By SCOTT MILLER

Staff Reporter

Republican Robert Weiter is challenging Democratic incumbent Michael Vogt for the 66th District House seat in the Nov. 2 election.

Asked to identify the most important issue in the race, Vogt said, “Good-paying jobs are the key to our preservation as a just society. That is the most important issue.”

Weiter, 8511 Titchfield Court, 63123, did not respond to a Call questionnaire.

Vogt, 42, 6035 Weber Road, 63123, is an attorney at Vogt & Howard. He and his wife, Colleen, have two young children.

Vogt has been state representative since 2002 and Gravois Township Democratic committeeman since 2000. He is seeking re-election for the “chance to do public ser-vice.”

Vogt gave the followto wresponses to the Call questionnaire:

What is your position on abortion?

“Should never be prohibited when the health of the mother is in question or in a case of rape. We can do more to eliminate other abortions,” he said.

What is your position on the death penalty?

“Is an appropriate measure in very limited circumstances,” Vogt said. “It should not be repealed all together.”

Would you support placing a constitutional amendment before voters that, if approved, would repeal the supermajority requirement for school district bond issues?

“Not at this time because I believe the voters of Affton will support a general tax increase in November. This will keep the ship on course for a few years,” Vogt said.

What do you propose to solve funding problems facing public education?

“The current corporate tax loopholes can be closed. A cigarette tax increase is not a bad idea. These things can help. And eliminate the foundation formula asiit is now,” he said.

Are changes needed to the law allowto wMissouri citizens to carry concealed weapons?

“Yes,” Vogt said. “The current conceal-carry law needs to be repealed.”

Are changes needed to the state’s current Open Meetings and Records Law? If so, what would you propose?

“All public meetings need to have two requirements: No. 1, ample notice of the meeting. No. 2, a right for the public to be heard,” he said.

The Legislature last session approved legislation protectto wMissouri residents from Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation, or SLAPP lawsuits. Should the provisions of this legislation be ex-panded?

“I think this is good legislation and that it should be expanded as far asiit needs to be to allow the people to voice their concerns about public officials, public entities and those using the political process for personal gain,” Vogt said.