Assessor files for state House

Missouri resident, Monroe County farmer, husband, commissioner, father, assessor, politician.

At 62, Paul Quinn has filled many roles for his family and his county. He hopes they’ve all prepared and qualified him for taking the next step, a run for 9th District representative to the Missouri House.

Quinn filed Tuesday for the Democratic nomination in the August primary.

“I’ve always been interested in running for representative,” he said.

Quinn was born and raised in Monroe County. In 1963, he and his wife, Judy, made their home on a farm in the Indian Creek community. Quinn raised his family on the farm and continues to live there today.

His first experience with politics came in 1984, when he ran against and defeated the incumbent county commissioner.

As commissioner, Quinn tackled issues involving Monroe County’s economic development, its problems with juvenile drug and alcohol abuse, and renovations to the courthouse and sheriff’s facilities.

At the end of his 12th year as commissioner, Quinn ran for and became Monroe County assessor. He is serving his third term now.

Quinn hopes his experience in politics will qualify him to take on the responsibilities of the 9th District, which includes Howard County and parts of Boone, Monroe, Audrain and Chariton counties.

“I know the issues,” Quinn said. “I feel the issues.”

School funding, rural and agricultural concerns, health care issues and senior citizens are at the forefront of Quinn’s platform.

“I’m very interested in senior citizens,” Quinn said. “We need to be more aware of their issues, especially with new Medicaid cuts and health care issues.”

Quinn thinks that being a lifelong resident of rural Missouri and a longtime Monroe County official has prepared him to confront the issues of the predominantly rural 9th District. He also said that his experience balancing political and family life has prepared him to be a representative.

“Having a big family, you know the frustrations of life,” Quinn said.

Melinda James, who is the deputy assessor in Quinn’s office, expressed her confidence in Quinn to meet the responsibilities of state representative. She cited his understanding of and care for what happens to residents of the county, particularly seniors and veterans.

“I’m glad that he’s doing this,” James said. “This is something he’s always wanted to do.”

Quinn faces opposition in the 9th District from Democrat Ewell Lawson of Columbia and Republican Kathryne Harper of Fayette. He and Lawson will face off in the August primary.

Tuesday marked the first day that candidates could file for positions that will be filled in the August primary and November general elections. Filings in other House districts were limited to incumbents: Republican Steve Hobbs in the 21st District, Democrat Jeff Harris in the 23rd District, Republican Ed Robb in the 24th District and Democrat Judy Baker in the 25th District.