Chimene Schwach (Boone County Public Administrator, Missouri, candidate 2024)

Chimene Schwach (Democratic Party) ran for election to Boone County Public Administrator in Missouri on August 6, 2024.^[1]

Elections

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

Chimene Schwach completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Schwach's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

ddvocate for Justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in my community collaborating with and amplifying the voices of people with disabilities because accessibility isn't optional. I have lived and worked in a variety of social service positions in Boone County for the past 15 years, leading to my current position as Director of Advocacy, Development and Outreach for Services for Independent Living. I am the President of the Board for Missouri Family Health Council, Inc. the regional grantor for Title X in Missouri and Oklahoma, Free EC, and The Right Time Initiative. I am an avid track mom, married with a freshman who attends University of Missouri and a sophomore in high school.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Public Administrators must collaborate with stakeholders in the mental health, legal and justice system to strive to find solutions that allow us to be in compliance with the Ameicans With Disabilities Act (ADA).
Public Administrators must fight for funding for community supports that allow for Supported Decision Making and least restrictive environments for wards.
Accessibility isnt Optional: be it for health care, affordable, supported housing, or agency.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Leaving things better than I found them, and a plan to keep moving forward.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibilities of any Public Administrator are to serve as court appointed Personal Representatives in decedent's estates, and as guardians and/or conservators for individuals who are unable to care for themselves or their property when there is no one else to serve. Advocacy at every level: individually for wards/protectees' benefits, educating and influencing the community, and influencing public policy that affects wards/protectees.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Financial transparency and accountability are essential. Public Administrators must be bonded as they are responsible for estate management of decedents and protectees.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

affordable, universally-designed housing; access to health care for all.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

first job was at George's Cheese and Sausage Shop in KC working as, cashier and food server.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am a big picture, strategic thinker, and I see the intersectionality of issues, with a healthy dose of both resiliency in the face of challenge and hope for a better tomorrow.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

balancing my need to fix things with the recognition that is not always possible, and to keep trying anyway.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I remember the Middle East Peace Talks/Camp David Accords with Menachem Begin and Anwar El-Sadat and President Carter. peace between Egypt and Israel and nobel prizes all around. I was in third grade.

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