Karen Best
Republican | Missouri
Candidate Profile*
Leans Conservative
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Karen Best
Party
Republican
Election Year
2020
Election
Primary
Race
State Representative, Dist. 156
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
St. Louis University, St. Louis, EdS, 1996
Oklahoma State Univ, Stillwater, MS, 1985
Evangel University, Springfield, BS, 1981
WORK & MILITARY
Keller Wiliams/Carol Jones, Real Estate Salesperson, 2006-2020
Hollister/Springfield/Wentzville/Mehlville Schools, Principal/Teacher, 1991-2004
Broken Arrow Schools, Teacher, 1982-1987
Westside School, Teacher, 1980-1982
AFFILIATIONS
Children's Miracle Network, Ambassador, National League of Cities
Board of Directors, Missouri Mayors United for Progress, Vice-President
Missouri Municipal League, Member, Branson/Hollister Rotary
Member, Ozarks Technical Community College Table Rock Camp, Ambassador
Missouri Association of Elem School Principals, Member, Optimist Club
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Mayor of Branson, MO, 2015-2019
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
(Candidate did not provide)
ENDORSEMENTS*
CONSERVATIVE (1)
Missouri Right to Life
OTHER (2)
*Better Schools for Missouri
*Missouri State Teachers Association Impact Committee
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (1)
Tri-Lakes Board of Realtors
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (1)
State Republican Party Organizations (2020)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (0)
LIBERAL
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (0)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (1)
American Association of School Administrators (2020)
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.
Strongly Agree
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds or grants from federal, state, or local governments.
Strongly Agree
I support the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, which requires health care providers to provide life-saving treatment for infants who survive an attempted abortion.
Strongly Agree
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
I do not believe there are any circumstances that would support abortion. I am pro-life.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Governments should not discriminate against individuals, organizations or small businesses because of their belief that marriage is only a union of one man and one woman.
Strongly Agree
Governments should define marriage as between one man and one woman; no other definition of marriage should be legalized or supported with taxpayer or public funds.
Strongly Agree
Religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law.
Strongly Agree
I promise to protect the freedom of Christians to share the Gospel and to practice Biblical principles.
Yes
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
Separation of Church and State means people have a legal right to live their faith freely in public without a fear of government threats.
NATIONAL SECURITY
The best way to maintain peace is through a strong military.
Strongly Agree
HEALTHCARE
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has health insurance.
Disagree
How would you promote healthcare coverage that is adequate, affordable and accessible for all?
I do not support Socialism which advocates for free healthcare for all. I do, however, wish to work to find ways that make health care more affordable for citizens in the State of Missouri.
ECONOMY
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has a livable income.
Disagree
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Strongly Agree
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
I would want to know from the Directors of each department what cuts could be made from their departments that would not be detrimental to achieving the goals of their respective departments. I would then use that date to make an informed decision of what cuts could be made that would be in the best interest of the citizens of the State of Missouri.
IMMIGRATION
I am in favor of construction of a wall and other necessary infrastructure on our border that gives complete control over entering and exiting the United States.
Strongly Agree
State and federal funds should be denied to any public or private entity, including but not limited to sanctuary cities, that are not in compliance with immigration laws.
Strongly Agree
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
I believe anyone who goes through the process to become an American citizen legally should be allowed to become a citizen.
EDUCATION
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Disagree
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Mandatory minimum sentencing should be required and enforced for violent crimes.
Strongly Agree
2ND AMENDMENT
Should teachers be allowed to carry guns at school?
Yes
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
I am a strong supporter of the Second Amendment to the Constitution. As such, restrictions and limitations should be minimal. I don't believe any additional restrictions should be added at this time.
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
I support the legalization of recreational marijuana.
Strongly Disagree
The Electoral College should be abolished.
Strongly Disagree
In priority order, what three areas of legislation do you propose to author or sponsor if elected?
Tourism Public Safety Education
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
In our current climate, racism is a threat to domestic security. I'm a firm believer in the First Amendment to the Constitution that allows peaceful demonstrations; however, the demonstrations regarding race recently have many times been less than peaceful.
JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY
I support the use of Sharia law as a basis for legislation and judicial decisions in the United States.
Strongly Disagree
ABOUT YOU
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and immigration, which of the following best describes you overall?
Very Conservative
Please provide publicly available information validating your answer to the previous question.
As Mayor, I provided the tie-breaker vote to separate the City of Branson from the City Administrator who had placed the city in financial hardship without the Board of Alderman's approval. This was fiscally irresponsible of the City Administrator. Following his removal, we built our reserves up from approximately 18% to 30%+. We paused projects and cut spending to place the city in a more fiscally sound place for the future.
What education or experience qualifies you to hold the office for which you seek election?
Experience is very important in government. I served two terms as Mayor of Branson, Missouri. In that role, I spent time in Jefferson City working with State Representatives, State Senators, Directors, Lt. Governor, and Governor advocating for issues that were important to our citizens and visitors. I have testified before both House and Senate committees and lobbied on these issues. My experience of twenty years as an educator/administrator have prepared me for dealing with issues related to education. Having someone who knows the system and the people in the system is extremely important for the citizens of our communities. Such a person can start working on day one instead of learning the system and players first.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.
No
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
I believe the citizens of Western Taney County need someone with experience who will advocate strongly for them at the state level on issues important to their communities. I will work hard as State Representative, just as I did as Mayor of Branson, to do what I can to improve our citizens' and visitors' quality of life.
VALUES
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
Strongly Agree
I support adding sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression as protected classes in non-discrimination laws.
No Answer
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I have had a personal relationship with God since I was a child. I believe we should strive daily to be Christ-like. My goal is to live my life in a way people will see Christ in me without me having to say a word about my belief in God. I want the Lord to say "Well done thy good and faithful servant" when I get to heaven. I value my faith, family, the flag, freedom, and friends.
