The two candidates for the state representative seat that includes Carter and Ripley counties, as well as portions of Butler and Wayne counties, share a support of medical marijuana and the need to fight opioid abuse.
Republican candidate Jeff Shawan and Democrat challenger Matt Michel disagree on how legislative district boundaries should be drawn, how to tackle rural health care shortages and many of the other ways they would address the needs of 153rd district.
The winner of Tuesday's election will replace Rep. Steve Cookson (R-Poplar Bluff). The new state representative will be sworn in Jan. 9 for a two-year term.
Both candidates were interviewed last week and asked the same series of questions.
"I want to fight for our rural values and our rural way of life, which is under attack," said Shawan, 62, a retired Poplar Bluff business owner.
Southeast Missouri has three major problems, he believes. It is the poorest part of the state, it is losing population and rapidly losing access to health care.
Shawan said he supports the control of regulations he believes harm farmers and business, and wants to encourage the development of small business opportunities.
"I do feel like the long term economic opportunity for Southeast Missouri will not be driven by bringing in large employers, but rather by the growth of small business and small employers," he said.
Michel, 28, believes residents need a choice in their elected official.
"I firmly believe in being held accountable for the decisions I make on behalf of the district. I firmly believe that I should be accessible to everybody at all times in my district, and not just cater to special interest groups," said Michel.
He would like to tackle problems with the way education is funded, particularly for rural schools.
Michel is also concerned about the growing distance rural residents face to receive emergency health care, and ethics reform for the state legislature.
"I have a passion for helping my community... I just want to see this area do well," said Michel, adding, "People don't always agree with what I say, but I'm not going to lie to them if they ask me a question.
"With me, you get what you see... I will always support the legislation that will help us here in the 153rd. I don't care who or what party presents it."
Michel has seen the critical role the right legislation can have, both personally and as Ripley County assistant prosecutor.
Members of Michel's family campaigned to make driving a boat on Missouri's rivers while intoxicated illegal after his cousin was killed by a drunken boater on Current River.
Legislation that gives the legal system more options to offer treatment to offenders would also help in the fight against opioid abuse, he said. Expanded access to mental health resources are also needed, believes Michel, of Fairdealing.
Shawan says he has supported for years a statewide prescription drug monitoring program, and encouraged a localized version that is in place in Butler County.
"As a legislator, I'm going to be looking to create a statewide PDMP program, as well as collaborative efforts to track the depth of the problem," said Shawan. "Part of the (opioid) crisis is a lack of understanding of just how big our problem is. We have no means, other then estimating, the toll that it takes on our citizenry."
Shawan would also make Medicaid reform and improving the outcomes of Medicaid patients a priority.
Michel would like to see Medicaid expanded in Missouri. Higher Medicaid and Medicare reimbursements to rural facilities are also needed, he said.
The only emergency health care access for Doniphan residents is a 30-mile drive, Michel continued. In western parts of the county, it can take nearly an hour to get an emergency room.
"That's scary," Michel said. "Especially for anybody who happens to have a stroke working out on the farm. That can mean the difference from having permanent injuries or even dying."
Both Shawan and Michel favor Amendment 2 involving medical marijuana in Tuesday's election.
Michel says passing an amendment over a proposition is important because an amendment cannot be altered by the legislature. He has concerns with funding provisions under Amendment 3.
Shawan has seen personally the impact of cancer treatment without the aid of medical marijuana.
"My father died from Stage 4 colon cancer and had cannabis medicine been available, it would have eased his pain during hospice," said Shawan.
Shawan supports portions of Amendment 1, regarding limits on lobbyist gifts and extending the waiting period for a legislator to become a lobbyist to two years. He feels the redistricting component is "designed to wreak havoc" on the process.
Amendment 1 addresses many of the his ethics concerns, according to Michel, including lobbyist gifts and campaign contribution limits. He contends the redistricting component would create more concise and competitive districts.
Michel says he is a Ripley County native who wants the best for his community, and that regardless of Tuesday's outcome he will continue to be involved in projects to improve the area.
"I think having attorneys in our state legislature really does help," Michel added of his strengths. "As an attorney, I have seen some of the ridiculous laws that have been passed... and the hamstringing that has for industry and a lot of people locally."
Shawan believes his own work with charitable organizations has given him a balanced perspective on how state government impacts the poor. He served as a Red Cross shelter director during 2017 flooding, and has previously worked with the Red Cross. He has also raised money for and supported efforts to meet the needs of veterans in the area. He is a previous board member for the Boys and Girls Club of Poplar Bluff.
"My personal philosophy has always been to try to help those with the very least. I have always tended to go with charitable organizations who help people in the most dire need," said Shawan.
He believes a combination of life experience and a background as an entrepreneur make him a strong candidate.
"The education of life and the difficulties of starting companies, creates a perspective that is valuable when examining state government," Shawan said.