Response from Wm. Lacy Clay, U.S. House of Representatives, Dist. 1 Candidate

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

Members of Congress must reflect the core values and key interests of their constituents.  They must also have a clear, progressive vision of what kind of nation we want to create for future generations.  I keep both of those missions in mind every day.

Beyond that, a Member of Congress must have great energy and enthusiasm for public service and all the challenges that includes.   They must have the courage to do what is right, even if that journey becomes difficult.


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

I have established a three decade record of public service, first for 17 years in both chambers of the Missouri legislature, and for the past 14 years, in the U.S. House.

I am honored to represent Missouri’s 1st Congressional District.

I am also the senior Member of Congress for the St. Louis region and the Dean of Missouri’s U.S. House delegation.

I graduated from the University of Maryland and have pursued graduate work at Harvard University.  I also hold honorary degrees from the University of the District of Columbia, Harris-Stowe State University and Logan College.


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

There are four essential challenges facing the 1st Congressional District: Jobs, Education, Housing and Healthcare.  I am been a vigorous advocate for all of those critical issues for three decades.


4. What do you feel are the most pressing issues currently facing the United States and what can you do to help address these issues? (please be specific)

We need raise the minimum wage, pass comprehensive immigration reform, revise the tax code, reauthorize the voting rights acts and continue to develop renewable energy resources.  I have regularly cosponsored or supported legislation to advance each of these objectives.


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

As the Dean of Missouri’s U.S. House delegation, I regularly work with my Republican colleagues to advance the interests of our region and our state.  While our politics may differ, we do find common ground to strengthen Missouri.


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

I maintain three full-service offices in St. Louis City and County that provide excellent support for job creation, including my annual Career Fair, St. Louis’ biggest jobs event.

We also work with municipalities to assist with their economic development efforts, including grant opportunities and interactions with many federal agencies.