Editor’s note: The following responses appeared in the Oct. 17 and Oct. 24 print editions of The Call. Some responses may have been edited for grammar and shortened due to print space constraints. Continue to check callnewspapers.com for more web-exclusive content from the candidates.
State Rep. Brad Christ, R-Sappington, is being challenged for his 96th House District seat by Leslie Derrington in the election Tuesday, Nov. 5. Christ was first elected to the seat in 2022.
Christ lives in Sappington with his wife Erin and four children. He is an insurance broker with the Crane Agency.
When asked why he was seeking reelection, Christ said, “The same reason as my first election, I have four young children and my income earning years ahead of me. I am not pleased with the direction of the economy, politics, or society. We need people with integrity and common sense stepping up and getting involved. With it being only my first term of only two years, there is still a lot to accomplish. I am running for my first re- election to continue to make a positive change for our families and community.”
Derrington lives in Crestwood. She is a stay-at-home mom and her children attend Lindbergh Schools.
When asked why she was running for office, Derrrginton said, “To improve the lives of Missourians.”
The candidates gave the following responses to The Call’s questionnaire:
What do you consider the most important issue in this race?
Christ: “Inflation and its impact on our district residents. While we have little influence over the causes of inflation, we do have some control over how we respond to it. As many district individuals and families struggle with higher costs, I took the necessary steps to help alleviate the burden for senior citizens in our district. During my freshman term, I chaired the committee that passed the property tax freeze for our district’s senior citizens. I ran for office to make positive changes for our families and community, and if reelected, I will work on behalf of District 96 residents to sponsor and support legislation that targets the negative impacts of inflation.”
Derrington: “The most important issue is reproductive rights. We have seen over the past two years since the overturning of Roe v. Wade that disastrous impact on women’s health and access to healthcare in this state. Over 380,000 Missourians put their name on a petition to allow Missourians to vote to restore reproductive rights in this state.”
What do you perceive to be the 96th District’s greatest challenges?
Christ: “Finding ways to keep our district and region stable while the economy is suffering the effects of inflation. Additionally, conversations around political issues have become increasingly divisive. Both challenges require civility and a willingness to do the hard, bipartisan work it takes to target areas where we can cut state spending while pursuing economic development to help boost our economy and mitigate the effects of inflation.”
Derrington: “I believe one of the greatest challenges to District 96 is the cost of housing and access to childcare making it increasingly difficult for young families to get their start here. I will work closely with our school districts to expand early childcare access and other care providers so we can meet the needs of our community. I will also work with our city leaders on housing and developers to create a sustainable and enduring community for families to live and work.”
What do you consider to be the state’s greatest challenges?
Christ: “Quality education to teach and train our future workforce so that businesses choosing to operate in Missouri have a trained, ready pool of local jobseekers. We must ensure that our students are prepared, and our teachers supported. I supported an omnibus education bill that provided record setting resources to our schools and raised teacher salaries. I passed the Intern and Apprentice Recruitment Act, which encourages businesses to hire more students from Missouri’s numerous university systems. Expansion of industries and business already located in Missouri, as well as attracting international business, is another significant challenge facing the state.”
Derrington: “Our public schools have struggled for funding over the past 20 years and now they must compete with unaccredited private schools for tax dollars thanks to a new voucher program. This is a massive cost to the state budget without any mechanism to track what students are learning. If our state can’t provide an educated workforce, we will be unable to attract or retain industry.”
What is your position on abortion?
Christ: “Mothers and children in these incredibly difficult situations need our support. I support a culture that values life and family, and have acted on this by my vote to support a bill that extended postpartum care for new moms as well as sponsored my zero cost adoption fund to eliminate costs to adoption. We can also find ways to improve our foster care and adoption systems to make it less burdensome for all involved to care for our state’s children, and my zero-cost adoption bill reflects that effort. State law allows for abortions in specific cases, and I will always ensure we protect the health and safety of mothers. This all being said, Missouri voters will decide on this issue in November. No matter the outcome I will continue to work to promote policies that protect the health of women and families in Missouri.”
Derrington: Abortion is healthcare that needs to be safe and legal. The abortion ban is so extreme in Missouri that women are dying, infant mortality is going up, and doctors are leaving our state. My own daughter must take medications that keep her alive and thriving, however, these are not approved to take during pregnancy. As our law stands, there is no option for patients, like her, who become pregnant. There is no miscarriage care, there is no compassion for victims of rape, there is no bodily autonomy for women in Missouri.”
What is your position on the death penalty?
Christ: The death penalty should be reserved for the most heinous crimes where a matter of guilt or innocence is not in question. As a legislator, I looked for ways to address the issues that lead to crime. If the root causes are left untreated, we won’t be able to make headway on prevention and reduce the size of our prison population. The state can also partner with local non-profits that work to reduce recidivism by offering vocational training to individuals who have served their time.
Derrington: “I do not support the death penalty.”
Are changes needed to the state’s foundation formula for funding education?
Christ: “In my freshman term as a House Representative, I voted yes on the passage of a bill to revise the foundation formula, which will provide for a significant funding increase for all public schools, including Lindbergh Schools. As a former public-school student and the son of a public-school board parent, I’m well aware of the value of public education, and if reelected, will continue to ensure that Missouri families have plenty of options for securing quality education for their children.”
Derrington: “Yes. There is an undeniable disparity in our public school system that puts too many of Missouri’s children in underfunded schools resulting in a lifelong disadvantage. The current formula relies too heavily on local property taxes and punitive measures. The state government has a duty to ensure every child has access to a quality education.”
Are changes needed to the law allowing state citizens to carry concealed weapons?
Christ: “In my freshman term, I voted to approve the passage of laws enhancing penalties for adults who use minors to commit crimes with guns and to enhance penalties for the unnecessary discharge of a firearm. I also worked across the aisle on an amendment centered on minors in possession of a firearm in certain circumstances, to which the NRA stood neutral and followed federal statute. We can make inroads into reducing the impact of gun crimes while still respecting the rights of law-abiding Missourians by seeking solutions in related areas, such as providing resources for mental health treatment and school security.”
Derrington: “The No. 1 cause of death of children in Missouri is gun related. We can make some commonsense changes to these laws and save precious lives. We have different rules around open carry and concealed carry which can lead to fear and confusion. In Missouri, we have no minimum age limit for open carry, we do not require any background check for a gun purchase and we have no mechanism for officers to work with families when a loved one is suffering from violent tendencies. We live in a state where nearly anyone can buy or sell a gun and nearly anyone above the age of 18 can carry a concealed weapon into a school. Our state has the fifth-highest rate of gun deaths in the nation and our legislators need to act.”
Should police departments be defunded?
Christ: “Absolutely not; I fully support those who risk their lives to keep us all safe, and am the only candidate in this race endorsed by every law enforcement agency regionally and statewide. We need only to look at cities where the defund the police movement was embraced by local governments to see the disastrous impact it’s had on their communities.”
Derrington: “I do not want our police departments to be defunded. I want our police to have the training and equipment essential to keep officers and our community safe.”
What changes should Missouri make to its health care system?
Christ: “Nearly two-thirds of the state’s budget is consumed by the rising costs associated with care for our elderly and disabled populations, as well as the financial burdens on Medicaid. I support efforts in the legislature to make health care more accessible and affordable, and if reelected, I will use my committee positions and relationships with colleagues in the House and Senate to continue the work required to improve health care delivery and outcomes in Missouri.”
Derrington: “Missouri ranks low in health care compared to most states. Too many people, including children who qualify for Medicaid, are kicked out of the program. If the first stop a patient makes is to the emergency room, then care is more expensive and possibly too late. Our state must start prioritizing access to preventative care, mental health care and women’s health care.”
Keep reading for web-exclusive questions and answers from the candidates
Editor’s note: The following questions and answers are as they were submitted to The Call by the candidates in their entirety. They have not been edited, other than to ensure appropriate language and no direct attacks on opponents or other candidates.
Reason for seeking office:
Christ: “The same reason as my first election, I have four young children and my income earning years ahead of me. I am not pleased with the direction of the economy, politics, or society. We need people with integrity and common sense stepping up and getting involved. With it being only my first term of only two years, there is still a lot to accomplish. I am running for my first re-election to continue to make a positive change for our families and community.”
Derrington: “To improve the lives of Missourians.”
What issue do you consider the single most important issue in this race and why?
Christ: “Inflation and its impact on our district residents. While we have little influence over the causes of inflation, we do have some control over how we respond to it. As many district individuals and families struggle with higher costs, I took the necessary steps to help alleviate the burden for senior citizens in our district. During my freshman term, I chaired the committee that passed the property tax freeze for our district’s senior citizens. I ran for office to make positive changes for our families and community, and if re-elected, I will work on behalf of district 96 residents to sponsor and support legislation that targets the negative impacts of inflation.”
Derrington: “The most important issue in this race is reproductive rights. We have seen over the past two years since the overturning of Roe v Wade that disastrous impact on women’s health and access to healthcare in this state. Over 380,000 Missourians put their name on a petition to allow Missourians to vote to restore Reproductive Rights in this state.”
Other issues you perceive in your race and your position on each:
Christ: “Crime. Communities cannot thrive if they don’t have the proper resources to keep criminal activity under control. By keeping residents and businesses safe, we set the foundation for economic and social vitality. I am proud to be the only candidate in this race endorsed by every law enforcement agency regionally and statewide.”
“Other issues include Public Education, the economy, and safety.”
What do you perceive to be the 96th District’s greatest challenges? How will you address these challenges?
Christ: “Finding ways to keep our district and region stable while the economy is suffering the effects of inflation. Additionally, conversations around political issues have become increasingly divisive. Both challenges require civility and a willingness to do the hard, bipartisan work it takes to target areas where we can cut state spending while pursuing economic development to help boost our economy and mitigate the effects of inflation.”
Derrington: “I believe one of the greatest challenges to District 96 is the cost of housing and access to childcare making it increasingly difficult for young families to get their start here. I will work closely with our school districts to expand early childcare access and other care providers so we can meet the needs of our community. I will also work with our city leaders on housing and developers to create a sustainable and enduring community for families to live and work.”
What do you perceive to be the state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?
Christ: “Quality education to teach and train our future workforce so that businesses choosing to operate in Missouri have a trained, ready pool of local jobseekers. We must ensure that our students are prepared, and our teachers supported. I supported an omnibus education bill that provided record setting resources to our schools and raised teacher salaries. I passed the Intern and Apprentice Recruitment Act, which encourages businesses to hire more students from Missouri’s numerous university systems. Expansion of industries and business already located in Missouri, as well as attracting international business, is another significant challenge facing the state.”
Derrington: “The greatest challenge over the next decade- Our public schools have struggled for funding over the past 20 years and now they must compete with unaccredited private schools for tax dollars thanks to a new voucher program. This is a massive cost to the state budget without any mechanism to track what students are learning. If our state can’t provide an educated workforce, we will be unable to attract or retain industry.”
What is your position on abortion?
Christ: “Mothers and children in these incredibly difficult situations need our support. I support a culture that values life and family, and have acted on this by my vote to support a bill that extended postpartum care for new moms as well as sponsored my zero cost adoption fund to eliminate costs to adoption. We can also find ways to improve our foster care and adoption systems to make it less burdensome for all involved to care for our state’s children, and my zero-cost adoption bill reflects that effort. State law allows for abortions in specific cases, and I will always ensure we protect the health and safety of mothers. This all being said, Missouri voters will decide on this issue in November. No matter the outcome I will continue to work to promote policies that protect the health of women and families in Missouri.”
Derrington: “Abortion is healthcare that needs to be safe and legal. The abortion ban is so extreme in Missouri that women are dying, infant mortality is going up, and doctors are leaving our state. My own daughter must take medications that keep her alive and thriving, however, these are not approved to take during pregnancy. As our law stands, there is no option for patients, like her, who become pregnant. There is no miscarriage care, there is no compassion for victims of rape, there is no bodily autonomy for women in Missouri.”
