Area residents running for state rep; election is Nov. 6

A Maplewood resident and a Richmond Heights resident are running for State Representative, District 83, which includes parts of Brentwood, Maplewood, Richmond Heights, Webster Groves and the city of St. Louis. The election is Tuesday, Nov. 6.

Andrew Bolin, from Maplewood, is running as a Libertarian. Gina Mitten, the incumbent, is running as a Democrat. The information below is from the League of Women Voters voters informational website, vote411.org.

Highest post-secondary education

 Andrew Bolin — B.A., Concordia University, family studies and business administration

Gina Mitten — J.D., Washington University

Mitten also responded to Public elected offices held — City councilwoman, Richmond Heights, 2004-2012; state representative, 2012-present

What makes you qualified to represent the people of your district in Jefferson City?

Andrew Bolin — I will work for my constituents to the ends of individual liberty first, the needs of their community second and the desires of special interests last. Politics is a nasty job, so in a sense, I would rather do something else and leave it up to career politicians. But if elected, I will gladly take on the burden of being the representative our district deserves.

Gina Mitten — As an attorney, I recognize that all of us must vigorously represent our values and strive for justice and equality.

What do you think residents of your district consider the biggest challenge that the Legislature should address?

Andrew Bolin — Our state needs a more fair and equitable education system. It needs to promote police as peace officers and not fine handlers or quasi-militaristic forces. Missouri also needs to fight back at the federal government’s attempts to control state citizens, especially on health care. Also, we must address the economics around Missouri’s Department of Transportation.

Gina Mitten — Finding ways to support Missouri’s hardworking families and individuals. Missourians deserve intact workers’ rights, the ability to obtain a quality education and economic justice and access to health care without breaking the family budget.

Campaign websites

Andrew Bolin— http://andrewbolin.com

Gina Mitten — http://www.ginamitten.com