A simple guide to understanding 2014 Missouri Ballot Questions

2014 Missouri Ballot Questions

(Reprinted from Axiom Strategies by Aaron Baker)

In 2014, voters will be asked to consider at least eight ballot issues. To add to the confusion, there may be two different proposals for “early voting” on the same ballot that will have much different consequences in future elections. The version with the most votes will be enacted into law.

The final two issues listed below, dealing with early voting and teacher tenure, are initiative petitions that have not received final approval at this time. However, organizers of both campaigns feel confident they have collected enough signatures to qualify for the ballot.

Measures for the August 5, 2014 ballot:

Amendment 1

Protecting the Right-to-Farm

Proposes amending the Missouri Constitution to include language forever guaranteeing the right of farmers and ranchers to engage in agricultural production and ranching practices.

From HJR Nos. 11 & 7 (5/14/13)

Sponsor Rep. Bill Reiboldt (R – Neosho)

Veterans Lottery Ticket

Proposes amending the Missouri Constitution to direct the state lottery commission to develop and begin selling a ‘Veterans Lottery Ticket’, from which all net proceeds would be deposited into the Missouri Veterans’ Commission’s capital improvement trust fund.

From HJR 48 (5/15/2014)

Sponsor: Rep. Sheila Solon (R - Blue Springs)

Amendment 7

Sales Tax Increase for Transportation

Proposes amending the Missouri Constitution to enact an additional sales tax to fund infrastructure projects including highways and roads.

From HJR 68 (5/14/2014)

Sponsor: Rep. Dave Hinson (R - St. Clair)

Protecting Electronic Communications and Data

Proposes amending the Missouri Constitution to include language stating that people shall be secure in their electronic communications and data from unreasonable searches and seizures as they are now likewise secure in their persons, homes, papers and effects.

From: SJR 27 (5/16/14)

Sponsor: Sen. Rob Schaaf (R – St. Joseph)

Right to Keep & Bear Arms

Proposes amending the Missouri Constitution to include a declaration that the right to keep and bear arms is an unalienable right and that the state government is obligated to uphold that right.

From: SJR 36 (5/7/13)

Sponsor: Sen. Kurt Schaefer (R – Columbia)

  

Measures for the November 4, 2014 ballot:

Amendment 2

Allowing Prior Sex Crimes with Minors to be considered by courts

Proposes amending the Missouri Constitution to allow relevant evidence of prior criminal acts to be admissible in prosecutions for crimes of a sexual nature involving a victim under eighteen years of age. 

From HJR 16 (5/17/13)

Sponsor Rep. John McCaherty (R – High Ridge)

Overriding Budget Withholds by Governor

Proposes amending the Missouri Constitution to include language relating to a governor’s fiscal management authority. 

From: HJR 72 (5/16/14)

Sponsor: Rep. Todd Richardson (R - Poplar Bluff)

Enacting Early Voting

Proposes amending the Missouri Constitution to permit voting in person or by mail for a period of six business days prior to and including the Wednesday before the Election Day in all general elections.

From: HJR 90 (5/14/14)

Sponsor: Rep. Tony Duggar (R – Hartville)

Measures still being certified for the November 4, 2014 ballot:

Ending Teacher Tenure

Proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting public schools from entering into new contracts having a term or duration in excess of three years with certificated staff with other provisions.

From: Initiative Petition 2014-024

Citizen Sponsor: Marc Ellinger

Enacting Early Voting

Proposes a constitutional amendment to provide all voters a period of six weeks prior to election day to cast a ballot in all federal and state general election at either a central location or satellite locations in larger population jurisdictions.

From: Initiative Petition 2014-067

Citizen Sponsor: Matthew Dameron

Don't miss this great program at Lafco GOP dinner meeting on June 26th in Higginsville: Sen. Kurt Schaefer (R-Columbia) to speak on why he opposes Medicaid expansion in Missouri.

Senator Kurt Schaefer - District 19
Visit his official senatorial page here.

Thursday, June 26 --Joint meeting of Central Committee and Friends and Federated Women's Club of Lafayette County at the Belarussian Baker and Restaurant, Higginsville. 

Two meat-buffet dinner at 6:30 PM with program to follow. No business meeting. Dinner is Dutch Treat and includes two meats, potato, vegetable, salad, coffee or tea, and dessert bar. Wine and beer cash bar. 

