John Kiehne

John Kiehne was born in St. Charles, Missouri. He earned a high school diploma from Francis Howell High School. Kiehne's career experience includes working as a musician.[1][2]Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name cannot be a simple integer. Use a descriptive title

As of 2024, Kiehne was affiliated with the following organizations:Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name cannot be a simple integer. Use a descriptive title

Democratic Township Committeeman for Meramec Township in St. Louis County

88th Legislative District Democratic Committee, chair

Senate District 26 Democratic Committee, chair

Missouri's 26th Senate District on the Missouri Democratic Party's State Committee, committeeman

Missouri State House

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

As a Democratic candidate for Missouri State Representative, I'm running for office so that I can fight for my family- and your family, too- in Missouri's General Assembly.

As a fifth-generation Missouri native I've seen my hometown of St. Charles grow from a rural bedroom community into a sprawling suburban region. I want to see our middle class prosper and grow while we work to build tight-knit communities- rural, urban, and suburban- that care about and support one another.

As a resident of Eureka, Mo. I live in a community that has evolved from a small working-class bedroom community in a mostly rural area just outside of St. Louis into a growing suburban community that honors the history and traditions of the community while also making space for new development.

I believe in- and strongly support- Democratic values such as making Healthcare affordable and available to every single U.S. citizen, creating jobs that pay a living wage or better, supporting the small businesses that make up over 99% of Missouri's businesses, defending Women's Reproductive Rights and access to Reproductive care, and ensuring Justice and Equality to minorities, LGBTQ individuals, the elderly, disabled, and infirm.

If elected I will honor Missouri's State Motto: Salus Populi Suprema Lex Esto- Let the Welfare of the People be the Supreme Law, and advocate for policies that improve the lives of the people in the 88th House District, the St. Louis region, and the state of Missouri.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

We must work to make sure that every working Missourian has the opportunity to earn a living wage. A multifaceted approach to creating more jobs that pay a living wage in the state of Missouri must include supporting our small businesses and their efforts to grow and expand, supporting our public schools so that our workers of tomorrow have a strong academic foundation whether they choose to pursue post-secondary education, the trades, or pursue business as an entrepreneur. We must work to revitalize our struggling communities while building on our successes and expanding the prosperity in and around our more successful and affluent communities.We must work to make sure that every Missouri resident has access to quality, affordable Healthcare. Every single resident of Missouri needs access to quality, affordable Healthcare, and affordability and access doesn't just affect the poor. While Biden Administration initiatives are helping to bring down the cost of medications, middle class families are still facing rising costs for Healthcare, not to mention challenges to access Healthcare in many parts of rural Missouri. In addition, while Missouri voters approved Medicaid Expansion for our state just a few years ago, many qualified Missouri residents are challenged to access those services as a result of poor governance and administration, and this must be remedied.We must support, defend, and properly fund our public schools statewide as well as make sure that our teachers earn a respectable professional salary. As of 2024, nearly 30% of Missouri's public school districts are on 4-day weeks as a means to meet funding obligations, not as a means to better educate Missouri's children. While we're fortunate to be able to invest in making our Rockwood Schools one of the top school districts in Missouri, many rural districts lack sufficient local and state funding and they're suffering as a result, and we can and must do better.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

One of my favorite current politicians is Cory Booker- U.S. Senator from New Jersey. I appreciate his dedication to his community, his state, and being devoted to serving his constituents as well as being actively involved in national and international issues as well. In addition, I really appreciate his approach to politics- which puts love, kindness, and consideration ahead of grievance, division, and political rhetoric. I'm also a fan of Barack Obama, who is one of the most skilled statesmen of the modern era, but many of my past heroes have been musicians who have transcended their situation and art to innovate and inspire as artists.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I'm committed to working to understand the issues that I would be legislating, as I understand how government policy has an effect on the residents of this state. Over the years as a provider and advocate I've been a part of many teams and efforts to work together and create solutions for children facing unfortunate challenges and I've seen the arc of identifying a challenge, trying to address a challenge, and the outcome of how that challenge was addressed. Qualities such as being prompt, showing up informed and prepared, and giving proper attention to the matters at hand are priorities to me as well as listening with an open mind and demonstrating empathy and understanding toward the subjects affected is very important as well.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I vaguely remember Nixon's resignation, the Vietnam War, and the moon landings, but I was very young and TV (and media) wasn't the thing that it is today.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

McDonald's was my first *3* jobs. That was over 40 years ago, but I believe that I worked there for a few months each time as a teenager.

What is your favorite book? Why?

