Missouri House of Representatives District 17 candidate surveys, 2022

Elections in Missouri, 2022

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This article shows responses from candidates in the 2022 election for Missouri House of Representatives District 17 who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.

• Click here to see candidates and election results.
• Click here to see Candidate Connection survey responses.

Candidates and election results

General election

General election for Missouri House of Representatives District 17

Bill Allen defeated incumbent Mark Ellebracht in the general election for Missouri House of Representatives District 17 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Bill Allen (R)	50.2	5,785
		Mark Ellebracht (D)	49.8	5,736

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source 1 Source 2	Total votes: 11,521
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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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?

Bill Allen (R)

Education. In K-12, make already good schools great through accountability. In higher ed, ensure accountability through gainful employment monitoring and ensure affordable tuition.

Small business. Ensure regulations and taxes provide incentives to start and maintain a business, and in turn maximize employment and sustainable wage jobs.

Safe neighborhoods. Fund the police and support community policing.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Bill Allen (R)

Smaller government that recognizes the rights of all citizens.

Defend religious freedom and continuous worship opportunity for all, including Christians. Common sense in government - stop the crazies! School safety by using remaining COVID funding to put a SRO or armed and trained volunteer in every Missouri school. Return decency and respect to the Missouri legislature and stop the showmanship. Stop government spending madness and return the economy to pre-inflation status.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Bill Allen (R)

Dr. Ben Carson...for a lot of reasons.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Bill Allen (R)

Take the Risk - Ben Carson.

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

Bill Allen (R)

Leadership experience from working my way up.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Bill Allen (R)

I want to leave Missouri District 17 better than I found it. From where we are now, that means lower inflation, lower gas prices, more education opportunities, and politicians that care about this District - not just running for office for the sake of it.

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

Bill Allen (R)

9/11 I was in the Navy serving on the USS George Washington in the Atlantis Ocean. On 9/12, we were off the coast of New York City providing to provide air support.

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

Bill Allen (R)

Pumping gas and auto mechanics at an Exxon station ages 16-18. I learned humility, the value of hard work, and the joy of serving others. I also learned to keep the proper air pressure in my tires, the importance of checking the oil, and that preventative maintenance is not optional. Come to think of it, those are some of the same things I taught my children :-)

What is your favorite book? Why?

Bill Allen (R)

To Kill A Mocking Bird - Harper Lee

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Bill Allen (R)

The Message - Grand Master Flash

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

Bill Allen (R)

I am proud to have served the country for over 25 years in the Navy. I sacrificed many, many years away from my children, family, community, and countless events - those scars will always remain but I would make no other choice.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

Bill Allen (R)

An honest relationship that focuses on the citizens - that's all.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Bill Allen (R)

I agree with 65% of Americans that we are heading in the wrong direction under the current leadership. I think we must avoid a World War, return security to our borders, and stop the insane government spending to bring down inflation. We must have lower taxes, lower gas prices, and government accountability.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of a unicameral state legislature, in your opinion?

Bill Allen (R)

Missouri is bicameral and I'll focus on that.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Bill Allen (R)

Absolutely not. There are too many lawyers and long-term politicians looking for loopholes already. We need fresh blood, new ideas, bold ideas.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Bill Allen (R)

Yes - building friendly relationships, even with those who differ in viewpoint, is what our citizens want from representatives. What they don't want is silly games, showmanship, and unprofessional behavior.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

Bill Allen (R)

The Missouri process for the House was very fair and I think we should stick to representation from those who live in the new districts.

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Bill Allen (R)

Higher Ed. Insurance. Banking. Small Business.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Bill Allen (R)

It depends on the needs of my party and the people of Missouri. I intend to serve our citizens as long as they choose.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Bill Allen (R)

Yes - compromise within reason is necessary. We must stop condemning and start actually listening. Most Americans are not as far apart as the media would have us believe. The one exception is that I think it's absolutely necessary to actually live in the district in which a politician represents.

See also

More about these elections:

• Missouri House of Representatives elections, 2022

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