RSVP dinner reservation to kayhoflander@yahoo.com

LOCATION: Dinner meeting at the Belarussian Baker and Restaurant, 2010 Shelby, Higginsville, MO.  Facebook: The Belarussian Baker 

PROGRAM: Sen. Kurt Schaefer (R-Columbia) to speak on why he opposes Medicaid expansion in Missouri.  For more information, click here.

Glen Kolkmeyer seeks second term as State Representative of 53rd District; achieves Freshman Legislator of the Year Award

Glen Kolkmeyer, is seeking his second term as State Representative of the 53^rd District.  He currently represents Lafayette County and parts of Jackson and Johnson counties.  He was elected to his first two-year term in November 2012. 

As a freshman legislator, the Speaker of the House, Tim Jones appointed Kolkmeyer to Vice-Chairman of the House Transportation Committee.  He was also named Freshman Legislator of the Year for his work on Transportation issues. 

Kolkmeyer commented “It has truly been an honor to serve the citizens of the 53^rd District.  I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished these past two years to make Missouri a better place for our children and grandchildren.

In addition to his legislative duties, Representative Kolkmeyer is owner and CEO of Energy Transport Solutions, Inc. for 26 years.  He was also the Fire Chief for Wellington-Napoleon Fire Protection District for 20 years.  He was an Emergency Medical Technician for 29 years.

In 2008, Governor Matt Blunt appointed Kolkmeyer to serve on the newly formed Missouri Propane Gas (safety) Commission.  He served as chairman of the commission for two years, and is currently serving on the executive committee.

He was a former president of the Missouri Propane Gas Association and Lafayette County Firefighters Association.  He is also the current president of the Lafayette County Law Enforcement Restitution Fund, a past board member of the Wellington-Napoleon Protection District and the Lafayette County 9-1-1 Advisory Board.  A member of National Rifle Association and the Missouri Trucking Association,

Representative Kolkmeyer currently resides in rural Wellington with his wife, Lisa.  They attend Calvary Baptist Church in Odessa.  They have a son Eric and a daughter Emily and four grandchildren. The Kolkmeyers love to travel, camp, and spend time with family and friends especially their grandchildren.  

Meet Russell Kruse, Republican candidate for Associate Circuit Judge, Division 2, Lafayette County, in the November 2014 general election. Kruse is unopposed in the August Republican primary.

KRUSE FOR JUDGE

Meet Russell Kruse, Republican candidate for Associate Circuit Judge, Division 2, Lafayette County. Please visit his website at attached link: http://www.kruseforjudge.com/and learn more about this outstanding candidate for "probate judge". Kruse for Judge 2014!

Kruse: "I am a country lawyer, raised with small town values, seeking the judgeship of the Division 2 associate circuit of Lafayette County, MO. After 28 years of professional service to clients, municipalities, county officials, businesses and clients, I will use my experience and knowledge to dispense justice, tempered with mercy, to those who come to the court. Judges are public servants, and I pledge to take the  job in a servant’s role with dignity and integrity. Although our constitution places this race on a partisan ticket, justice is not for parties, but rather for people, without regard to their politics, personalities, religion, or wealth."   

Read more on his website and help support this fine candidate for Associate Circuit Judge!

Resume, qualifications and business affiliations: click here.

Harold Hoflander running for re-election as Lafayette County Presiding Commissioner

Harold Hoflander for Presiding Commissioner

From left: Harold Hoflander, Presiding Commissioner, Linda Niendick, County Clerk, and Jim Strodtman, retired Presiding Commissioner (served 20 years)

It's hard to believe that I am in my fourth year as Presiding Commissioner of Lafayette County. I filed for re-election in February and will be on the November ballot, running unopposed. I am grateful for the support so many have given me during my first term, and I am looking forward to continuing to serve Lafayette County to the best of my abilities during my second term in office.

This photo was taken on December 31, 2010, when Linda Niendick, Lafayette County Clerk, administered the oath of office to me, and we were joined by Jim Strodtman, who retired after 20 years as Presiding Commissioner. It was a pleasure to work with Jim in the transition process back then, and it has been an honor and pleasure to serve with our County Clerk Linda Niendick during my first term. I encourage you to remember to vote in the August 5 primary in which Linda is up for re-election. We are fortunate in Lafayette County to have excellent public servants such as Linda and the other elected officials that I work with each day at the Courthouse. Thank you all.