Cole McNary, Candidate for Monarch Fire Protection District Board of Directors

Biographical Information

• Name, Age, Address:  Cole McNary, 48, 413 Strawbridge Dr., Chesterfield, MO 63017
• Occupation:  former State Representative
• Education:  MBA, Saint Louis University; BS Aviation Management, Auburn University; Teaching Certificate - Physics, University of Missouri - St. Louis
• Family: Married to Christy for 25 years, Shannon - University of Kansas, Courtney - University of Kansas, Mitchell - Parkway Central High
• Years lived in Chesterfield: 18 years

Brief Background

My primary focus as a State Representative was making government smaller and more efficient. I passed common sense, good government reforms that received tremendous bipartisan support. I was successful because I pushed for sensible legislation that was more about making a difference than making headlines. This kind of leadership is what I will bring to the Monarch district.

Reasons for Running

Current board member Steve Swyers, who has turned the district around, felt I could help Monarch continue to make progress.  It would be my honor to serve the residents of Monarch. We must keep the politics out of the boardroom and focus instead on running the district efficiently so we can keep the residents of Monarch safe.

Questions:

What do you think are the biggest issues facing the district and what recommendations do you have that might resolve them?

We need to continue the progress made over the past two years.  We cannot return to excessive cost overruns, routine tax increases, poor management, a hostile work environment and a culture of blame.  Since Steve Swyers joined the board, budgets have been balanced, costs contained, legal fees down by two-thirds, a proper management hierarchy reestablished, lines of communication opened, all without any tax increases.  Serving on the board I will continue this trend.

Given the recent controversies that have surrounded the district, how would you move the board forward and prevent any further issues?

We must maintain an adherence to the facts and a commitment to cooperation and accountability.  My top priorities are removing politics from the board, keeping taxes flat, increasing transparency by placing expenditures on the web, and balancing the budget while eliminating waste.

What is your process for establishing priorities when it comes to the budgeting process, including making cuts that could impact the district's services?

I have a reputation of listening and working with my colleagues. We need to keep the politics out of the boardroom and focus instead on providing the best quality service for our residents.  We should consider the alternative, perform cost/benefit analyses so we get the greatest level of service for our tax dollars.  If we're forced to make cuts we must not allow politics to enter into the decisions of the board.

What separates you from your contender in this race?

My primary focus as a State Rep. was making government smaller and more efficient. I passed common sense, good government reforms that received tremendous bipartisan support. I was successful because I pushed for sensible legislation that was more about making a difference than making headlines. This is the leadership I will bring to the Monarch district.

If elected, will you pledge to serve a full six-year term?

I intend to serve a full six-year term.