What is your position on the death penalty?
Christ: “The death penalty should be reserved for the most heinous crimes where a matter of guilt or innocence is not in question. As a legislator, I looked for ways to address the issues that lead to crime. If the root causes are left untreated, we won’t be able to make headway on prevention and reduce the size of our prison population. The state can also partner with local non-profits that work to reduce recidivism by offering vocational training to individuals who have served their time.”
Derrington: “I do not support the death penalty.”
What is your position on tax-increment financing? Are changes needed to this law?
Christ: “The retail landscape has changed since the statutes were first enacted, and redevelopment hasn’t occurred where the laws intended. TIF statutes could be updated to respond to current retail conditions and used in truly blighted areas that would benefit from the economic activity and jobs defined in the statutes. I can understand arguments from various perspectives but feel that local governments should protect their constituent’s taxes and opportunities for revenue. However, it is a multi-faceted issue, and local governments should have the freedom to do what is best for their communities without the heavy hand of state government dictating their decision.”
Derrington: “I believe that TIFs are overused. Large corporations do not need taxpayer handouts in communities like district 96. They are an important tool, however, to attract development in our underserved communities.”
Would you support placing a constitutional amendment before voters that, if approved, would repeal the supermajority requirement for school-district bond issues?
Christ: “Any school district bond issue represents a debt for taxpayers, so I support a high bar for approval. A bond issue that has a super-majority approval lets the school district know that it has the full support of the community. We are fortunate that our school districts enjoy local control, keeping district resident interests at the center of decisions and local governments should have the freedom to do what is best for their communities without state government dictating their every decision.”
Derrington: “If voters are eager to vote on this constitutional amendment, then they should have the opportunity to do so.”
Are changes needed to the state’s foundation formula for funding education?
Christ: “In my freshman term as a House Representative, I voted yes on the passage of a bill to revise the foundation formula, which will provide for a significant funding increase for all public schools, including Lindbergh Schools. As a former public-school student and the son of a public-school board parent, I’m well aware of the value of public education, and if re-elected, will continue to ensure that Missouri families have plenty of options for securing quality education for their children.”
Derrington: “Yes. There is an undeniable disparity in our public school system that puts too many of Missouri’s children in underfunded schools resulting in a lifelong disadvantage. The current formula relies too heavily on local property taxes and punitive measures. The state government has a duty to ensure every child has access to a quality education.”
Are changes needed to the law allowing Missouri citizens to carry concealed weapons? If so, why? If not, why not?
Christ: “In my freshman term, I voted to approve the passage of laws enhancing penalties for adults who use minors to commit crimes with guns, and to enhance penalties for the unnecessary discharge of a firearm. I also worked across the aisle on an amendment centered on minors in possession of a firearm in certain circumstances, to which the NRA stood neutral and followed federal statute. We can make inroads into reducing the impact of gun crimes while still respecting the rights of law-abiding Missourians by seeking solutions in related areas, such as providing resources for mental health treatment and school security.:”
Derrington: “The number one cause of death of children in Missouri is gun related. We can make some commonsense changes to these laws and save precious lives. We have different rules around open carry and concealed carry which can lead to fear and confusion. In Missouri we have no minimum age limit for open carry, we do not require any background check for a gun purchase, and we have no mechanism for officers to work with families when a loved one is suffering from violent tendencies. We live in a state where nearly anyone can buy or sell a gun and nearly anyone above the age of 19 can carry a concealed weapon into a school. Our state has the 5th highest rate of gun deaths in the nation and our legislators need to act.”
Are changes needed to the state’s current Open Meetings and Records Law? If so, what would you propose? If so, what would you propose?
Christ: “I support transparency in government. Elected officials should be accountable to the people they serve, and our current statutes work towards that end. I have nothing to hide, nor do I have any hidden agendas, and while we have robust open government laws, and access through the state accountability portal, I am always open to reviewing the statutes for areas where they can be improved.”
