Maplewood man running as Libertarian for state legislature

Andrew Bolin, of Maplewood, is running for Missouri State Representative, District 83. The area encompasses Maplewood, Brentwood, Rock Hill, parts of Webster Groves and Richmond Heights, and a little bit of the city.

Bolin is running unopposed on the Libertarian Party ballot in the August 5 Primary Election. In the November election he’ll most likely be running against one-term incumbent Gina Mitten (D).

Bolin has lived in Maplewood with his family for five years. He has a daughter in second grade and 2-year-old son. He’s in the financial services business, and is involved in Timothy Lutheran, Lindenwood Area Senior Ministry, Maplewood Community Betterment Foundation, Maplewood Chamber of Commerce and Toastmasters.

40 South News sat down with Bolin last week at Stone Spiral Coffee to talk about why he’s running.

• I don’t like how much big corporations have had influence over our politicians. I wouldn’t let that happen, but it might also mean I wouldn’t get reelected too many times, but so be it.
• Two groups that have not always had the freedom they have in other states are home schoolers and home birth people. Those are two groups I’d want to help get free.
• Not everybody has the choice of a good public school. They should have other options. Missouri charter schools is one example.
• Overall, my platform would be increasing freedom and reducing taxes as much as possible, as much as it makes sense for Missouri—small businesses especially.
• Marijuana is a big one with the Libertarians. (Missouri) is pro-tobacco and pro-alcohol but anti-marijuana for some reason.
• Right now the two main parties don’t have any plans to reduce the power of the government or increase the rights of the people as far as I can tell.
• I think District 83 has more of a free spirit, especially Maplewood and parts of the city—younger people, people who think outside the box. I want to represent them.

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