Sarah Steelman: By the way, thank you for joining me today. I am excited about this opportunity to answer your questions and discuss my vision for the state.

Mark: What are your thoughts about abolishing Personal property tax in Missouri?
Should we pay tax every year on something we already paid a sales tax on?

Sarah Steelman: I’ve proposed a comprehensive tax reform plan that will bring $200 million of tax relief to Missouri families. One part of this proposal is to form a commission to review Missouri’s entire tax code, with the goal of putting more money back in the pockets of Missouri families and businesses. Abolishing the personal property tax is certainly something that should be on the table.

Nancy Coughlin: Why the negative ads? Your first commercial was wonderful for the first half, and then the ad turned negative on your opponent. Instead tell us about yourself and what you have done.

Sarah Steelman: Elections are about choices. Congressman Hulshof himself has admitted that his record is relevant. The ads are not negative, I have simply pointed out his record of wasteful spending in Congress. Furthermore, this is not just me saying this. Important conservative organizations such as the Club for Growth, Citizens Against Government Waste, and the Wall Street Journal have also criticized his record. It is important to note that he has never challenged the accuracy of any of my ads.

Brian R.: Urban decay and poverty is a problem that has been ignored in Missouri for far too long. As governor, what will you do to stimulate positive economic activity and lift people out of homelesness and poverty in North St. Louis and Kansas City? Additionally, how do you plan to address rural poverty?

Sarah Steelman: That is a very good question. I believe that any economy, including local economies, have to be allowed to grow themselves. One of the main problems in both Kansas City and St. Louis is the earnings tax. This 1% tax is levied nowhere else in Missouri. In St. Louis, you need look no further than the hole next to Busch Stadium to know that the status quo is not working. In addition, no major corporate headquarters has moved to downtown St. Louis in 50 years. The state should support economic growth in our cities. However, I know that this questioner is also wanting to talk about direct aid. One of the accomplishments that I am proudest of as Chairman of the Missouri Housing Development Commission was the help that I was able to provide to develop Salisbury Park. I’ve also supported affordable housing in rural Missouri and through the Treasurer’s BIG Missouri linked deposit program we have invested record amounts of money in rural enterprises and farms.

Tom: Do you support McCain for president?

Sarah Steelman: Yes