Derrington: “Records should be available to Missourians.”
What do you propose to generate revenue for road and bridge improvements?
Christ: “As a member of the House Budget Committee, I supported Governor Mike Parson’s biggest infrastructure investments in decades, including expansion for interstate highways 44 and 70. We are already seeing the impact of this investment with the repaving of Lindbergh, and with Watson Road repaving scheduled for next year. If re-elected, I will continue to use my position on the House Budget Committee to ensure District 96 residents benefit from government investments in infrastructure.”
Derrington: “The federal government provides funding for major infrastructure improvements, but Missouri misses out on those federal funds because our current legislature refuses funding.”
What will you do to improve Missouri’s economy?
Christ: “The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and the NFIB have once again endorsed my candidacy as they know I will protect and grow Missouri’s economy. My bill on Advanced Manufacturing is set to attract billions of dollars’ worth of investment and thousands of jobs because of manufacturing returning stateside post-Covid. Just this week, German manufacturer Zeiss announced their new office in St. Louis County, bringing with it 160 jobs for our community. I will continue to support measures that remove burdensome regulations, cut taxes, and ensure that companies like Zeiss who choose to locate in Missouri have a well-educated pool of local job candidates from which to hire.”
Derrington: “Coming in at 47th, Missouri has experienced some of the slowest economic growth in the country over the past 20 years. We have a lot of work to do to improve the economy in our state. I think we need to start by investing in the people that already live in Missouri. No matter how good the tax incentives are, we will not attract good jobs and experience economic growth without an educated workforce. We need to improve healthcare and make abortion legal. We need infrastructure updates. We are in bad shape, and we deserve so much better.”
Would you support legislation to facilitate a merger of St. Louis County and St. Louis City?
Christ: “No. I chose to live in the County for multiple reasons, including safety, schools, the retention of home values, and locally funded services. That said, we can unite with the city to develop agendas whose goals seek to grow our region as a whole and increase our economic viability. The County can still partner with the City on issues where mutual interest is at stake, and there are organizations already in place to facilitate this partnership.”
Derrington: “This is a local issue that needs to be handled at the local level. Our region loses out on considerable federal funding and opportunity because we are divided, which is a shame.”
What process do you favor for redistricting? What do you think of the state’s current redistricting process?
Christ: “I appreciate the bipartisan system we have in Missouri, and I recognize that voters have made their voices clear on this issue with the passing of Cleaner Missouri. For instance, the boundaries of district 96 were approved unanimously by ten Republicans and ten Democrats.”
Derrington: “I am in favor of a cartographer assisting with maps. The extreme gerrymandering doesn’t allow for good government.”
Do you support the changes the Legislature made to the Sunshine Law in 2019, including exempting some legislative records?
Christ: “As previously mentioned, I am pro-transparency. I support any legislation that makes public records more accessible to the citizens who fund our government. We should all have the tools we need to make sure our government is acting in our best interests.”
Derrington: “I believe government records should be fully transparent.”
Should police departments be defunded?
Christ: “Absolutely not; I fully support those who risk their lives to keep us all safe, and am the only candidate in this race endorsed by every law enforcement agency regionally and statewide. We need only to look at cities where the de-fund the police movement was embraced by local governments to see the disastrous impact it’s had on their communities.”
Derrington: “I do not want our police departments to be defunded. I want our police to have the training and equipment essential to keep officers and our community safe.”
What do you think of the leadership of Gov. Mike Parson?
Christ: “Governor Parson has weathered a difficult time for any governor: replacing a resigned governor, COVID-19, and record-breaking inflation. All these things were out of his control, but he worked hard to promote Missouri values and made difficult choices. I applaud his steadfast support for farmers, local law enforcement, and small business.”
Derrington: “I am not impressed with the direction of our state under Governor Parson. Our state is falling behind in nearly every metric that makes a state desirable.”
What will or have you done to work across the aisle in Jefferson City?
