Stoddard County voters will have the opportunity to go to the polls Tuesday to vote in the Primary Elections and a Special Election to fill out the term vacated by former Rep. Dennis Fowler in the Missouri House of Representatives. Bloomfield voters will also have an issue on the ballot asking to approve a $10 million revenue bond issue to finance improvements to the water and waste waster systems.
In addition to the Republican and Democratic ballots, there will be ballots for Constitution and Libertarian Parties.
One of the most heated campaigns is for Associate Circuit Judge, Division III. Incumbent Steve Mitchell of Dexter is being challenged by Bradley D. Jarrell of Dexter. Both filed as Republicans. It is the only contested primary position on any of the ballots.
Mitchell currently holds the position of Associate Circuit Judge. He has campaigned on his experience as an attorney in private practice for 25 years and as an elected judge for the past 15 years. He also cites his work with the Chamber of Commerce, Industrial Development Authority and his term as attorney for Stoddard County 911 Services as experience that makes him more qualified for the position. His community involvement includes being a board member of Dexter Memorial Hospital Home Health Agency, the Dexter Senior Healthcare Network Coalition and the Friends of Dexter Public Library.
Jarrell has a private law practice in Dexter. He cites experience gained in over a decade of law practice and as a staff member in the state Senate. He also cites his experience as a special prosecutor and Guardian Ad Litem for Stoddard County.
The special election pits Republican Tila Rowland Hubrecht against Democrat Ryan Wm. Holder. The winner of the election will complete the unexpired term for Dist. 151 State Representative, vacated when Fowler resigned late last year. The term will expire at the end of this year.
Both Holder and Hubrecht are running for the same position in the Primary Election. Holder is unopposed, while Hubrecht and Brandon A. Cooper will appear on the ballot as Republican candidates. Hubrecht has led an active campaign, while Cooper has been low profile.
There are five amendments on the ballots. Amendment 1 is commonly called "The right to farm," Amendment 5 guarantees citizens the right to keep and bear arms on the state level, Amendment 7 would levy a three-quarters of one percent tax for transportation projects for 10 years, Amendment 8 would establish a "Veterans Lottery Ticket," and Amendment 9 would require the same level of protection to electronic communication devices as are required for homes and, papers and personal effects.
A closer look at the two candidates vying for State Representative in the Special Election follows: