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Meet the freshmen: Southwest Missouri

This is the fourth installment in our week-long, six part series,
“Meet the freshmen.”  

Rep. Kevin Austin, R-Springfield
Rep. Kevin Austin, R-Springfield

Kevin Austin, R-Springfield — 
Hometown: Springfield

Education: Bachelor of Science degree in Financial Management from Missouri State University, Juris Doctor degree from the University of Missouri.

Political career highlight: Being elected to the Missouri House of Representatives.

Key issue: Economic development. He praised Rep. Ann Zerr for her help in getting his legislation to the floor of the House.

What people don’t know about you: Prefers to read books in hardback form, he announces for high school football games and is the vice president of his high school’s football booster club, and boasts “a killer spaghetti sauce and meatball recipe.”

Rep. Scott Fitzpatrick, R-Shell Knob
Rep. Scott Fitzpatrick, R-Shell Knob

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Scott Fitzpatrick, R-Shell Knob —

Hometown: Shell Knob

Education: University of Missouri, Columbia.

Career Highlight: Winning a primary by an overwhelming majority.

Key Issue: The budget process and “maintaining a low tax burden. “

What People Don’t Know: “I’m a lake bum. I like to be in the water as much as I can, and I’m a pretty avid wake boarder.”

Rep. Elijah Haahr, R-Springfield
Rep. Elijah Haahr, R-Springfield

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Elijah Haahr, R-Springfield –

Education: Missouri Western and Law Degree from the University of Missouri

Career Highlights: Winning a case in the southern district court of appeals before 30.

Key Issue: Economic development.

What People Don’t Know About You: Elijah was home schooled.

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Rep. Sonya Anderson, R-Springfield
Rep. Sonya Anderson, R-Springfield

Sonya Anderson, R-Springfield
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Hometown: Springfield

Education: Southwest Missouri State University

Political career highlight: Being elected to the Missouri House.

Key issue: Agriculture through HB 785: “This important piece of legislation will help take the steps necessary to protect animal owners when their livestock and animals are unlawfully seized.”

What people don’t know about you: “I grew up on a cattle ranch and I can work cattle on horseback.”

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Rep. Jeffery Justus, R-Branson
Rep. Jeffery Justus, R-Branson

Jeffery Justus, R-Branson –

Hometown: Branson

Education: Business Administration, Austin College

Career Highlight: Working in the House of Representatives

Key Issue: Tourism funding “to stimulate small businesses.”

What People Don’t Know: “I’m an adventurer. Kayaking, backpacking, are big hobbies.”

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Rep. Jeffrey Messenger, R-Republic
Rep. Jeffrey Messenger, R-Republic

Jeffery Messenger, R-Republic –

Hometown: Republic

Education: Naval Aviation Electronics School

Career Highlight: “My committee assignments are very important to me. Budget, Economic Development, Fiscal Review, government reform and oversight. “

Key Issue: What to do about Medicaid

What People Don’t Know: “I like to create websites, when I can find the time.”