Josh Hurlbert

Josh Hurlbert was born in Smithville, Missouri. Hurlbert earned a bachelor's degree in history and geography from Park University in 2008. His career experience includes working as a senior field representative for U.S. Congressman Sam Graves.[1][2] Hurlbert has served as the president of the Smithville Rotary Club.[2][3]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Husband, father, legislator. I am a policy expert with experience on the municipal, state and federal levels. I am running for reelection to the Missouri House of Representatives.

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?

Pro-Growth Policies - The Northland is thriving. We need to ensure that small government, low tax policies remain in place in order to meet the Northland's full potential.Broadband Development - Broadband is the next necessity for rural America. We need to make smart investments while also narrowing our focus on areas lacking access instead of supporting overbuilding communities.School Choice - We need to further educational choice in Missouri. Gone is the era of one-size-fits-all education. Students should not have their educational opportunities limited by their income or zip code - they should be free to find the best educational fit for them.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Transportation - We need to invest in our roads and bridges. That is the most basic function of the State Government. Infrastructure investment is also the best way for government to aid in economic development.

School Choice - We need to further educational choice in Missouri. Gone is the era of one-size-fits-all education. Students should not have their educational opportunities limited by their income or zip code - they should be free to find the best educational fit for them.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Josh Hurlbert grew up in Kearney before settling in Smithville in 2007. After graduating from Park University, Hurlbert began working for Congressman Sam Graves, where he continues to serve as the Senior Field Representative. Hurlbert was elected to the Smithville Board of Alderman in 2018, serving one term before not seeking reelection, and is also the Past President of the Smithville Rotary Club, where he has been a member since 2011. Hurlbert also serves as an Elder at The Table: A Christian Fellowship in Liberty.

Motivation for Hurlbert's candidacy comes from his faith, family, and commitment to public

service. "As the father of two small children, I want them to grow up with the same opportunities I had. I

want them to enjoy the freedom that a small government provides."

"I know I don't have all the answers. I look forward to getting to know the people of this district

better and hearing their ideas about how to make Missouri a better place to live," Hurlbert said.

A resident of Smithville, Hurlbert lives in the Diamond Crest subdivision with his wife, Ashley,

and their two children, Rose (4) and J.J. (2).

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?

Transportation - Missouri needs to find a 21st century solution to maintaining our roads and bridgesLaw Enforcement - In order to maintain a safe and thriving Northland, we need to maintain funding for our police departmentsEconomic Development - The Northland is developing into an economic driver for the Kansas City metro and we need low-tax, small government policies to realize that potential

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

We need to set up the Northland for the 21st century. That means reinventing the state's transportation funding mechanisms to account for the estimated 25% of the personal vehicle fleet that will be electric by 2030 and not paying a fuel tax. It also means bringing government alongside private investment to unlock the potential of the Northland, instead of instituting big government policies that will weigh down the Northland like an anchor.

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

No party has a monopoly on good ideas. It is important to hear all sides of an issue, become informed on the intricacies and nuances of the legislation, and make a decision on what is in the district's interest. It is my job as a legislator to represent the district in Jefferson City, not Jefferson City to the district.

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

Integrity, patience, and the ability to grasp complex and nuanced pieces of legislation are important for any prospective legislator. I believe my experience has proven I have these abilities and can effectively represent the district.

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

I started refereeing youth soccer games when I was 13, something I still enjoy doing as much as I can on the weekends.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

I support Amendment 3, which would restore a bipartisan panel of seven Republicans and seven Democrats tasked with coming up with compact districts that favor keeping communities intact and that 75% of the panel could agree to. The current law, changed in 2018, would appoint a single state demographer to draw the lines primarily focused on achieving a partisan balance in the legislature, which would force the demographer to draw gerrymandered districts that somehow draw together rural and urban areas.

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Transportation

Budget

Hurlbert's website highlighted the following campaign themes:[5]

ECONOMY

Excerpt: "I support Missouri joining six of its neighbors as a Right-to-Work state. I also support eliminating the state income tax and adopting a statewide sales tax"

EDUCATION

Excerpt: "I strongly support a proper reimbursement rate and allocation system for Kansas City School District students looking to leave the district. I also support the implementation of tuition-credit systems, which have proven to be boon for students in failing school districts."

TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE

Excerpt: "We are at a critical juncture in Missouri transportation. We need to continue funding our highways, but without toll roads or new taxes. I also support maintaining a three-terminal concourse at Kansas City International Airport rather than building a new, inconvenient single terminal concourse."

PRO-LIFE

Excerpt: "I am a strong supporter of the Pro-Life cause. I will not support legislation that threatens the unborn."

PRO-GUN

Excerpt: "As a gun owner, I strongly support the right for individuals to bear arms. I also applaud the recent Supreme Court decisions that have reaffirmed this right throughout the United States."