Both Rep. Greg Razer and former state lawmaker Michael Brown bring experience in the Missouri House to their race for Senate District 7.
The winner of the Democratic primary will face Green party candidate Nathan Kline in the general election.
Here’s where the candidates stand on the key issues:
GREG RAZER
Occupation: State Representative
Campaign Website: gregrazer.com
Focus if he’s elected: Razer said if voters approve Medicaid expansion in August, he would focus on making sure it’s “rolled out effectively.” Razer said he’s also worried about the state facing “pretty massive cuts” to the budget.
“I'm hopeful if I win, I can do what I can to try to soften that blow next year, as much as possible, while at the same time, trying to come up with longterm solutions for our budget so that we don't find ourselves in the same situation down the road,” Razer said.
Guns: Razer has introduced legislation that would require gun sales to be processed through a licensed firearms dealer. Razer also wants to see Missouri pass a so-called “Red Flag” law which allows a court to temporarily take someone’s firearm if they’re a danger to themselves or others.
Local control: Razer supports local control but he wants local leaders to have a clear plan for the governing structure.
“I want local officials and local stakeholders to come together from across the city to make sure that we have a consensus on what the governing body of the police department will look like,” Razer said.
COVID-19 Pandemic: Razer supports a statewide mask mandate and said Missouri’s governor made the pandemic political.
Budget: Razer wants state lawmakers to reverse corporate tax cuts and collect online sales tax. Razer also said he supports an increase in taxes to help fund education.
“I'm sure I'll be bashed statewide for saying something like this, but it is better for the individual family if we all chip in a little bit more to help fund education,” Razer said. “Then kids are able to stay in Missouri, go through our state institutions in a world-class education and not leave with so much student debt that they essentially have a mortgage strapped to their back.”
MICHAEL BROWN
Occupation: Vice President of the Metropolitan Community College Board of Trustees
Campaign Website: citizensformichaelbrown.com
Focus if he’s elected: Brown did not respond to a KCUR interview request. However, he told the Kansas City Star’s Editorial Board that he would prioritize skills training for young people. Brown said he’s also passionate about issues affecting veterans and seniors.
Guns: Brown said he supports a type of gun buyback program.
Local control: Brown said he’s “not sure about local control,” but would follow the lead of what Kansas City voters want.
COVID-19 Pandemic: Brown said schools should do distance learning until cases decrease. Brown said he would introduce legislation to increase production for safety gear for teachers. Brown also says he thinks Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas reopened businesses too quickly.
“He should have held his ground,” Brown said. “And I think with legislators around him giving him good information, he would have been a little bit stronger.”
Budget: Brown said he didn’t agree with Missouri lawmaker’s decision to cut corporate taxes.
“We’ve got to create revenue for the state,” Brown said.
