Candidates looking at budget, economic development in campaigns
CARROLLTON — Two candidates are hoping to represent the Democratic Party for the Greene County Board in the June primary.
Voters will decide between Joyce A. Clark and David G. McGraw on the Democratic ballot on June 28.
Clark, 72, is serving on the county board. Originally appointed to fill a term, Clark has been elected to two terms in the position.
In addition to her time as Greene County board member, Clark was also a trustee and a supervisor for Bluffdale.
For her position, Clark said one of her primary focuses is the budget.
” A big goal is I don’t want to raise taxes and want to spend wisely,” Clark said. “We need an individual that will weigh the needs and what is necessary against the funds.”
In addition to controlling the budget and county needs, she said she also wants to find ways to help veterans and improve the county’s infrastructure.
Her goals align with some of the issues she sees in the county.
“The big issue is budget. People don’t want their taxes raised, and I don’t want to raise them,” Clark said. “We have to balance, matching the budget to the expenses. Cost are going up. I think we have to try to keep the expense in control with what we have.”
Clark said she brings management and finance experience to the position.
After graduating from Hillsboro High School in 1967, she received a degree in education from Illinois State University. She worked with the United States Postal Service for 33 years, including time as a postmaster trainer for the St. Louis division. She has also worked in real estate, and was the head of the foreign orders department for Charles C. Thomas Publisher.
Her opponent, David McGraw, 58, served as a Roodhouse alderman from 2001 to 2009.
One of the biggest issues he sees for Greene County is the need for growth.
“Growth and to retain our young people by providing them opportunities to remain here,” McGraw said.
In order to help with growth, if elected, McGraw said he wants to find ways to market the county to both businesses and tourism. He said he also wants to help the agriculture community.
McGraw holds a master’s degree in education/history and political science
He is the gather of two 13-year-old boys.
