GCDCC News

Senate candidates Dixon, Hoeman share concern for children

Dixon, Hoeman tout experience in private sector

Claudette Riley • News-Leader • October 11, 2010

Two Springfield fathers who have been active in public education — and the schooling of their respective children — are vying to represent voters in the state’s 30th Senate District.

Each made a decision to step up their public service in 2002.

That was the year Bob Dixon was elected to represent east Springfield and southeast Greene County in the state House of Representatives and Michael Hoeman was elected to serve on Springfield Public Schools’ board of education.

They’ve both worked to improve the lives of Ozarks’ children.

- Dixon championed legislation to protect children from abuse and predators. He also served on the Internet Cyber Crime Task Force, a panel he helped establish, which provided grants to local law enforcement agencies.

- Hoeman pushed for more academic rigor and choice programs, including the International Baccalaureate, within public education while supporting major upgrades, such as air conditioning, to aging school buildings.

Both say those experiences — plus leadership positions and jobs in the private sector — make them the right candidate for the state Senate.

They differ on approaches to specific problems but agree that the state senator for the 30th district must represent the Ozarks and protect the rights of educators, business owners and elected leaders to make local decisions.

Hoeman

Growing up in Hermann, where his father was employed at a factory, Hoeman developed an appreciation for hard work and close family ties.

Hoeman left his hometown to attend college and medical school at the University of Missouri, where he met wife Nancy, who grew up in Springfield. They settled here in 1983 to start careers and raise a family.

“Public education is really one of my passions,” said Hoeman, 58. “I wanted to give back to public education the best way I can.”

The Democrat said his job as a primary care physician with the Diagnostic Clinic, who treats a wide range of patients, keeps him plugged into everyday concerns about health care, education and the economy.

Hoeman said lawmakers with “real world experience” will make practical decisions and take a stand against unrealistic state and federal expectations.

They successfully advocated for the International Baccalaureate program at Central High, which has now spread to elementary and middle schools.

He said the new program played a role in a 2000 school bond issue, which overhauled the historic — but neglected — high school and improved other school buildings. It also led to ongoing partnerships between the school system, Drury University and various businesses.

“We didn’t have much beyond an idea and persistence,” he said. “I learned that one person or a small group of people can make a difference.”

Eight years ago, Hoeman was elected to the school board. He said his priorities have been greater accountability and investing in better schools and ways of teaching.

If elected to the state Senate, Hoeman wants to protect funding for education — which he ties to jobs and a stronger tax base. “It’s hard to sustain robust economic development if you’re cutting back on education,” he said.

Other priorities include:

- Streamline regulatory process to develop the economy and guide businesses through guidelines.

- Protecting and exploring sources of revenue, perhaps through a tighter rein on tax credits.

- Identify and build on strategies that helped new business move to Missouri.

Hoeman said he would be a “citizen-legislator,” taking time out of his career to serve this community.

“If you want to make a change, you must get involved and off the sidelines,” he said. “It’s seeing a problem and identifying a solution and working with like-minded individuals to get it accomplished.”

Dixon

A resident of Springfield’s Midtown neighborhood, Dixon worked at two Springfield banks before becoming relationship manager for a payroll and bank-card transaction processing company.

The Republican won a seat in the state House eight years ago. There, he has pushed for legislation to prevent crime, support public safety and protect children.

Dixon belongs to a wide range of organizations — including three local chambers of commerce and numerous civic and neighborhood groups — which he credits with keeping him plugged in to a range of local issues.

“I work very diligently and I listen to everybody,” said Dixon, 41. “The citizens of Springfield will get a good deal because I pour my heart into it. I don’t get a lot of sleep.”

After eight years commuting to Jefferson City, Dixon seriously considered “going back to private sector work.” He discussed a Senate run with his wife and daughters, who backed his choice.

“I did accomplish quite a bit of what I set out to do in terms of the protection of children and education,” he said. “But there is some unfinished business. I’ve really had a vision for bringing the people of Springfield together.”

He plans to continue advocating for access to quality and affordable health care coupled with insurance reform, property tax reform and more funding for public education.

Other priorities include:

- Offering incentives and protection — against new government mandates — to small business owners.

He cited uncertainty about recent changes to health care coverage, the potential impact of cap-and-trade legislation and the possibility some existing tax cuts will expire.

“I’d like to see tax credits, that we already do for job creation, explored,” he said.

- Restore funding to the Internet Cyber Crime Task Force and other steps to improve the safety of neighborhoods through tougher sentencing of chronic offenders and funding to meet needs identified by local law enforcement.

Additionally, he wants to see a long-term vision for education, infrastructure, economic development and other issues facing Missouri.

“At this time, more than ever, we need people who will stand up and be a check against an intrusive federal government,” Dixon said.