Publisher’s note: The following Q&A represents the candidate’s views verbatim, as submitted via email in response to our questions, and have not been edited. Questionnaires containing 10 queries, with the intent to run five in on Oct. 16 and five on Oct. 23, were sent to State Rep. candidates Scott Cupps, R-Shell Knob (incumbent), and Yma Sautbine, D-Eagle Rock, as well as State Sen. candidates Mike Moon, R-Ash Grove (incumbent), and Ron Monnig, D-Eagle Rock. Candidates were given nine days to return their answers. Sautbine was the only candidate who submitted responses. The General Election will be held Nov. 5. – KT

Age: 53

Current Occupation: Small Business Owner (of Pirate Sand Bar)

Past Experience: Working on numerous political campaigns

Education: Two years of college

1. Why do you want to be a state representative?

The very reason I decided to run was my experience living in Eagle Rock, and having a business here.

The rampant crime and drug activity has gone unchecked. There is little reason for the criminals of this area to stop, as there seems to be a complete lack of prosecution here. It’s as if they can’t see the forest for the trees, but, to a fresh set of eyes (who are directly stationed in the heart of it), it is unfathomable.

Zombies roaming the streets, businesses, and the thin sides of the unforgiving highways, generally freaking out and screaming their obscenities, doesn’t make this area safer, much less, seem to be a desirable place to be.

I want to help our law enforcement grow, and give them higher pay for the task of dealing with this garbage. I, personally, wouldn’t want to approach these madmen roaming the streets, much less have to deal with the fact they are not reprimanded for their unsavory actions.

Last year, there were only NINE drug offenses that were deemed criminal in all of Barry County. I know a whole group of people who could find you nine people, clearly on drugs, in about 20 minutes around here.

I know that my response might sound harsh, but people are rightfully scared, and something needs to be done.

2. If elected, what is your top priority as a legislator?

Again, my top priority will be dealing with the crime and drug-addiction related disturbances that are rampant here.

I plan to implement a multi-modal approach to dealing with this issue that involves working with and funding law enforcement, educators, social service professionals…and even the arts community.

Basically, I will work with anyone who wants to be a part of dealing with this issue—and who wants to work toward making our district more safe and more awesome.

3. If elected, how do you hope to use your position to directly benefit your constituents?

If elected, I will actually listen to the needs of constituents. So often, people have issues working with state-based systems — like with unemployment or the Department of Revenue — not because of anything they have done wrong, but because of shortcomings in these systems. If I am elected, I will let people know that no matter how much B.S. these systems give them— they have a champion in their representative and her office.

4. What is your opinion of the current state of the Missouri legislature, and
how do you hope to have a positive impact?

I believe that the Missouri legislature is too much about partisan politics and not enough about representing the people and what is right. If I am elected, you can count on me to be fair and balanced and to put the needs of District 158 above that of any political agenda or special interest.

5. Where do you stand on constitutional amendments via initiative petition?

As I have noted, I believe that the Missouri legislature is too partisan. Sometimes, the will of the people is going to differ from that of our elected officials — even those who share our political affiliation — even those we have voted for.

We, the people, need a way to make our voices to be heard — and one of the most important ways we can do that is through constitutional amendments via initiative petition.