JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – From learning while on his farm he was going to be the next governor of Missouri to finishing his first 30 days in office, Gov. Mike Parson says he wants to be known as a public servant.
After being sworn in on June 1st, Parson has traveled the state, sharing his message to let Missourians know the dark cloud has moved from over them and it’s time to move forward.
On Monday, Parson sat down with 41 Action News reporter Steven Dial to talk about issues that matter to people living in the “Show Me” state.
“I just want to be a worker for the people, I want to be a public servant, I really just want to try and make Missouri better,” said Parson. “It is truly important for what I am in my career to make sure that everyone is able to have the opportunities that I’ve had in my life.”
From pumping gas in his hometown of Bolivar to becoming Lt. Governor, many who know him best say Mike Parson has never changed.
WATCH: 7 questions with Missouri Gov. Mike Parson
Parson ran for governor of Missouri in 2016, but dropped out to run for Lt. Governor instead. After Eric Greitens resigned amid legal issues, Parson became the 57th governor of the state.
“I want that working-class guy, or that young man or young woman trying to go into the workforce to have opportunities,” Parson said. “What they do with it — it’s up to them. Most of us have the privilege to live the American dream. I just want to keep that alive.”
On State Control of KCPD
Dial: You are former law enforcement. The Kansas City Police Department is the only state-run agency in the country. Should that change?
Parson: You know what, we are going to be talking about that. I talked to your chief (Rick Smith) last week when I was on the road, we had a conversation. We are going to set up a meeting and talk about that issue. I know it is the only one left but I think it’s something that we need to discuss and see if there is a way to change that or see if it is better to leave it in place. But I really want to talk to the chief first to figure out what we need to do.
Dial: In terms of running a (police) department like you have, does that play a big factor?
Parson: They are so unique. Kansas City and St. Louis being the largest police departments in our state. In past history there have been problems with that issue. So we just need to be careful when we go changing policy for police issues like that. When these crime rates keep going up in our state, that’s a problem, not just Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, Columbia, all over the state it affects who comes here, who does, businesses, that’s one of the issues I want to work on to see if from the governor’s office how can we help to do something about crime.
On the Gas Tax on the November Ballot
Dial: Why should Missourians vote for the 10-cent gas tax increase?
Parson: We haven’t done a gas tax in a couple of decades, if we really want to move Missouri forward we have to do something about the highways, our bridges, our airports, and our rail. Those are just part of the future in our state. I think it’s a tremendous opportunity. It’s really up to the voters in November to decide. I really think they need to get both sides of the issue and understand why it’s so important. I think if we really care about Missouri and want to move Missouri forward, then we have to pay for that infrastructure.
On LGBTQ Discrimination
Dial: Do you think someone should be fired because of their sexuality?
Parson: For me and my faith, I don’t agree with it; I think it (marriage) is between a man and woman. No, I don’t think anyone should be discriminated on. If you are a good employee and working hard, what your life decisions are is you as an individual. No, I don’t think anyone should be discriminated.
On Federal Tariffs’ Impact on Missouri
Dial: How will the tariffs effect our economy with rural Missouri providing a lot of exports to China?
Parson: Short-term, yeah, it’s going to have an effect on you and it’s a concern for everyone, especially farmers, with soybeans. You got to look at those concerns and we are. I had a chance to talk with the President about how that will affect Missouri, we talked to the federal delegation and they have it on their radar. But there are some things that need to change and I think the President is trying to look at the big picture and I think there is some opportunity to do things better.
On Jobs
Parson: We have the lowest unemployment rate that Missouri has seen in a couple decades. Interesting fact is on a federal level, food stamps recipients are down 2.2 million and that is a good sign. Now all we need them do have is the skills to move up in the workforce, to get that quality job and stand on their own two feet.
On Ethics
Parson: I think it is up to people like me to set that example. To have good ethics reform, to be transparent, I think that will be the message to the legislature this year. As governor I am going to be truly transparent -- with ethics reform, media relations, we want people to know what we are doing and trying to do things for the betterment of Missouri.
