I was asked the other day about my opinion on the August 5 Primary Election. I had not studied the issues at all, so I was honest and said I hadn’t been really paying attention. It wasn’t that I am not interested, it’s just that I have been busy with life, just like all of you. So I spent a day listening to interviews and reading articles by and about the issues and candidates. THESE ARE MY OPINIONS AND DECISIONS. DO NOT FEEL OBLIGATED TO TAKE MY WORD FOR IT, DO SOME OF YOUR OWN RESEARCH AND FORM YOUR OWN OPINIONS. YOU MAY NOT AGREE WITH ME AND THAT’S OKAY. So, here we go.

I vote Republican

US House of Representatives
Billy Long or Marshall Works
I am going to vote for Billy Long simply because the only thing I can find out about Marshall Works is that in 2012 he ran as a Democrat. I am sorry, but I don’t trust a person that has run as a Democrat for years and now changes to Republican. Besides if he had a record that would convince me to vote for him, it would be easy to find on a Facebook page. Like it or not, it’s Billy Long for me.

I vote for State House Rep 130
Jeff Messenger or Loren Hunt
I listened to interviews and I will vote for Loren Hunt because after listening to them both, I identified with Mr. Hunt more. I think Messenger is probably ok, however there are enough questions that I couldn’t find satisfactory answers for on Messenger. Basically, they both claim to be conservatives.

Greene County Commissioner
I want to vote for Jerry Fenstermaker, however, I think I will vote for Bob Cirtin. I think he is more of a “establishment” choice, however after hearing interviews, I feel safe with that choice. Mr. Fenstermaker has “turned around” troubled departments in private businesses and public offices.

Clerk of Circuit Court
Thomas Barr, Tony Bleau, and Michael Carr
I will vote for Michael Carr mainly because I couldn’t find much info on others and I have name recognition of Mr. Carr. He has been around Springfield for many years and I feel out of these choices, he is the strongest candidate.

Collector of Revenue
Leah Betts, Brooke Hobbs, Cynthia Baldwin
I am going to vote for Leah Betts. She is currently deputy and I wasn’t convinced by the interviews of Hobbs and Baldwin that make me believe they would do the job better. I also thing Hobbs tone has been a little too aggressive and I couldn’t find anything on her private life which does matter to me. Baldwin seems nice but just didn’t inspire confidence in her ability.

Greene County Auditor
Cindy Stein or John Dittrich
I am going to vote for John Dittrich. I have read articles about delayed audits and after listening to an interview of Cindy Stein who is the current auditor, I didn’t feel she answered for those delays. She seemed to talk around the issues. Mr. Dittrich has been a fraud examiner and I think it’s time for new blood there.

It would take a book to explain all the amendments so I will tell you my vote and a very brief explanation, however, if you don’t know enough information, I am of the opinion you should either not vote or err or the side of NOT amending our state constitution. A constitution should only be amended when necessary.

Amendment 1 – THE FARM AMENDMENT
NO – This is unnecessary and the language is way too vague. It could actually allow interpretation that would be more damaging and allow too much control from courts and government.

Amendment 5 – Deals with Gun Issue of Conceal and Carry
NO – There is also vague language in this that could affect veterans with mental issues. It is actually unnecessary. Without more info I must vote no.

Amendment 7 – 3/4 Sales Tax TRANSPORATION
NO – This is actually in a sense an issue of double taxation. Also the taxes would be controlled by an unelected commission, therefore oversight would be very difficult and really, do we need another tax?

Amendment 8 – Veterans Lottery
Yes – Why not? I mean if you believe that the “Education” Lottery has really given all that they could to Education then why not think that the Veteran’s Lottery will actually help the Veterans. To me this is kinda like buying into a scheme but if I am going to have to choose, if there is even a possibility that it could help the vets, then I must vote YES.

Amendment 9 – Privacy in use of Electronic Devices
YES – This adds to the right to expect privacy even on electronic devices. I am always for more privacy.

This is a very quick summary of election issues. Once again, look at all these and make up your mind. This is just what I am doing. PLEASE, TAKE SERIOUS YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE AND USE WHATEVER SOURCES AVAILABLE TO YOU TO MAKE YOUR CHOICES. PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR COUNTRY AND THAT GOD WILL LEAD YOU ALSO.