Full interview with House District 59 candidate Carrie Tergin
Alison Patton
ABC 17 News is interviewing candidates heading into the Aug. 4 election. On the Republican ticket for the Missouri state house District 59 seat, The race is between Blair Oaks School Board member Glenn Reynolds, former Jefferson City Mayor Carrie Tergin and retired engineer Vic Rackers. The seat represents Cole County. ABC 17 News reporter Alison Patton interviewed all candidates. Read the transcript of the interview with Tergin below.
EDITOR’S NOTE: A small part of this interview that didn’t pertain to the House race wasn’t transcribed
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
ALISON PATTON: Tell me a little about yourself and why you’re running.
CARRIE TERGIN: Yes, so, I’m a lifelong resident here, and I love being in Mid-Missouri. It’s a great place to be and grow up. And I served as mayor of Jefferson City for eight years. I was on the City Council for six years before that, so really got involved and want to continue to make a difference. So I want to get into the Missouri House and use that experience for good. And I’m really all about results, not rhetoric. So I want to take that message and take that into the Capitol.
PATTON: OK. Now, how do you think that—you mentioned that you were mayor of [Jefferson] City and then also served on the City Council– How do you think those experiences are going to help you in the state House, should you be elected?
TERGIN: Yes. Being the mayor and having the eight years of experience leading the city, it really gives me a great experience to lead the entire district and people know exactly what I’m capable of. They’ve seen all those tough situations come up. They know how I’ve handled the city budget. They know that I’ve been very close on making sure expenses don’t get out of control, keeping the budget and where we can really fund our public safety and the things that matter and the services that they really need most.And really being able to focus on that with the budget. So I think that I really did a great job with that, but also just working with the people to get things done and economic growth projects and development in our city. And they know exactly how I am under pressure, because during the tornado, when we had all of the, you know, rebuilding of the city and all that had to be done, and being able to go into that with confidence that we were going to build and come back stronger, and we did. And so turning those situations into something that we were able as a city to come together, grow stronger. And it’s evident today, and I want to be able to continue that legacy and take it into the capital, into the Missouri House.
PATTON: And you said earlier, before we started recording, that you’ve been door-knocking, sometimes folks recognize you. How do you think that being the mayor kind of gives you, maybe an advantage, compared to the other candidates?
TERGIN: You know, people know exactly what they’re getting. They know I’ve been very active, very visible and in the community. And so people know what they’re getting with me as mayor. So, I feel that that’s definitely been very helpful and an advantage. They know that. I’m proven. They know I’ll get results. They know that I’ll work hard. They know what I’m capable of. And, I want to see that continue.
PATTON: You said that you were out door-knocking. Tell me, how do you think that being the mayor or the being the former mayor gives you a leg up compared to some of the other candidates?
TERGIN: People really appreciate that the former mayor is coming to their door, and I enjoy talking to people and seeing what they have on their mind. But, most of all, they know who I am. They know that I’m proven. They know my leadership. They know that I get results that, And it’s been wonderful to talk to people from that perspective. Already leading the city for eight years now. What I can do for the entire district. So it’s been very helpful and very positive.
PATTON: OK. And then you’re coming in after a long standing Rep. Rudy Veit, and how do you think you kind of tackle covering for him, and filling his shoes?
TERGIN: Sure. I think being able to take what has been done so far and really taking that to the next level. So I have the experience to hit the ground running. I’ve led the city for eight years now. I’m able to come into the district and really be able to make things happen. I will get those results. I will not just be about talk, it will be action, and I’m proven to do that. So I feel like it will be a very seamless transition.
PATTON: OK. And then let’s kind of switch gears. If you’re elected, what kind of House committees are you interested in?
TERGIN: Sure. Well, as a small business owner, I would be very interested in a small business committee, and I’ve owned a business now. We’ve been in business for 50 years and been very successful. And I know firsthand what it takes for businesses, what we need. I mean, we’re providing jobs, economic growth and development. We’re collecting sales tax. We’re doing so many things that impact our community. Small business is really the backbone of our community. And if we want to see things grow and we want success, it’s important that we can really have some experience at that level. And I know that I definitely bring that to the table. OK.
PATTON: And remind me what is your small business’ name?
TERGIN: Carrie’s Hallmark Shop, which has been here now 50 years. And, it’s been wonderful to be a third-generation family business right here in the heart of our community.
PATTON: And it’s been open for 50 years, you said, 50 years.
TERGIN: Yes, yes.
PATTON: OK. Let’s kind of switch gears, talk about some of the big things going on right now. The state budget Governor [Mike] Kehoe just recently passed it. Now, Kehoe says the state has a spending problem. What’s your take on the state budget?
TERGIN: You know, I think that spending does need to be under control, and that is something that I would look forward to doing. I did that as mayor. I looked very hard at our budget, and there were a lot of things that I cut out of the mayor’s budget, because I really felt that we have to focus on what we truly need, and people want more of their money. They don’t want to be spending it on things that we don’t need. So we have to really focus on that and make sure that we’re spending it on the services that we need the most, and our public safety and keeping our streets and things that are most important to people. And I think it’s important that we really focus on that.
PATTON: And what do you think some of those kind of budget items would be for the House District 59?
