As voters go to the ballots this coming Tuesday, Aug. 3, there will be contested local primary elections in both the Democratic and Republican primaries as well as a statewide constitutional amendment that all voters will have a chance to vote on. Statewide there are contested primaries for U.S. Senator in the Democratic, Republican, Libertarian and Constitution parties and races for state auditor in both the Democratic and Republican primaries.

Two Democrats will face off in next Tuesday’s primary election in the first step for Boone County voters to elect a new Presiding Commissioner.

Small business owner J. Scott Christianson of Columbia will face McBaine farmer John Sam Williamson on the ballot. The winner will face Republican Ed Robb, a former state representative, who is unopposed in Tuesday’s primary.

For other ballot issues, see page 10 of today’s Guard. Polling places will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Turnout for the primary is expected to be light.

Christianson, 41, is a graduate of the University of Missouri and the owner of a video conferencing system business. He says he has the energy and experience to be a "problem solver" a "listener" and a Presiding Commissioner who will work to understand the problems of all county residents.

"There are many challenges facing county government," Christianson said, "and the economy and the county budget is first and foremost."

Williamson, 58, a member of the Boone County Fire District board of directors, doesn’t disagree with Christianson.

"People are not buying big-ticket items and the sales tax revenues are down, which puts us in a bind," Williamson said. "By statute we have a balanced budget, but they have used money from the reserve fund and in about two more years, that money will be used up."

Williamson said he "strongly favored" providing tax incentives to bring new businesses to the county. "I’m a farmer and it’s like planting a crop," Williamson said, "you plant the seed and fertilize it. You put the money in up front and in the fall you harvest a crop."

Christianson cited the specifics of the IBM deal to bring new jobs to Columbia and noted that carving out "special economic niches" would be the future of development in the county. "You have to realize the world has changed and you’re not going to bring in 300 new manufacturing jobs," he said. "Each community has to discover their niche."

Both candidates cited the Columbia region as having the potential to be a catalyst for future job growth.

The candidates both agreed that county employees, who have been without a raise for more than two years, deserve more compensation. But Williamson said, when he voted for raises for employees at the Boone County Fire District, he would look for more money – but was unsure it would be available.

Christianson said he favored raises for county employees, but did not specify where the money would come from. He did cite his business acumen as his strength in the primary and, if the winner in the primary, the November election.

"I respect John Sam Williamson, but I think I have a more modern vision for where the county needs to head in future decades," Christianson said. "I have more experience in financial management and economic development, those are the differences."

Both candidates said they favored a more business-like approach to the management of the Boone County Fairgrounds.

"The board there has to find a way to make that venue profitable," Christianson said. "Youth basketball has some potential. "We need a strategic plan for the fairgrounds with goals for management and how we use that management to bring events that will be a regional pull."

Williamson was a member of the county fair board before it moved to its present location. He uses that experience as an example of why he is the best Democrat for the November race.

"I can remember when the old location had a lot of problems with parking and the neighbors," Williamson said. "I wasn’t a part of the fair board that moved it to the current location, but I was there recently at the Boone Electric annual meeting and I think it has grown to be an outstanding facility. It is pretty busy and a valuable resource. I’ve heard complaints about the management, but I don’t know the balance sheet. I want it to succeed and think for it to do so it will have to be a business-paying proposition."

While the candidates spoke cordially about each other, Christianson raised a few eyebrows while stump-speaking in Columbia in a passing reference to Williamson’s property tax delinquency, including a late $2,000 tax bill for the McBaine Levee District.

But Williamson says his 35 years of farming and farm management experience gives him a Ph.D. in the "school of hard knocks" to accompany his bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in agriculture from MU.

Two Republicans are seeking the nomination for the state house of representatives seat that was held by Steve Hobbs of Mexico. Hobbs is term limited after serving eight years in Jeff City.

Mike Becker of Columbia faces former state senator John Cauthorn in the Republican primary. The winner will take on Democrat Kelly Schultz in November.

Two Democrats are seeking the Circuit 13 Division 5 judgeship. The winner faces no competition in the November general election

Incumbent Larry Bryson of Centralia has been in the job for the past 24 years. Bryson has said the "bench belongs to the people" and he has been honored to serve in that job." Missouri law restricts comments that judges can make when seeking election, but Bryson said that his goal is to assure people, "that everyone gets a fair shake" in his courtroom.

Kim Shaw who works with the Boone County Public Defender’s office challenges Bryson and points to over 20 years of courtroom experience in a variety of roles. She says she would bring "renewed energy and focus to the bench." She also hopes to focus on family law while on the bench.