Missouri Representative, 140th District: Christiaan Horton, Democrat

Christiaan Horton, Democrat

Horton is a partner with The Law Firm of Neale & Newman LLP and a former Missouri Assistant Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division.

What is your plan to get the state budget back in line?

Horton favors a "performance-based budget review" approach toward state agencies that aren't using this model to better evaluate what spending goes on government wide.

On transportation, Horton said he would not recommend funding through taxes, but indicated toll roads and bonding measures might be plausible solutions.

He said a starting point might be similar to what Springfield did with its quarter-cent sales tax. People will support initiatives "if they see progress, if they see where their tax dollars are going." He opted for a broad, statewide approach to the issue, rather than just relying on the Missouri Department of Transportation.

On education funding, Horton said a method of payment that moved away from property tax models could be possible. He favors shifting the burden of expenses within the existing framework from seniors to others who will "receive more direct benefits from that strong education system."

What is your plan to stimulate the Missouri economy?

Promoting Missouri as a tourist destination, while developing areas like Springfield's Jordan Valley Park and Branson's future civic and convention center all help attract more visitors to the state, Horton said. "I would like to see us encourage that type of economic development."

Is the Senior Rx program an issue the state should be spending money on, or should it be the responsibility of the federal government?

"The question is, can we as a state make a big enough impact on that pharmaceutical industry or is this something that will have to be done at the national level?"

While "Missouri needs to work on finding solutions for the problem facing many seniors who are choosing between going to the grocery store and going to receive prescription medication at the pharmacy," he said "the ultimate progress will most likely be made at the national level."

How will you address the rising cost of health insurance and its impact on small businesses?

Horton said improving "insurance pool models" so smaller businesses can take advantage of risks that are spread across a broader base of entities could result in better premium rates for small businesses.

What is your position on workers' compensation reform?

Horton favors a "close review to see what we can do to prevent fraud from creeping into the workers' compensation equation," while continuing to provide compensation to deserving cases.

by Paul Schreiber

SBJ Reporter