Welcome to the offical website of the campaign to Elect Gary McKiddy
Campaign Values
Making Government Work for the Citizens of St. Charles through legislation which promotes:
As an educator, I’ve spent over thirty years teaching students about the American political system. The core values of American society are bi-partisan – they are neither Democratic, nor Republican – they are American. All Americans want to live in stable, safe communities and to be able to provide a better life for their children. I hope you will read the statements below and comment on my Facebook page (Gary McKiddy For 18th District Rep).
Role of Government
In a democracy, the citizens are the government. The elective representatives are “public servants” who reflect the beliefs and aspirations of their constituents. The purpose of government is to do those jobs which are too big for individual citizens to do by themselves. We have delegated to our state government projects such as the education of many of our children, the construction of roads and bridges, and the operation of the criminal justice system. Through our state government, we can accomplish those tasks which benefit all citizens of our state. As Ben Franklin said “The good men may do separately is small compared to what they may do collectively.”
Children Must Be a Priority
Missourians can no longer afford legislators who believe “hunger motivates children.” Whether it’s making sure children have healthcare or good schools or neighborhoods free of drugs and violence or access to post-high school education and training or caring adults to care for them, the state must promote programs which serve our children. We cannot allow children to grow up hungry, facing a life of poverty and despair. Our children and Missouri’s greatest asset, we must protect them and foster their development.
Preservation of Individual Dignity Is A Basic American Right
One of the unique qualities of America is that we have a society which values the worth of each individual. Citizens respect themselves and others when they have meaningful employment, live in a safe environment, and are free from the fear that a catastrophic illness might take away everything they have saved. When citizens have a solid education and know that additional training is available (whether through higher education or through union apprenticeship programs), they have a stake in making democracy work.
Community Service Benefits All
Communities are most stable when citizens volunteer to help others and improve their neighborhoods. State grants can foster programs which provide opportunities for service. Programs such as Meals on Wheels, Parents as Teachers, Animal Rescue, etc. not only benefit the audience they serve, but also enrich the lives of the volunteers who operate them.
The Quality of Life is As Important as the Quantity
Americans are often criticized for being too materialistic, but there are many of us who promote quality of life. Through our Missouri government, we have supported efforts at historic preservation; have provided grants to promote the Fine Arts through the Missouri Arts Council; have established one of the nation’s finest systems of parks and historic sites; and have provided recreation areas for camping, boating, hiking, fishing, and hunting. We have protected animal habitats and botanical areas while also preventing pollution of our environment. In Missouri, we know that quality of life comes from sharing experiences which both expand the mind and put us into contact with our natural surroundings.
America’s Greatness Is It’s Emphasis Upon Individual Freedom
We have a Constitution which outlines the basic rights reserved to the American people. In addition to those specified by the founders of our nation in the Bill of Rights to the Constitution, I feel that two added by Franklin Roosevelt in his 1941 “Four Freedoms” Speech should included: “Freedom From Want” and “Freedom From Fear.” If the state provides these, then individuals are free to develop to their fullest potential.
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