Tricia Derges
Republican | Missouri
Candidate Profile
Conservative (Conditional)
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Tricia Derges
Party
Republican
Election Year
2020
Election
Primary
Race
State Representative, Dist. 140
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
CMU School of Medicine, Netherland Antilles, MD, 2014
WORK & MILITARY
(Candidate did not provide)
AFFILIATIONS
Lift Up Someone Today (Lift Up Springfield), Founder, CEO/President
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
(Candidate did not provide)
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
(Candidate did not provide)
Race
ENDORSEMENTS
CONSERVATIVE (1)
Missouri Right to Life
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (6)
Lynn Morris
Dean Plocher
Curtis Trent
Dan Prater
Jerry Bough
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (1)
National Republican Congressional Committee (2006)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (0)
OTHER INFORMATION
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.
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?
Rape and incest.
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?
The total dollars spent in elective medical procedures paid for by Medicaid is unfathomable. Medicare is drained by programs it should not cover: there are other funding options: saving billions. G'ment contracts should require transparency. This subject is infinite due to careless over-spending by our government. If you could analyze each program, the savings would pay off our national debt.
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.
No Answer
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.
No Answer
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?
We have been guaranteed freedom of religion by our constitution. Every person has a right to their religious beliefs. No one should be discriminated against for their religious beliefs or customs. No one should be able to force their beliefs on another nor should a person commit violence, or harm in any way against others for/against their religious beliefs. The Government should never be able to make demands of any church or church organization nor create laws that would impede anyone's religious beliefs. Government should never prevent the gathering of congregation of a church. There should be no mixing of church or government.
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?
Having several medical clinics myself that work by using self-pay and memberships and having founded and operated a large manufacturing company for over 20 years: I have found the best way for any business to keep checks and balances in place is by competition. Competition in the marketplace for any industry ensures reasonable prices and good service. Those unable to do this, do not stay in business. People should be able to check and compare pricing and customer reviews (negative or positive) prior to deciding on any medical service: just as one can for any business. It would require transparency. As it is now, cost are all over the board, there are no controls, no standards and no transparency. There should be far more independent clinics and hospitals so that people have more choice. There should be more commercial insurance companies that have to compete for business. There needs to be more programs to help the underserved: in terms of services, pricing and more doctors.
NATIONAL SECURITY
The best way to maintain peace is through a strong military.
Strongly Agree
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?
You have two areas to deal with regarding this subject: 1) those that are currently in this country. For those immigrants that have been here for years: holding down jobs, living within our laws; no criminal background and contributing to their communities: an expedited immigration process should be provided for them where they are at. Uprooting good people lives that have contributed to the good of their community, we should welcome to stay. It would then provide increased income taxes, which is a much needed thing: which might in turn pay for many programs we are in need of funding or expanding. Those that are here that have committed crimes, those in jail/prison, have not held a regular job, etc. should be sent out of the country and not allowed to return. 2) those that are out of this country wanting to come in. This process has already been in place: anyone that would like to immigrate to this country must follow the laws that have already been set for this purpose.
EDUCATION
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Disagree
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.
Jesus Christ is my foundation. My life, beliefs and actions are built upon His teachings and examples. I believe that the family unit is of God and that it should be preserved at all cost. I have been greatly blessed that my entire family is rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I rely on faith, the Spirit and prayer before making any decisions. I believe that God does answer prayers. I believe that every person has a right to and is entitled to worship and practice their own religious beliefs, which should be respected and never be discriminated against. I do not believe that anyone should force their beliefs on anyone else or harm others over their religious beliefs. My favorite scripture is Matthew 6:33.
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?
Conservative
Please provide publicly available information validating your answer to the previous question.
I am conservative and believe fully in the Constitution of the United States. Our forefathers dies for this. I believe that we all have a responsibility to protect our country and our freedom. We are the world leader: We have the responsibility and the means to prevent human suffering and injustice the world. Our foreign policies must stand firm on our beliefs - not giving in to threats and strengthening our weaknesses. We are a country of law and order. We must protect our boarders, especially today. Stopping threats meant to do harm and the influx of drugs that destroy. We all have a right to free enterprise and the American dream: work hard enough and you can become anything. But this requires hard work, there are no free rides: as freedom is not free. We stand at all times for the flag - we never kneel!
What education or experience qualifies you to hold the office for which you seek election?
I founded a manufacturing company from my home with $5000 and grew it into a very large, multi-million dollar international business in just 3 years: employing 100's of people, developing 100's of products: focusing on the underserved and special needs. I was CEO/President for 20 years. Was named the 1997 Missouri Entrepreneur of the Year and in 2004 President Bush personally acknowledged my work. After raising our 8 children (now with 23 grandchildren), I sold my company and went to medical school in my 50's. Graduating Summa Cum Laude of my class. I immediately established a medical-dental mission clinic and have helped over 25,000 homeless, impoverished and veterans since 2016. Winning the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Award in 2017 in Washington DC. I am one of very few people in this country with both a heavy business and medical background: allowing me to see many things most do not. We have a LOT to do.
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 have a great husband of 33 years, we have 8 children and 23 grandchildren. I have been a resident of this state since 1969. I am not an attorney: I am a medical doctor and a long time business entrepreneur. I think this combination of medicine and business is critically needed in our legislature today. I have been working up in Jefferson City helping to write bills for the past 6 years: making a difference. I have been a problem solver for many, many years. There is rarely ever a bill that is clear cut: there must be realistic compromises that provide the best possible outcome. I want to do more. I believe in synergy and I believe when people actually do work together, not for just themselves or the lobbyist, but for the good of all: we can make progress. I think too many political games occur today with little of it benefiting the people that put legislatures in office. I don't want to make a bunch of political promises: what I will promise is that I will work hard for you.
JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY
I support the use of Sharia law as a basis for legislation and judicial decisions in the United States.
Strongly 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?
Those with criminal records, including drug history should not be allowed to purchase or have access to guns. But the reality is: all criminals can easily get guns so restrictions will most likely just hurt the public. We MUST focus more on mental health issues. This is an area that we can do something about which will help protect the public. We must involve the psychiatrist in creating these solutions and we must focus on the development of long term psych drugs.
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
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?
Increased healthcare programs to benefit the underserved areas of our state: more doctors and more affordable programs. This includes changing the "qualifying" requirements of "low-income" clinic so those in need are not turned away. This would include heavier restrictions on limiting credit bureau reporting. Expansion of "real world" educational programs in our high schools that will allow students to individually focus on attaining a degreed career path, which allows the student to begin a qualified job immediately upon graduation and for the students continuing on to college, would allow for a more focused preparation for their intended field. This would include appropriate salaries for teachers and aids. Co-op program between schools and other organizations (medical, food, mental health, social, educational) that already help the student in need, but would include helping their family. Without helping the family, it is impossible to change the student's situation.
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Yes. I believe the events that have occurred over the last few weeks clearly show that racism is one of the top priorities throughout this country.