TERGIN: You know, from what I’m hearing in the district, people really want to maintain the level of life that they have. I mean, they’re very happy there. They want to make sure. And we have a lot of families that want to live very comfortably. They want to keep more of their money. They want to make sure that, their lifestyle maintains what it currently is. And so I think we need to make sure that we continue the services they want a good, safe community. They want a community that they feel like their children and grandchildren are going to want to come back and live, that there are opportunities there. So we need to make sure that our budget aligns with that and those values that we have in our district.
PATTON: And I think one of the things that are on, kind of on the forefront of some folks minds’ is, eliminating the state-income tax. I know I read a news article the other day that said Rudy Veit his voters weren’t quite on board. What have you been hearing, what is your take on this?
TERGIN: As I’ve been knocking on doors, I’m hearing the same thing. I believe that most people tend to agree that income tax does need to be reformed. However, there are a lot of concerns about what the implementation will actually look like. And unless the voters have a clear vision of what that’s going to be, it can be very difficult for them to want to get on board. So that’s what I hear as I’m knocking on doors. And truly, it will be in the hands of the voters to decide.
PATTON: OK. And then the other thing that’s on the ballot is Amendment 3, which, would undo what voters have approved a couple years ago.
TERGIN: Well, and that will be on the November ballot. So, Amendment 3 is not on the, August primary. I don’t mind answering it, and we can talk about pro-life a little bit–but you may be thinking— so [Amendment] 4 is on, which is the initiative petition reform. But 3, I believe and I mean, I’m pretty sure it is November. So we may we, you know, we may confuse voters just a little bit because it won’t be on the August [ballot]. But to speak to that and depending on what direction your story goes with that, I am pro-life, and I think it’s important that we can help support these women and families as they are dealing with situations. And I think that there’s a lot of organizations here, even when you look at Missouri and Vitae is right here in our state, and it’s a worldwide organization now that helps people that are, you know, have had situations with, you know, learning some of the best practices and best methods that we can share with people.
And being pro-life, I think it’s important that we incorporate some of those organizations that really can help and really stay focused on how truly important the value of life is. We need to make that very clear and strong. And and so, you know, I really do believe that.
PATTON: So, let’s talk about Amendment 4.
TERGIN: So, and what I’m hearing in the district and as I’m talking with people is that a lot of people are not really happy with that. And I think they want to feel that they have a level of trust in that their vote really matters. And so when you’re talking about initiative petition, they want to really feel that, that it is done fairly.So there are a lot of concerns and people may not be happy with that. But ultimately the voters will decide that as well.
PATTON: Let’s go ahead and talk about public school funding. There was no school funding increase, but inflation and the just the cost of living has really rose. Do you think it’s, I guess, do you think it’s fair that public schools haven’t seen that increase?
TERGIN: You know, when I worked sometimes with the city budget, there were times when the budget remained flat. We can’t always expect an increase. We have to learn to do with what we have sometimes. And sometimes flat can be good. At least it’s not going down. So we have to look at at the benefits of that. So flat doesn’t necessarily mean bad. We have to live within the means and make the decisions that we can still live with what we have. And you know, when it comes to education, it’s important that, parents and families are having a say in what’s happening with their children. And we want to make sure that that’s also very an important part of, of our education process as well.
PATTON: OK. And when you say parents should have a say what do you mean by that?
TERGIN: I think that there’s so many times when we look at just education in general and there are a lot of different topics that come up with it, whether it’s budget or other things. I know you’re talking more budget related, but I think it’s important that parents stay involved, that they are involved and that they’re, you know, able to make sure that their child has the best opportunities for good education.
PATTON: And then the final question before I can I open it up to you, Amazon and Google are kind of making plans in Montgomery County. What I guess is your stance on data centers, especially if they come to Cole County?
TERGIN: I think that it’s important that the restrictions are in place so that things aren’t disrupted. I know that they can be disruptive when it comes to power and other things that are important to our community. So while they may work in some areas, in some communities, it’s going to be important that they are the right fit and that restrictions are very clearly in place. So there are a lot of concerns that I’m hearing. And and I can see why there would be. So I think it’s important that they’re very closely monitored if they happen
PATTON: And tell me what are some of these concerns that you’re hearing?
TERGIN: I hear a lot of concerns, mostly about resources. And we need to make sure that the consumption of resources is clearly restricted or monitored or that they are able to provide the resources themselves, and that we are not losing resources for our communities. And perhaps they can be good in some areas, but certainly it will really depend also on the community. And if they really find that the benefit is truly there. But regardless, they need to be monitored and make sure that they are monitored and make sure the resources
PATTON: OK. And then so we can talk about a lot today, is there anything that we didn’t hit or we didn’t talk about that you would like to?
TERGIN: You know, I think that you covered a lot of it very well. But I, I really want to get the opportunity to serve because I want to, really make a difference in the Missouri House. My experience leading the city for eight years as mayor is something that is. Truly a benefit in being able to get in there and make a difference, make things happen, get the results. And I know that that’s truly something that I bring to the table. We want to make the District 59 an area that our children and grandchildren, the next generation, want to come back to and have a thriving life. We want to make sure that they have great opportunities to work and make a good living and keep more of their money and not have the government taking or spending it, make sure that they get a good say in that.
PATTON: OK, I think those are all my questions, thank you so much, Carrie.
TERGIN: Yeah. You’re welcome.