commissioner, I was for putting the question of countywide zoning on the ballot and letting the voters decide. There was no attempt to force zoning on Cole County. We put it on the ballot. It was not passed. The voters spoke, and it is a dead issue as far as I'm concerned.
"As a voter, I voted for it. Zoning was simply a tool to help protect us from non-conforming use of land around us. Let's face it, the county is changing and will continue to change. I am not for more government control and over-reach, but I do want to preserve the integrity of my property, my way of life. What we had proposed in the zoning document was easy to understand and work with."
Williams: "They expected to have uninformed voters in Jefferson City to outvote county voters. County voters voted 65 percent 'no' with JC voters voting 60 percent 'yes.' All Cole County residents get to vote on zoning (per state statute, not by the commission), and I think that it's a slap in the face to the voters inside of Jefferson City to be labeled 'uninformed.'"
Cole County public administrator candidates
Aside from being "born and raised here," what are your qualifications for the position? - Hayden Combs
Republican Joe Kuensting: "When I considered running for public administrator, being born and raised in this community was not part of what I considered my qualifications. However, serving the people of a community I have always called home makes you want to do the job better.
"The qualifications I have that make me feel I'm the best candidate for the job come from my experience working for the state of Missouri for approximately 30 years. The majority of my state service was with the Department of Mental Health (DMH), where my responsibilities included generating revenue for individuals with mental illness and developmental disabilities. I have been able to see firsthand the needs of these individuals and network with other entities (such as federal and state government agencies and insurance companies) to develop solutions to help better their lives. This also gave me the opportunity to work with public administrators and attorneys across the state of Missouri. I have experience with working with guardianships and estates of deceased individuals. My experience in auditing, financial and DMH provides me with the qualifications needed for the position of Cole County public administrator."
Democrat Jean Schwaller: "For the past 20-plus years, I have managed an international company dealing with diverse people and situations. I have structured and executed programs with individuals and groups who did not speak English, who could not read English, and who depended on me to convey knowledge and cultural aspects of America. I have both the knowledge and experience to manage effectively and to budget in a cost-saving manner a business; and these skills will transfer to the office of public administrator.
"I cared for an elderly couple by arranging staffing in their home 24 hours a day for approximately 18 months before 'home care' agencies were available. I managed my mother's care and affairs for more than 15 years as she declined with Alzheimer's. My husband had COPD - a chronic illness - and I have had years of personal experience with arranging medical care.
"I have handled several family members' estates and have experience with probate in several states. I have also worked in the legal system and have the integrity to manage financial issues in a transparent and conservative manner for the client's benefit.
"My experiences are extensive and varied and uniquely qualify me for the many demands of the office of public administrator."
Candidate forum scheduled Tuesday
Make plans to attend the Cole County Candidate Forum, hosted by News Tribune, at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Jefferson City Hall, 320 E. McCarty St.
The forum will feature Cole County Eastern District commissioner candidates Jeff Hoelscher and Ed Williams as well as Cole County public administrator candidates Joe Kuensting and Jean Schwaller.
The forum will be live-streamed on the News Tribune website, newstribune.com, and aired on JCTV.
Have a question for the candidates? Submit it via email to [email protected] or on Twitter with #MoVotes, and we'll incorporate it into the forum or follow up with their responses in a future article.