I have several, including Saul Alinsky's "Rules for Radicals"- which sits on my nightstand. Some other favorites are Lao Tzu's "Tao Te Ching," Stephen Covey's "7 Habits of Highly Successful People," Wallace Wattles' "The Science of Getting Rich," and Kenny Werner's "Effortless Mastery." I enjoy reading books that provide insights about how to be more healthy, productive, effective, and prosperous.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

She's Got a Way- Billy Joel

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

As a professional musician for 40+ years I'm very aware of the challenges of being a business owner or self-employed while pursuing one's passion. Small businesses make up over 99% of Missouri's businesses and businesses with under 20 employees make up about half of those businesses. Accessing Healthcare, developing, growing and maintaining a customer base, and navigating changes in my industry have been particularly challenging in my line of work. In addition, acting as a foster provider for victims of abuse and neglect has been extremely challenging. It's often extremely difficult to identify and access resources for at-risk individuals in the state of Missouri, and unfortunately it's often the most vulnerable people who suffer the most.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

I believe that it can be very helpful to have previously served- but not a necessity. I believe that having a variety of backgrounds represented in our legislature provides the best opportunity for the widest number of points of view to be considered when crafting legislation. Unfortunately, in light of Missouri's strict term limits for state legislators, our most effective legislators too often are forced to move on just as they have developed the network and skills to become truly effective legislators. Might I add, people get into politics for different reasons at different times in their lives. The amount of time necessary to serve in the Missouri Legislature (and likely be away from one's home) versus the financial need to cover household costs also limits the participation of people who might have the potential to be high quality public servants but whose career or family obligations might make serving as a state legislator difficult or impossible.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Absolutely! In order to have one's legislation be heard, debated, and possibly passed it requires the support of a majority of legislators. As a potential Democratic legislator in a body where Republican legislators hold a supermajority, it's a must to nurture relationships with "the other side of the aisle" in order to get the opportunity to actively participate in the legislative process.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

I very much appreciate legislators who go to our State Capitol to fight for legislation that benefits as many of our 6.1 million Missouri residents as possible. While local issues may differ in some ways, we all benefit from having better schools, safer roads and bridges, access to broadband internet, access to quality, affordable Healthcare, effective policing, equal Justice, etc. I appreciate the work that I've seen from Missouri legislators like Rep. Deb Lavender, Rep. Peter Merideth, Rep. Crystal Quade, and from noted Congressional leaders past and present who have fought to make their communities, Districts, states, and country more healthy, safe, secure, just, and prosperous.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

One step at a time...

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Quite honestly, over the last 7 years I've not only heard many touching stories, but seen people who have overcome challenges while others who have succumbed to challenges for lack of support or resources. In my experience many, many people regardless of age, wealth, partisan preference, or whathaveyou have encountered healthcare-related challenges that can too often be difficult to overcome. I believe that by working to make quality, affordable Healthcare available every Missouri resident will benefit at some point in their lives.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

I believe that the State Legislature should have some say in the use of emergency powers as a check and balance to the power of the Executive Branch. I would also hope that our State Legislature would use these powers to help make our state better able address potential crises, and not as a means to politicize and harm our ability to swiftly and effectively respond to crises.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

Some of my priorities include guaranteeing that people with pre-existing conditions are able to access Healthcare, working to fully fund our public schools statewide and pay our teachers a competitive salary regardless of their location, address the falling revenues that are making a negative impact on how we fund our state government, developing and supporting efforts to revitalize our struggling rural communities, protecting and supporting our state's parks and conservation areas, addressing a number of Workers Right issues that affect not only members of labor unions, but employed workers in all industries, and revisiting the recently passed helmet law that has contributed to dozens of unnecessary injuries and deaths of motorcycle riders and passengers over the last few years among other issues. In 2024, Missouri's Republican-dominated General Assembly only passed a handful of non-budget bills while Missouri residents faced numerous challenges that could have been addressed by our state legislators. If elected, I will focus on not only sponsoring meaningful legislation, but on helping to move policies that will have positive impacts on as many Missouri residents as possible.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

While I'm late to appear on the November ballot so I'm in the process of earning endorsements, in the past I've been endorsed by many local and national labor organizations including the AFL-CIO, MNEA, Greater St. Louis Labor Council, The Franklin Co. Labor Political Club, Rockwood Labor, many individual labor organizations from Ironworkers to Operators to Elevator Engineers, Service Employees, Communications Workers, Bricklayers, etc. etc. Also, I've had the support of organizations such as Moms Demand Action, Sierra Club, Planned Parenthood, School Administrators, etc. and I'm currently in the process of informing them that I've taken over this race for the General Election in 2024.

Do you support or oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative process? If so, what kind of changes would you consider?

I support PROTECTING Missouri's Ballot Initiative process as it currently stands.

