Two candidates are competing for the Missouri District 54 Republican nomination in the Missouri House of Representatives during the Missouri Primary Election on Aug. 4.
Incumbent candidate Brandon Phelps and newcomer Joe Plemons will be vying to face Democratic candidate Taigan Plummer in the Nov. 4 general election
Each candidate was asked to fill out a questionnaire. Answers were limited to 150 words and are listed in alphabetical order by last name. The candidates' responses have only been edited for length, grammar, clarity and punctuation.
Why are you running for office?
Phelps: I am running to be our State Representative for the 54th District because I have a passion for serving our community and a desire to improve our government for the people of Johnson County and the great State of Missouri. It has been a tremendous honor to represent
this district for the past two years and I am very motivated to continue the important work of
advocating for Johnson County values within the difficult mechanics of state government. I will continue to be the conservative leader that represents all of our voices with professionalism, strength, tenacity and common sense.
Plemons: I am dedicated to protecting, serving and standing up for others. Strength should be used to protect people and not push them around, whether it’s an individual abusing their power or a government overstepping its authority. I've spent my career standing between people and those who would harm them and I will bring the same commitment to standing up for the people of our district. After more than 20 years serving as a paramedic, police officer and firefighter, I believe my experience and commitment to serving others are needed in Jefferson City. Both of my parents served with the Dallas Police Department. They instilled in me and my eight siblings the conservative Christian values that continue to guide my decisions today. I will be a public servant who brings real world experience, common sense and a commitment to putting the people of our district first.
What are your qualifications?
Phelps: As someone who has lived and worked in Warrensburg for over 35 years, I have a very clear understanding of our community and the people who live here. As a local business owner for over twenty years, I understand the obstacles created from government overreach and excessive regulations. As a father of two girls, I understand the difficulties and issues facing our youth. As your State Representative, I have served on five committees, crafted multiple pieces of legislation, and debated numerous bills all while never forgetting my Johnson County Roots. If reelected, I will draw from everything I have learned while serving in Jefferson City along with a lifetime of experiences here in our community to effectively represent the people of the 54th District.
Plemons: I grew up homeschooled and wasn’t introduced to traditional education until I enrolled in community college as an adult. I performed well, but I also learned you don’t need a degree to do well in life. I’ve held many different jobs and titles over the years. After Hurricane Katrina, I found my true calling as a first responder. Since then, I have had more education, certifications and training than any degree program could offer. I still work full time as a paramedic Battalion Chief in Pettis County, and part time for Johnson County and Higginsville. I also work for the Pettis County Sheriff's Department. I have the experience, knowledge, skills, wisdom and understanding on how to get a job done and get it done right. That experience taught me about people’s everyday struggles, safety, taxes and basic services working properly. I hope to bring that practical perspective to the legislature.
What would be your top priorities in office?
Phelps: I have several priorities for the people of our district. A few of which will be to ensure that Missouri’s economy remains robust and strong by defending family farms and small business owners from over taxation and burdensome regulations. Another priority is to improve safety on Missouri roads and in our communities by continuing to vote for law enforcement to
have the tools, resources and training necessary to do their jobs safely and effectively. I am also currently working with legislative staff to refine a bill I filed last year aimed at reducing workplace violence affecting doctors, nurses and first responders. Finally, as a father of two, I believe our children are the future, so I was very proud to vote for the highest level of public education funding in Missouri’s history. I will continue to advocate for students and teachers to have the resources they need.
Plemons: My top priorities in office are restoring fiscal responsibility, protecting constitutional rights and ensuring the government serves the people, not special interests. I will work to eliminate Missouri property tax, reduce wasteful spending and hold every tax dollar accountable. I believe the government has grown too big, too expensive and too disconnected from the hardworking families who fund it.
What goals do you have for office if you are elected?
Phelps: I plan to file legislation creating a Teacher’s Bill of Rights. Teachers face a variety of classroom difficulties today that have not always existed. Advocating for our students to have the brightest future possible requires a classroom environment that is safe and respectful of students and teachers alike. Further, I will continue work on legislation I filed last year that would provide protections to members of law enforcement who have been exposed to an infectious
disease while serving in the line of duty. Additionally, I am also working to refine the language in a bill I filed last year to heighten the penalty for assault on children, the elderly and individuals with disabilities. Finally, I would like to pass a bill I filed last year that provides additional benefits to families of soldiers lost in the line of duty.
Plemons: My goal is to restore trust between the people and their government. We hear too often words like abuse, fraud and waste, but hear very little about what is being done to stop it. If we want to get rid of property/income taxes, we need to understand that’s a big ask, but it can be done. We need those fiscally responsible to not increase our sales tax, make appropriate budget cuts and hold our officials accountable. Another priority is getting Missourians back to work. We must reform our welfare system so that able-bodied adults capable of work are expected to seek employment. At the same time, we must recognize that many individuals receiving disability benefits may have limitations but are still capable of contributing. Instead of assuming they cannot work, we should create opportunities for those who are able to work in jobs that fit their abilities, without penalty.
Why should people vote for you?
Phelps: As someone who has lived and worked in Warrensburg for my entire adult life, I am dedicated to serving this community and doing what is best for the people living here. I have 35 years of business experience here in Johnson County. My wife, Angie, is a physician at Western Missouri Medical Center. We have raised both of our daughters here, and we are proud to call Warrensburg our home. As your State Representative, I have been dedicated to hearing your ideas and concerns. The knowledge gained from conversations throughout our community will continue to guide my thoughts and decisions on a daily basis. I will take our conservative values to Jefferson City and represent us with professionalism, strength, tenacity and common sense. I respectfully ask you to vote for Brandon Phelps on Aug. 4.
Plemons: People should vote for me because I’m not a career politician, I’m one of them. I’ve spent my life serving my community, solving problems and working alongside hardworking Missourians. I understand the challenges families, farmers, first responders, small business owners and working men and women face because I’ve lived them. I’m not running to build a political career or to serve special interests. I’m running to serve the people of Missouri. My priorities are simple: protect our constitutional rights, restore fiscal responsibility, eliminate government waste, support law enforcement and first responders, strengthen our local economy, educate our children and make the government accountable to the people again. If you want someone who will stand on principle, keep his word and fight for the people instead of the political establishment, I’d be honored to earn your vote.
