Two topics gaining attention across the nation since the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25 are the push to defund police departments and widespread racism.
The four candidates for Missouri’s 25th Senate seat were asked about their feelings on those issues, and their responses are listed in ballot order.
Jeff Shawan
Jeff Shawan is against any move to defund police.
“If we don’t have active and well-financed law enforcement, we’re going to have anarchy,” Shawan speculated.
On the topic of racism, Shawan feels it is not a government problem, but an individual one.
“Racial injustice is really a problem from person to person and not a problem of government. That becomes a moral issue for people to personally deal with,” he said.
Shawan feels government has “already done what government can do. More laws will not change people’s hearts.
“Racial injustice is only solvable within people’s hearts.”
Jason Bean
“We’re so lucky here in the 25th to have some great men and women protecting us every day. When people say defund, I say we need to fund more,” he said.
“It starts from the top down, from state leaders and resonates throughout from there,” Bean said. “We have to continue to meet with our communities as a whole, listen to community leaders and highlight the very positive impact law enforcement has in our communities each day.
“We must enhance programs to reach our youth and cast LEOs (law enforcement officers) in a positive light, showcasing the very important work the men and women in blue do for society.”
As a “constitutional conservative,” Bean added, he believes “the Constitution gives us clear guidelines to deal with issues underlying the protests and counter-protests we have seen recently. Every American has rights that apply regardless of race. By the same token, we are a nation of laws, and we cannot simply submit to mob rule.
“Let me be clear — every American, regardless of race, is entitled to the rights spelled out in the Constitution. Where any citizen is denied their rights, we have a duty to correct that situation. I will be vigilant, responsive and willing to work with those denied their constitutional rights.”
Eddy Justice
“With everything happening in the world right now, it is clear that no one should be defunding our police,” said Eddy Justice.
“I have always been supportive of law enforcement. In addition, something needs to be done in St. Louis to rein in Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner. Her ‘catch and release’ of violent offenders, confiscation of guns from homeowners, and her other antics have really embarrassed our state and put even less faith in government,” he added.
What we need in our society, Justice believes, is to “get on bended knee and repent. We need law and order, and we need people to understand right and wrong. The political stunts and chaos must end.”
Steve Cookson
Like his counterparts, Steve Cookson is against moves to cut funding for police.
“I’m 100% against that,” he asserted.
Cookson feels the primary drive to defund police is coming from large urban areas and said “it’s just not going to happen here.”
Speaking about racism, Cookson said he believes “all people should be treated equally and with respect.”
National media and “outside influences,” he said, have been the primary promoters of the problem and are “driving a wedge between these entities.”