As Republicans, we believe in the principles of fiscal responsibility, limited government and free enterprise.
And as former state lawmakers, we appreciate those unique leaders who can bring Republicans and Democrats together to get things done for the good of our state.
That’s why we’re proudly endorsing Gov. Jay Nixon for a second term.
Make no mistake, there’s a time and a place for partisan politics and we’re proud of the tough battles we’ve fought for our party.
But when the campaign season was over, we went to Jefferson City knowing that we had to reach across the aisle to do what was best for our constituents and move our state forward. That’s how Jay Nixon has governed from Day One.
Over the past four years, Gov. Nixon has worked with Republicans in the General Assembly to balance the budget every year without a single tax increase.
He cut more than a billion dollars in spending and saved taxpayers millions by making government more efficient and by eliminating unnecessary programs. By eliminating waste, the governor has been able to focus spending on where it matters most: job creation and public education.
When Washington politicians were fighting and finger-pointing and spending money we didn’t have, Gov. Nixon went a different way; working across the aisle to help businesses create jobs and protect Missouri’s perfect AAA credit rating.
Because Gov. Nixon knows that fiscal responsibility isn’t a Republican value or a Democratic value, it’s a Missouri value — a principle that Missouri families live by each and every day.
This strong, independent leadership has helped our state through some tough times. And it doesn’t get any tougher than the aftermath of the EF-5 tornado that hit our neighbors in Joplin just 15 short months ago. In the wake of unspeakable tragedy and devastation, there wasn’t any bickering or hand-wringing.
Gov. Nixon brought people together, tackled the challenge head-on and never gave up. Ask folks in Joplin today what they think of Jay Nixon and they’ll tell you, with pride: He’s our governor and he’s been there for us every step of the way.
There’s more work to be done in Joplin and in communities across the state, but today Missouri is coming back stronger. Record investments by Ford and General Motors have brought our auto industry back from the brink.
Missouri’s unemployment rate is well below the national average. And here in our region, Springfield ranked third nationally in job growth last year, driven by dramatic expansions at companies like Expedia.
The progress we’ve made didn’t happen by accident. It’s a testament to the resilience of the Missouri people and the tireless efforts of their governor: a decisive, independent leader who brings people together and gets things done.
Jay Nixon has earned our endorsements and our votes this November. We hope you will consider giving him yours.
Former Rep. B.J. Marsh
R-Springfield
Former Rep. Chuck Wooten
R-Nixa
Former Rep. Maynard Wallace
R-Thornfield
Opinion
Your View: Former Republican lawmakers endorse Nixon for second term
- Opinion
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Our View: Finding the way forward
Communication failures and the lack of a clear mission have given rise to turmoil and discord at Missouri Southern State University. The antidote to this is openness, frankness and the articulation of a well-defined purpose as the school moves forward.
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Your View: Finding audience for Bard
It was interesting to see Globe columnist Mike Pound’s recollection of college studies of the Bard of Avon in association with the upcoming production of “Macbeth.”
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Your View: Shifting opinions
I have a suggestion for a Joplin Globe feature. Reprint all the letters and columns from years past that were in favor of the Patriot Act and how people who showed any concern over it “wanted the terrorists to win.”
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James Whitford, guest columnist: New definition needed
I remember meeting a man on the main road through Fond Parisien, a small community on the eastern side of Haiti.
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Our View: Connecting the town
Well before the 2011 tornado, Joplin had a problem with “connectivity.” That’s right. The flow of traffic — whether it be cars, pedestrians or bicyclists — has been a sore spot with us for years.
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Your View: Bold leadership needed
Dear City Council Members, Let me first thank you for your service to our community.
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Other Views: Debt of honor
In Afghanistan, the Taliban have promised to kill Afghans who worked for the Americans and their families. In Iraq, similar threats were made by radical Islamic insurgents.
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Herb Van Fleet, guest columnist: Big Brother is always watching and listening
Sen. Church made that statement 38 years ago. He chaired a committee that was formed to develop legislation to rein in the CIA, FBI, NSA and other intelligence agencies, which had been operating outside the bounds of the law, including the Constitution.
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Geoff Caldwell, guest columnist: Jury still out on whistle-blower’s actions
Whether you see Edward Snowden as a hero, a traitor or something in between, there is no denying that the admitted “leaker” has opened up an industrial-size can of National Security Agency worms.
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Trish Patton, guest columnist: Downtown group needs stakeholders' support
On Tuesday the Downtown Joplin Alliance (DJA) tabled the Community Improvement District (CID) initiative.
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