Republican

Scott A. Hassebrock

Mascoutah

Age: 47

Single

Children: None

Job: Attorney

Phone: (618) 223-0910

Web: None

Facebook: None

Twitter: None

E-mail: shassebrock@charter.net

Education: J.D., St. Louis University School of Law; Bachelor’s in business, Murray State University

Previous offices: None

Qualifications: My educational background and worklife experiences. I have the vision and knowledge needed to get the county back on the right track. I am not afraid to make the tough choices. I will be a conservative voice for all of the citizens of my district. I am fair, impartial and a team player who will work for the common good of the community.

Top issues: One of the top issues is MidAmerica Airport and the county’s handling of it. The County Board recently voted to approve a $550 million bond issue for the airport without any or little knowledge of the details. This bond issue is the largest in the county’s history. Even the airport director, Tim Cantwell, has acknowledged the lack of details concerning the bond issue. Your paper's posting on Feb. 21 quoted Cantwell as saying “We’ll know more when they (Strategic Air Cargo Inc.) get their money.” I would have voted against the bond issue without further details and specific information. That is just responsible and sensible government. MidAmerica Airport continues to cost the taxpayers more than $7 million a year. Another top issue is the skyrocketing rate of property tax increases. We need a fair and accurate assessment of people’s property taxes. The County Board has failed to do anything to address the issue of rising property taxes. Another issue is the county's inability to attract jobs and industry. The county board needs to assume a proactive role in doing so.