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PrintCOLUMBIA — Former state representative Ed Robb filed to run for Boone County's presiding commissioner Tuesday.
Robb said his background experience in finance would be beneficial to the county.
- Ed Robb, former 24th District representative, shown here in 2006, plans to run for Boone County's presiding commissioner.
"I have some skills that I think will be valuable on the commission," he said. He also said he could work well with the commission.
Robb said the economic climate will continue to be challenging for the next two years because sales tax growth, a major source of revenue for the county, won't pick up until there's an improvement in unemployment. That won't happen, he said, until small businesses start understanding the new federal programs, including the recently-passed health care bill.
"There's a lot that needs to be done with scarce resources," Robb said.
Robb's experience as a legislator and his understanding of finances make him a good fit for the position, said Terry Spickert, chairman of the Boone County Republican Central Committee.
Robb served two terms as a state representative for the 24th District from 2004 to 2008. He was vice chairman of the House Budget Committee and has also taught economics at MU.
"He's very qualified to fill that position," Spickert said. "He'll definitely have all the support of the Republican base in Boone County."
Robb said he wanted to discuss the idea with his wife Rosa before filing for the position. After some deliberation, he decided to enter the race.
He said the economic climate will probably hinder fundraising for the campaign. While he said the campaign should require less funding than his run for state representative, running for office in Boone County, with its multiple media outlets, still requires a lot of campaign work.
"I've been through this before and I know how exhausting it can be," Robb said.
The filing deadline for the August primaries is March 30. The race currently includes three Democratic candidates: J. Scott Christianson, John Sam Williamson and Bondi Wood.
Robb is the only Republican candidate for any position in the county as of Wednesday afternoon. The candidates hope to fill the spot left vacant by presiding commissioner Ken Pearson, who said in January he will not seek reelection.
The primary will be held Aug. 3. The last day to register to vote for the election is July 7.
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Comments
I spend some time with Robb. He lacks common sense, business skills, and management experience. He is scholar without real living skills in everyday life.