Christ: “Every piece of legislation I have mentioned thus far in this questionnaire I have worked across the aisle on and I will continue to do so. It is my belief to show love to all. I will continue to respect those I disagree with and will enact a personal policy of civility for myself and my staff in Jefferson City. I am happy to work with anyone who wants to improve schools, fight inflation, support our police, lower taxes, and protect the rights of our citizens.”
Derrington: “I believe in working across the aisle. District 96 is a 50/50 district, and I will honor that as a lawmaker.”
What bill would you sponsor as your first legislation post-election?
Christ: “As a continuation of my past successes and existing legislation I will continue to file legislation to support mothers and families, support law enforcement and combat crime, create jobs, and protect my constituents’ wallets with tax reform.”
Derrington: “Advanced monthly payments for a child tax credit. We can lift kids out of poverty.
With fewer than 50 percent of rural Missourians having access to high-speed internet service, should Missouri’s newspapers continue to be the medium in which all public notices required by law are published and distributed in print to provide due process to those persons affected by the public notices?
Christ: “I support strong public notice requirements that promote government transparency. The means of publication for these notices should be dictated by how accessible they are to all Missourians. Until there is adequate access to internet and cell towers throughout the state, a reasonable and reliable medium for publishing public notices should be newspapers, which are accessible to all.”
Derrington: “Yes.”
Should members and staff of all public governmental bodies (including state, county and local, and public colleges and universities) be prohibited from downloading or using software designed to send encrypted messages by electronic means that automatically self-destruct on communication devices purchased with public money? In other words, should the Confide app or other such software be prohibited from use because such apps are capable of destroying public records that should be available to citizens?
Christ: “I support measures that promote transparency and oppose those actions which constitute a violation of the Missouri’s open records laws.”
Derrington: “Yes.”
Do you support right-to-work legislation?
Christ: “I enjoy endorsements from the Carpenter’s Union, Police, and Fire, and will continue to sponsor and support legislation that fosters and promotes a healthy economy. Voters in Missouri have spoken and repealed right-to-work legislation, and I respect the outcome. As a freshman House Representative, I passed the Intern and Apprentice Recruitment Act, which was supported by Missouri’s trade unions.”
Derrington: “No. I am for collective bargaining, good wages, and safe working conditions. Missourians have made it clear how they stand- we are a pro union state.”
What changes should Missouri make to its health care system?
Christ: “Nearly two-thirds of the state’s budget is consumed by the rising costs associated with care for our elderly and disabled populations, as well as the financial burdens on Medicaid. I support efforts in the legislature to make healthcare more accessible and affordable, and if re-elected, I will use my committee positions and relationships with colleagues in the House and Senate to continue the work required to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes in Missouri.”
Derrington: “Missouri ranks low in healthcare compared to most states. Too many people including children who qualify for Medicaid are kicked out of the program. If the first stop a patient makes is to the ER, then care is more expensive and possibly too late. Our state must start prioritizing access to preventative care, mental health care, and women’s healthcare.”
If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?
Christ: “I was honored to serve on the following committees in my freshman term: Chair of the Special Committee on Property Tax Reform, Vice-chair of Economic Development; Budget; and Judiciary; as well as the Subcommittee on Appropriations – Public Safety, Corrections, Transportation and Revenue. In my role as Chair of the Special Committee on Property Tax Reform, I was proud to work with the committee to pass the senior property tax freeze legislation. I would be happy to serve on these committees again if re-elected.”
Derrington: “Education, Families and disabilities, Budget.”
Should the Legislature oversee, authorize or regulate the use of emergency powers?
Christ: “State statutes are very clear with respect to the authorization and use of emergency powers. These powers are recognized as a necessary part of government function during natural or man-made disasters of major proportions, and the duration of their use, as well as who can invoke them, is well-defined. These powers exist to protect the safety and welfare of Missouri residents.”
Derrington: “In the event of an emergency, the Governor needs the power to act efficiently without the complications of the full legislature, however, that needs to come with guardrails set by the legislature.”