Response from Mike Colona, MO House of Representatives - Dist. 80 Candidate

1. What do you view as the key role, and/or attributes needed for this position? 

It is important to be open-minded, but still stand firm on your beliefs. Being in the minority means working hard with my republican counterparts to get good legislation passed, and kill the bad legislation.


2. What education (schools attended, degrees attained), experience, and attributes do you have that qualify you for this position? 

Truman State University was a great school that taught me the meaning of networking and keeping good relationships.  In fact I still keep in contact with Candy Young who was my professor when I was an intern at the Capitol


3. What do you feel are the most pressing issues currently facing our district and what plans do you have to address these issues? (please be specific)

Being the only openly gay representative in Missouri, and with an overwhelming positive response to marriage equality in my constituent survey, I believe that adding same-sex couples to the definition of marriage is a pressing issue to be addressed.  This is why I have proposed HJR 85 which does just that.  Medicaid expansion is also crucial to my constituents.


4. What do you feel are the most pressing issues currently facing the state and what plans do you have to address these issues? (please be specific)

Medicaid Expansion is one of the most important pressing issues facing Missouri.  With this legislative session coming to an end, and not much progress in the way of expanding medicaid, I feel that communication and education of those opposed may be the bet way to address this issue.


5. Describe how you work with, or will work with, others to address your priorities.

Once again, education is key.  Legislators who are unaware of the facts will oppose legislation that will affect positive change. Talking to those individuals, and having their constituents inform them as well will help to educate them to support positive change.


6. How can your office improve the economic strength of the city?

This year I proposed HB 2054 allowing the growth of industrial hemp.  Since hemp can be grown just about anywhere, it will not only strengthen the economy in St. Louis, but all over Missouri.


7. As you enter your last term as a State Representative due to term limits, what do you view as your legacy from your time in this office?

My legacy from my time in office would probably be changing the retirement system. I will explain at the meeting.