U.S. House

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I'm particularly passionate about Education, Small Business, and Rural Issues. My parents and many members of my extended family have been public school teachers, I've been a small businessman for over 40 years, and I grew up in what was a small bedroom community and for a number of years I have lived, worked, and organized in rural areas and our family owns a century farm in Southeast Missouri as well.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honesty, integrity, ethics, an obligation to earnestly serve one's constituents' well-being, and a commitment to being as knowledgeable and curious about the subject matter being legislated are in my opinion key characteristics that define an effective elected official. Too often we see people who hold office not to serve their constituents, but to serve their own egos and the agenda of their political donors. I believe that our elected officials have an obligation to serve their constituents regardless of their party affiliation, income, or influence.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Members of Missouri's General Assembly have an obligation to not only serve and represent the constituents in their districts, but their actions and decisions also effect the entire state of Missouri and its interests. From providing constituent services to the residents in their Districts regarding issues of governance to voting on legislation that addresses Missouri's schools, workers, infrastructure, budget, Healthcare, Social Services, policing, business, agriculture, housing, Criminal and Civil law, conservation, and many other issues- members of our State Legislature have an obligation to be well-informed, organized, prompt, and present in all functions that define the role of a member of Missouri's General Assembly.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to be remembered as someone who truly cared about his family, community, state, and country who always did his best to serve my community, state, and country with honesty, integrity, and a desire to improve people's lives through effective governance.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

I believe that while we exist and serve in a partisan political system, at the end of the day legislators and state leadership need to collaborate in order to best serve the needs of the people. While we may differ on how to approach challenges, I believe that we should have a basic core understanding of how government serves the people as opposed to personal or political interests. "Salus populi suprema lex esto"- "Let the welfare of the people be the Supreme Law."

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

The vast majority of the state of Missouri consists of rural communities who have been struggling for decades while suburban areas that are near to larger municipalities have managed to survive and thrive. I believe that we will ALL benefit from not only serving the local interests of our more affluent communities but by also working to expand prosperity, opportunity, and security to neighboring communities who could benefit from revitalization efforts that accommodate a 21st century economy. We cannot continue to starve our public schools, turn our backs on struggling communities, and point fingers at communities that need support and resources in order to prosper. I believe that Missouri's State Government has the capacity to reinvent and revive our state to become a place where people not only feel welcome, but where people of all kinds and stripes want to move to and pursue a career, start a family, or start a business.

What committees interest you?

I'm most interested in serving on Elementary and Secondary Education, Rural Economic Development, Agriculture Policy, Children and Families, and Health and Mental Health Policy, Economic Development. As a long-time business owner issues regarding supporting small businesses in Missouri are particularly interesting to me, as a parent, former foster provider, legal guardian, and advocate issues regarding education and Healthcare are of interest to me, and as a former rural resident whose family owns a century farm in Missouri rural and agricultural issues interest me as well.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I believe that public servants- elected and otherwise- have an obligation to the residents of our state to be transparent regarding how and where taxpayer dollars are spent, how effective our public institutions are in executing their obligations, and we should always be mindful to be thrifty, efficient, effective in managing and funding our obligations.

Note: Kiehne submitted the above survey responses to [the profile publisher] on September 20, 2024.

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August 23 submission

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

As a Democratic candidate for United States Congress, I'm running for office so that I can fight for my family- and your family, too- in our U.S. House of Representatives.

As a fifth-generation Missouri native I've seen my hometown of St. Charles grow from a rural bedroom community into a sprawling suburban region. I want to see our middle class prosper and grow while we work to build tight-knit communities- rural, urban, and suburban- that care about and support one another.

I believe in- and strongly support- Democratic values such as making Healthcare affordable and available to every single U.S. citizen, creating jobs that pay a living wage or better, supporting the small businesses that make up over 99% of Missouri's businesses, defending Women's Reproductive Rights and access to Reproductive care, and ensuring Justice and Equality to minorities, LGBTQ individuals, the elderly, disabled, and infirm.

I will advocate for policies that address inflation, the rising cost and availability of housing, Worker's Rights issues that affect every employed American worker, and I'll advocate to make our tax system more fair so that everyone pays their fair share but no one is broken by the burden of taxation.

I will advocate for policies that improve the lives of the people in my District, the state of Missouri, and the United States of America. If elected I will honor Missouri's State Motto: Salus Populi Suprema Lex Esto- Let the Welfare of the People be the Supreme Law.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Every American citizen needs access to quality, affordable Healthcare.Every American worker need the opportunity to acquire full-time employment that provides a living wage or better.We must support and improve our public schools that supply the foundation for American prosperity and exceptionalism.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Education, Labor, the Economy, Civil Rights, Foreign Policy, Healthcare, Budget, Energy, Agriculture, Small Business

