Cass County Issues

Cass County's best days are ahead. We have a great opportunity to do great things, not just for today, but for future generations. Brian Baker's vision is returning government control to the people - to hear their needs and wishes - and be a real voice for the citizens of Cass County. Brian believes we can accomplish great things by applying three basic principles...

1. Accountability...for the decisions made by government that affect the citizens of Cass County

2. Responsibility...to serve the people of Cass County - NOT for people to serve government.

3. Stewardship...of tax dollars and state resources for a more secure future.

Fiscal Management

Brian Baker has a voting record of demanding government act in a fiscal and responsible manner. He will work for...

A Balanced Budget - insuring that government only spends what it takes in...avoiding "pork" spending.
Online Budget Access - allowing citizens viewing access to the county budget to offer ideas and suggestions.
A Tax Review Plan - a plan to review county taxation.

Economic Development

While serving the Missouri House of Representatives, Brian Baker supported the Quality Jobs Act that has helped produce thousands of jobs for families around Missouri. He will support efforts to...

Expand Economic Development - working to attract jobs to Cass County and promote our resources.
Protect Our Rural Heritage - work to promote our argicultural ability while providing new business opportunities.
Create A Positive Business Atmosphere - promote client-friendly county services.
Reduce Government Regulation - stop "nickle-&-diming" small businesses and creating "red-tape."
Promote Sound Economic Tools - Use state tools and programs to attract business, development, and infrastructure needs.

Roads & Bridges

Six years ago, Missouri had some of the worst roads in the nation. Today, Missouri roads are improving. Brian Baker helped lead the way to push MoDOT to spend state-tax dollars on highway and road improvements in Cass County. As North Commissioner he will...

Support a Long-Range Road Plan - through the help of a Master Plan...develop a long-range citizen led road plan to improve our infrastructure and safety.
Work with MARC and MODOT - lobby the Mid-America Regional Council and MODOT for project dollars to improve our roadways.
Seek Citizen Input - Work with citizens to identify immediate needs.

Master Plan

Cass County is growing. We need a Master Plan to help map out future growth and avoid urban sprawl. Creating a "master plan" will help us communicate with job creating industries, developers, and citizens as we plan for the future. The Master Plan will include...

Working with Local Cities - the county will communicate with local cities and review their growth plans to avoid conflicts.
Developing Green Space - work to develop a Cass County Parks & Trails program.
Address Water-Shed Issues - review future developments to avoid flood and water issues that impact homes and businesses.
Plan for Water Needs - look at the future water needs and access of our county.
Create a Long-Range Zoning Plan - create a flexible zoning plan that is family & business friendly.
Law Enforcement - develop a long range law enforcement plan to keep our county and communities safe.

Charter Government

Brian Baker has seen FIRST HAND the barriers and hardships BIG government creates. He believes voters need more say in their local government AND that citizens want a more efficient government. He supports exploring a CHARTER GOVERNMENT PLAN because...

One Size Does Not Fit All - state statutes dictates how our county must run. As a 1st Class County we are bound to manage our state based on rules based by legislators in Jefferson City. Each county is different and needs the freedom to decide its own future. We need the flexibility to decide our our county runs...and let our local voters decide the final outcome.
Non-Partisan Elections Can Create Unity - while some offices allow for healthy debate, many offices need to be non-partisan. It is time for us to review and consider the idea of making some county offices non-partisan so we can create more unity behind issues and ideas.
Citizen Job Commission for County Offices - some county offices like treasurer, recorder of deeds, and auditor should be hired positions. Instead of wasting money on elections, we should create a Citizens Job Commission that reviews applicants and recommends hiring full-time directors to manage these offices. This, again, saves money on elections and creates efficiency while keeping citizens involved.
Voter Rule - citizens have the final say in how our county runs, not big-government leaders in Jefferson City. They can impose recall votes for elected leaders, create initaitive petitions, and have more voice in local government. This improves accountability and involvement.