Incumbent Sue Schoemehl, D-Oakville, is being challenged in next month’s Democratic primary for the 100th District Missouri House seat by Patricia Willeke of Oakville.

Schoemehl prevailed over Willeke and Theresa Saunders in the Democratic primary two years ago. The winner of the Tuesday, Aug. 3, primary will face Republican Michael P. Rohrbacker in the November election. Rohrbacker, who is unopposed in the primary, was defeated by Schoemehl two years ago for the 100th District seat.

Asked to identify the most important issue in the race, the candidates responded:

• “Quality, well-paying jobs to maintain a strong tax base,” Schoemehl said. “I have known many of my friends who have lost jobs over the past several years.”

• “Education, health care (and) protection of privacy rights,” Willeke said.

Schoemehl, 50, 2629 Bluff Ridge Drive, 63129, was elected to the Missouri House in November 2002. She and her husband, Chris, have two college-age children.

Schoemehl is seeking re-election so she can “continue to serve the people of Oakville as their state representative.”

Willeke, 57, 7123 Underoak St., 63129, is a child welfare worker with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. She and her husband, Roger, have three adult children.

Willeke, who has never held elective office, said she is seeking the Democratic nomination because she is “interested in education, health care for all Missouri citizens, interested in improving foster care.”

The candidates gave the following responses to a Call questionnaire:

What is your position on abortion?

Schoemehl said, “I am pro-life and I am the only candidate endorsed in this primary and the general election by Missouri Right to Life.”

Willeke said, “I am a pro-choice candidate. I respect a woman’s right to make decisions about what is best for her. That does not mean I am pro-abortion, but that I respect an individual’s right to choose. Ideally no woman would feel that abortion is her only alternative.”

What is your position on the death penalty?

Schoemehl said, “I am opposed.”

Willeke said, “Support the death penalty. Unfortunately some individuals by their behavior have not earned the right to continue to live at taxpayers’ expense.”

What is your position on tax-increment financing? Are changes needed to this law?

Schoemehl said, “I believe it is a good incentive to bring in business if it’s not abused. I would be in favor of reviewing the law.”

Willeke said, “As written, the law can be broadly interpreted and therefore subject to misuse. (The) law needs to be rewritten and defined more specifically as well as increase public accountability for how money is spent.

Are changes needed to the law allowing Missouri citizens to carry concealed weapons?

Schoemehl said, ” … I oppose concealed weapons. My constituents overwhelmingly opposed conceal and carry on a ballot vote and I will support them.”

Willeke said, “I do not support carrying concealed weapons. Currently particular groups of people are already prohibited from having firearms, but that does not stop them from obtaining and using guns. More guns out there only increases accessibility of guns.”

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

Schoemehl said, “I am proud to have been a sponsor of the Sunshine Upgrade Law in November 2003 and work with the attorney general to bring us up to the technology age. Bringing successful changes to openness in government was brought about in a bipartisan fashion.”

Willeke said, “I think the law is adequate as it stands.”

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

Schoemehl said, “The state’s foundation formula is due to be changed. Our hold-harmless districts in St. Louis County have had frozen funds since 1993. I plan to improve this formula so we have equity and fairness for all school districts including our Mehlville School District.”

Willeke said, “I believe the state of Misouri is responsible for funding all public education and I believe the citizens would ultimately benefit when children grow up literate and prepared to be responsible citizens.”

Do you support the existing emissions testing program in St. Louis County administered as the Gateway Clean Air Program?

Schoemehl said, “This is a federal issue and there is a valid contract in place. I have heard many complaints from my constituents as I have walked through the district about this program. I am against the burden on my community, yet my concern is the cost to void this contract.”

Willeke said, “I support the current enhanced emissions testing program to reduce air pollution and the meet federal standards for ozone reduction.”

Are you satisfied with the changes made to the assessment process?

Schoemehl said, “The assessment process has changed and is improved. Am I satisfied — no. I believe there are more improvements to be made.”

Willeke said, “I am satisfied with the changes in tax assessment believing the intent to balance tax rates of property and will reflect changing property values.”

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

Schoemehl said, “Yes. I sponsored this simple majority bill, but unfortunately it was not given a hearing this session.”

Willeke said, “Yes. I think a simple majority is sufficient for school district bond issues.”