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

As someone who's played music professionally since I was a teenager, I always admired artists who were also using their platform for activism such as Marvin Gaye, James Brown, and scores of hip hop, rock, and folk artists throughout the years. Since entering politics I've come to admire former President Barack Obama, former President Jimmy Carter, Senator Bernie Sanders, Senator Cory Booker, Beto O'Rourke, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and passionate newcomers like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. I admire people who are passionate about helping people and making the world a more safe, healthy, prosperous, just, and inclusive place to live, work, and play. I aspire to help affect positive change in my community, my state, our country, and on our planet in whatever way that I can.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

First and foremost honesty and integrity. We can acquire knowledge and insight about any number of subjects but the basic principles of serving with integrity- putting the welfare of your constituents above politics, power, and profit, and speaking honestly while always striving to be well-informed about the subjects that are being legislated, are key traits that inform the ability to be an effective lawmaker.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am committed to advocating for policies that make the people in our community, state, and country more safe, secure, healthy, just, and prosperous. I believe that as a member of the House of Representatives, I would have an obligation to serve the best interests of ALL of my constituents to the very best of my ability and be willing to addressing the needs and concerns of the people in my district regardless of Party preference. I am committed to the idea of working in a non-partisan manner that seeks to build bridges, not walls- so that I can be an effective lawmaker that's willing to work across the aisle to pass meaningful, effective legislation.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Members of our House of Representatives have an obligation to not only serve and represent the constituents in their districts, but their actions and decisions also effect the entire United States of America and its interests. From providing constituent services to the members of their Districts regarding issues of governance to voting on sweeping legislation regarding domestic and foreign policy- Congressional members have an obligation to be well-informed, organized, prompt, and present in all functions that define the role of a member of the U.S. Congress.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to be remembered as a well-informed, accessible, and effective legislator who was able to create coalitions to pass meaningful and effective legislation that benefits the American people. I would also like to leave a legacy of demonstrating kindness and consideration to all parties involved be they legislators, leaders, or constituents.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Growing up in the 60's and 70's my first historical memories were of moon landings, the Vietnam War, and Pres. Richard Nixon's impeachment.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first *3* jobs were at McDonald's in my hometown of St. Charles, Mo. I worked there for about a year collectively while attending high school in the mid-1980's.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Some of my favorites are "The Science of Getting Rich" by Wallace Wattles but I also like "Effortless Mastery" by Kenny Werner, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey, and the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu.

In my younger years I consumed quite a bit of fiction- leaning mostly toward science fiction and horror. However, for most of my adult years I've read a wide variety of non-fiction including biographies, self-help, philosophy, business-related, and in recent years related to political philosophies, campaign management, history, and policy.

My fiction preferences are usually fantastical escapist themes and my non-fiction preferences are purely for self-improvement and self-enrichment.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Probably one of my own tunes that I've been working on lately but most likely Baby Shark.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

One of my greatest challenges has been trying to identify and access critical services for victims of domestic violence and neglect. It's just too difficult for vulnerable individuals to get the help that they need- especially for children. The challenges that we've faced in trying to find and utilize resources for our at-risk people is what motivated me to get involved in politics to begin with- and that's what will continue to drive the work that I want to do in our House of Representatives to not only provide critical interventions more adequately and effectively but by working on measures to prevent people from being victims of their circumstances to begin with.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

I believe that it can most certainly be beneficial- but I also believe that our legislators should represent all walks of life- young and old, male and female, gay and straight, all colors, faiths, levels of education, rural, suburban, and urban communities, and a wide variety of job histories and careers. I also believe that representatives can provide valuable insights from their own unique experiences as members of the general public and the private sector who may not be as biased as a result of years of serving in similar roles in government. In addition- in the state of Missouri, Democrats only win seats in a very small percentage of the area of the state so there are severe limitations as to what political opportunities that an aspiring Democratic candidate might successfully pursue. Ultimately, however, the *voters* decide who they feel will best represent their needs and concerns in our U.S. Congress.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

The divisive and extreme rhetoric that's infecting our communities, media, our politics, and that's currently making it difficult for legislative bodies to debate and pass meaningful policy. Legislative gridlock and hyper-partisanship are preventing our governmental bodies from adequately addressing serious issues regarding National Security, the economy, Elections, Education, Healthcare, Employment, Energy, Infrastructure, and so forth. Because politicians are more interested in getting media attention and proving points our nation is being made more vulnerable to foreign attacks, domestic terrorism, economic challenges, civil unrest, etc. I believe that it's imperative that we start focusing on being the *United* States before partisan division brings our country to its knees.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Due to the additional burdens of modern campaigning and fundraising we might want to consider a 4-year term for members of the House of Representatives. Many legislators serving in House seats complain about how nearly constant campaigning is a distraction to legislators who need to be focusing on creating, debating, and passing legislation.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

In the process of becoming more engaged in politics I've had a number of conversations with sitting legislators regarding term limits. While on one hand many (if not most) voters are not fond of the idea of career politicians who serve