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10 Questions with Paul Wieland

As part of our ongoing election coverage, we asked the Republican candidate in the “Battle for JeffCo,” Paul Wieland 10 questions.

The Missouri Times: Last week you received the endorsement of the Missouri Chamber. Are there any other recent endorsements you want to mention or any you’re hoping to get soon?

Of course, the most important endorsement we are seeking is that of the voters on Election Day, and we are working very hard to earn voter support every day with our conservative message of attracting family-supporting jobs, improving education, and protecting freedoms.  But we are very proud to have the endorsements of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce, Missouri Right to Life, Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Cattlemen, as well as an “A” rating from the NRA.  We look forward to announcing even more endorsements in the coming days.

TMT: What makes you more qualified to represent Jefferson County in the Senate than Jeff Roorda?

Rep. Paul Wieland
Rep. Paul Wieland

I’ve spent my career working in and running small businesses, rather than in a career drawing a taxpayer-funded salary, so I have a better understanding of what works and what doesn’t in terms of attracting family-supporting jobs.  I approach legislating from the perspective of a taxpayer rather than as a defender of government largesse, and I’m not seeking to cash in on my position by becoming a political consultant or lobbyist.  And I believe in smaller, more efficient government. 

TMT: Roorda has been somewhat involved in the Officer Wilson/Michael Brown affair because of his background as a police officer and his involvement in fundraising. Are JeffCo constituents talking a lot about the incident? Is it an important issue in your race?

I think voters have been saddened by the events in Ferguson, as have I.  But in this election, Jefferson Countians are more focused on our county in terms of attracting jobs, improving our economy, funding our schools, and preserving our freedoms.  We certainly want to be good regional partners with St. Louis County, but the needs of Jefferson County come first.

TMT: What’s the issue voters raise the most as you campaign? Taxes? Medicaid? Abortion?

The number one issue I continue to hear about is jobs.  People want us to enact policies that will attract more family-supporting jobs to our county, so that our young people don’t have to move elsewhere to find work.  And there is real concern that government overreach is chipping away at our personal freedoms.

TMT: What should be the first legislative priority of lawmakers representing Jefferson County?

My first priority will be jobs legislation to remove barriers to economic growth and to support measures that will entice new employers to locate here and existing employers to expand.

TMT: How do you respond to Roorda’s criticism that your support largely derives from sizeable donations from Missouri Senate Republicans?

I don’t recall him objecting when Democratic Party committees pour millions into the campaigns of Jay Nixon and Claire McCaskill in the past, so I wouldn’t take his criticisms very seriously.

TMT: How do you distinguish yourself from an opponent who labels himself a “conservative” Democrat?

I find it ironic that in the past, including in this publication, my opponent has characterized himself or has been characterized as a “moderate,” but he is now seeking the “conservative” title.  I would invite voters to compare our voting records.  My opponent has received a grade of “C” from the NRA and a lowly 33% rating from the American Conservative Union.  Voters can determine whether they believe he is conservative or not.

TMT: You’ve been featured heavily in the press in relation to your ACA lawsuit. Your opponent characterized your suit as highlighting your failure to understand the difference between abortion and birth control. How do you respond to that?

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” My wife and I have entered into this lawsuit because the mandates in Obamacare deny us of our religious liberty to raise our children according to our faith. Democrats, like Jeff Roorda, want to make this lawsuit about abortion and birth control. It is about the freedoms that our constitution grants us as parents. It has nothing to do with the difference between abortion and birth control.

TMT: If you’re elected, what’s the first piece of legislation you intend to file?

My first piece of legislation will deal with attracting family-supporting jobs to Jefferson County.

TMT: Can we expect a strong push of radio or TV ads in the next few weeks?

Yes, we will be aggressive in taking our message to the voters.