The Star’s choice is Clint Zweifel, a state representative from Florissant in St. Louis County. He’s got progressive ideas, and his record in the legislature shows he is not afraid to stand up against the status quo.
Three other candidates also give voters options that emphasize integrity and good ideas.
Andria Danine Simckes of St. Louis, a former legal aide to Gov. Mel Carnahan and a past employee of the Department of Economic Development, isn’t well known statewide, but she has well-considered ideas for using the treasurer’s office to encourage economic development.
Mark Powell is the mayor of Arnold in St. Louis County, and has led impressive improvements in his local government.
And there is Kansas City’s own Charles B. Wheeler. He’s one of a kind, and we are thankful for his long service to this community. A former mayor and state senator, Wheeler always has stood for integrity in government, and that’s an important quality for a state treasurer. But his ideas for the job don’t match Zweifel’s.
The winner will face state Sen. Brad Lager, a Savannah Republican, in the general election.
Zweifel is promoting ideas, for instance, to help make college education more affordable and he promises to be an advocate for affordable housing.
He’s shown he is knowledgeable about fiscal issues in the legislature. Zweifel has been research and education director for Teamsters Local 688.
The state treasurer’s duties are somewhat limited by law, but Zweifel offers the best opportunity among the Democrats to make the most of them.
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