Sheri Jay

Sheri Jay was born in St. Louis, Missouri. She earned a high school diploma from Hazelwood Central High School and a bachelor's degree from Southeast Missouri State University. Her career experience includes working as a realtor.[1][2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a mom, grandmother, wife of 45 years, chemist, Realtor, Lion, and a Christian. I've lived in Lincoln County for 15 years after moving here from North St. Louis County where I grew up and where I raised my children. I received my Bachelor of Science degree from Southeast Missouri State and worked for 25 years as a chemist. After that phase of life ended, I switched to real estate where I've found great satisfaction in helping people. It was after moving to Lincoln County that I took an interest in politics and found a place with the newly formed Lincoln County Libertarians. I believe in life, the family, personal responsibility, individual rights, reducing the size of government and taxes, choices in education, and government transparency.

In my spare time I enjoy reading, games, bicycling, and painting.

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?

Taxation is out of control because government spending is out of control. The solution is not reallocating taxes but a smaller, more accountable government that lives within its means. I will work to close loopholes, find and eliminate waste, and return more of your hard-earned money to you by limiting government to its essential, constitutional functions.Privacy protections have not kept pace with advances in surveillance and AI. Policymakers must strengthen safeguards against the mass collection and misuse of personal data by corporations and governments. Personal data is not a commodity.Government transparency is essential. Major projects like data centers and utility agreements came as surprises to the people of Missouri. While I would not ban data centers, the public deserves to know when there is a plan for "growth" in their community, when negotiations begin and who is involved. The people should have a say in whether they want one in their community. We should be able to clearly follow the money and see who has interests in our state. I will fight for open government, disclosure, and public oversight before deals are finalized.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Individual rights and education are two areas I would focus my efforts if elected.

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

Transparency, honesty, ethics, temperament

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

Putting constituents above self and government power.

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

As a teenager my first job was in a nursing home. My first adult job was as a chemical technician.

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

As an adult with children and full time job, work life balance was always a struggle.

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

Separate but cooperative. The governor serves as a check on the legislature but should not do the legislature's job.

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

Reining in spending.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Compromise implies losing something in the process. The best laws will have agreement from across the political spectrum.

What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?

The moon landing in 1969. I was 7.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I believe government has because too large to serve us rather than itself. Fear is used to keep the people trapped in a two party system that benefits only the government. I want to help break that cycle and restore to the people what is theirs.

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?

Taxes have skyrocketed with little to show for it.The education system is failing many of our children. You have the right to choose how you will educate your own.Constitutional rights are slowing being eroded while we are busy living.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Property rights and education are two areas I would like to focus efforts if elected.

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

I'm too old to look up to many any longer. I recognize everyone has strengths, weaknesses, and flaws.

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

Transparency, honesty, ethics, temperament

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

I'm a natural troubleshooter and problem solver. It's what I do best.

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

Putting constituents above self and government power.

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

The moon landing in 1969. I was 7.

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

As a teenager my first job was in a nursing home. My first adult job was as a chemical technician.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Lord of the Rings. It is a magical story of heroism, love, and loyalty.

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

Tubthumpin. My granddaughter loves it.

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

As an adult with children and full time job, work life balance was always a struggle.

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

Attracting businesses to provide well paying jobs.

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

No. Career politicians have lost touch with the populace and are more interested in lobbyists and keeping their own jobs.

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

Yes. The best laws will have agreement from across the political spectrum.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Dad jokes are the best jokes.

What committees interest you?

Elementary and Secondary Education and Appropriations, Public Safety Law Enforcement and Veteran Affairs, Utilities Regulation, Children Families and Health

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

There is not enough transparency or accountability in government.