Newton County Republicans Gather to Discuss Key Ballot Measures in Neosho

NEOSHO, MO. — Republican candidates, party officials and community members gathered Thursday evening for the Newton County Republican Central Committee's annual Free Bean Feed, giving voters an opportunity to meet candidates and learn about issues on the Nov. 3 general election ballot.

The event was held at the Neosho Middle School Learning Center in Neosho and featured candidate presentations, discussions about ballot measures and opportunities for attendees to ask questions ahead of Election Day.

Among those attending were Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick, State Sen. Jill Carter and Cheryle Perkins, Republican candidate for Missouri House District 160.

Several Republican candidates running in uncontested races also attended, including Jacob Skouby for associate circuit judge in Division III; Christine Rhoades for associate circuit judge in Division IV; Shayla Merrell for clerk of the circuit court; Tami (Renfro) Owens for clerk of the county commission; Jenny Cullers Childers for recorder of deeds; William Lynch for prosecuting attorney; Jessica Crawford for collector of revenue; and Matt Major for county auditor.

U.S. Rep. Eric Burlison, who represents Missouri's 7th Congressional District, and Mark Bridges, Republican candidate for Newton County presiding commissioner, did not attend. Burlison was asked by President Donald Trump to attend a special mission.

Nick Myers, chairman of the Missouri Republican Party, said the event was intended to help voters better understand the candidates and issues they will encounter on the ballot.

The program included presentations on constitutional amendments, Proposition A and judicial retention questions. Organizers also provided information to help attendees review ballot measures before making their decisions.

Candidates Encourage Voter Participation Fitzpatrick, who is seeking reelection as Missouri state auditor, addressed attendees about the importance of voter turnout in the upcoming election.

"What we need to have happen now is that next week every one of you needs to get four or five people to go and vote, because we have got to turn out the vote," Fitzpatrick said.

Fitzpatrick also discussed his work auditing state and local government agencies, emphasizing the importance of accountability in government spending.

"As much as I support public schools, I also believe in accountability," Fitzpatrick said while discussing his office's efforts to audit school districts.

Ballot measures were another focus of the evening, with speakers discussing several constitutional amendments, including Amendments 3 and 6.

The presentations gave attendees an opportunity to hear perspectives on the measures and ask questions before Election Day.

Residents Seek Information Before Voting For some attendees, the event provided an opportunity to learn more about the candidates and ballot questions before casting their ballots.

Jim Henry, a Newton County resident, said he attended to check his understanding of the amendments and learn more about the people running for office.

Henry said the language used to explain ballot measures can sometimes make them difficult to understand.

"Some of the things, you know, some of the amendments. I think when you try to read them online or on your phone, by the time you start at the top, you get to the bottom, you forgot what was at the top," Henry said.

He also noted that voters may not always be familiar with candidates' backgrounds and qualifications, making opportunities to hear from them directly valuable.

Henry said he wants to understand the issues before deciding how to vote, regardless of what others may support.

"I want to make sure I understand it," Henry said. "Anytime that you don't understand a tax, you don't vote yes."

The evening combined election information and candidate introductions with a community meal of ham and beans, cornbread, dessert and iced tea, catered by Neosho High School Future Farmers of America.

The Republican Women of Newton County also hosted a silent auction during the event.

With the Nov. 3 general election approaching, the gathering brought candidates and voters together to discuss the upcoming election and the issues facing Missouri voters.