Newton County Republicans to Discuss Candidates and Ballot Issues at Annual Free Bean Feed

NEOSHO, MO. — The Newton County Republican Central Committee will host its annual Free Bean Feed Thursday, Oct. 29, at the Neosho Middle School Learning Center, bringing together candidates, community members and voters ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.

Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., with dinner served at 6 p.m. The event will take place at 1400 Hale McGinty Drive in Neosho.

Nick Myers, chairman of the Missouri Republican Party, said the annual gathering will provide voters with an opportunity to hear from candidates and learn about ballot measures before Election Day.

Several Republican candidates in contested races are scheduled to attend, including Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick, U.S. Rep. Eric Burlison, State Sen. Jill Carter, Missouri House District 160 nominee Cheryle Perkins and Newton County presiding commissioner candidate Mark Bridges.

Fitzpatrick, a Republican incumbent from neighboring Barry County, is seeking reelection as state auditor. Burlison is also seeking reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives, while Carter is running for another term representing Jasper and Newton counties in the Missouri Senate.

Perkins, the current Newton County assessor, is the Republican nominee for the Missouri House of Representatives in the 160th District, an open seat due to term limits. Bridges is seeking the position of Newton County presiding commissioner.

Myers said the program will cover the contested races, along with constitutional amendments, Proposition A and judicial retention questions appearing on the ballot.

"We're going to cover the entire ballot at that event," Myers said in an earlier interview. "We're going to talk about each one of those items. So we'll have presentations on that and we'll have sample ballots at the event for you to look at before you vote."

The program will include separate presenters for each constitutional amendment and Proposition A, as well as information about the judicial retention ballot. Voters will have opportunities to ask questions and speak individually with candidates and presenters.

Myers said the presentations are intended to help attendees understand the issues and make informed decisions.

"These questions on the Constitution, they may never be voted on again," Myers said. "So not only is it who's going to be administering the laws, it is the laws themselves that you're going to be voting on."

He emphasized that constitutional amendments and ballot propositions can have long-term effects beyond the terms of elected officials.

"Now on these constitutional amendments and the propositions, those are going to affect you for the rest of your life and your children's life," Myers said.

Organizers plan to provide handouts, sample ballots and a voter guide covering the amendments and propositions. Myers said the materials and presentations will give attendees an opportunity to review the issues before casting their ballots.

The Newton County Republican Central Committee has recommendations on the ballot measures, which Myers said will be discussed during the event. He said the committee recommends voting yes on the proposed amendments and propositions, with the exception of Amendment 6.

Myers also highlighted Amendment 3, which he described as a major issue for the committee.

"Probably the most important issue on the ballot is Amendment Three, which is truly a question of life or death," Myers said. He said the committee recommends voting yes on Amendment 3.

In addition to discussing ballot measures, the event will include candidate presentations and opportunities for voters to ask questions. Myers said the program is expected to wrap up between 8 and 8:30 p.m., depending on the discussion.

The event will also include a silent auction hosted by the Republican Women of Newton County. The auction will feature a variety of items, and those interested in contributing or learning more may contact RWNC President Chris Yaudas at 417-434-1218.

Dinner will include ham and beans, cornbread, dessert and iced tea, catered by the Neosho High School Future Farmers of America. Coffee will be provided by Joplin Greenhouse and The Coffee Shop.

Organizers will also hold a straw quiz, with prizes awarded by drawing at the end of the event.

Myers said the gathering is open to Republicans from across Southwest Missouri and encouraged attendees to invite friends and neighbors. Those who have already voted are also welcome to attend and can learn about opportunities to volunteer in efforts to encourage others to vote.

"If you are have already voted, come on out to the bean feed," Myers said. "We're going to recruit volunteers to help all your neighbors get out to vote all the way up through seven o'clock on this coming Tuesday."

Myers also encouraged eligible voters who have not yet cast their ballots to do so before Election Day. He noted that voters can cast their ballots early at the Newton County Clerk's Office in Neosho, provided they meet the applicable requirements and bring the necessary identification.

Although tickets are not required, organizers are requesting an estimated head count to ensure enough food and seating are available.

Those planning to attend may email [email protected] or call 417-623-2214.

Additional information, including the event flyer, sample ballot and voter guide covering ballot issues, is available at NewtonCountyRepublicans.org and on the Newton County Republican Central Committee's Facebook page.

"If you're eligible to vote, you should go do it," Myers said. "But be informed when you vote."