Cole’s Platform for the Monarch Fireboard

Continue to fight tax increases as I did during my time in the Missouri House of Representatives

My number one priority is to make sure that the taxpayers of the Monarch Fire District are not surprised by unnecessary tax increases during a time when many families are struggling to pay their bills.

Balance the budget

Before 2011, the budget could not be consistently balanced due to historic legal fees brought on as a direct result of irresponsible management by the former director of the board.  In fact, in 2010 legal fees for monarch reached over $220,000!

The citizens of Monarch elected a strong leader in Steve Swyers that has balanced the budget two years in a row, and has reduced legal fees by 64% since 2010.  I will work both board members to ensure balanced budgets for years to come.

Eliminate waste

In 2010 while serving in the Missouri House, I created the Committee on Downsizing State Government.  I worked with Republicans and Democrats to eliminate government waste, sunset outdated laws and regulations, and increase the overall efficiency in our state government.  I plan to take that same approach as a member of the Monarch Fire Board.

While serving as Chairman of the Committee on Downsizing State Government, we passed more bills out of committee than any other committee in the House.  I have a proven record of leading and getting the job done for Missouri taxpayers.

Encourage firefighters to continue to make sacrifices for the good of Monarch citizens

Since 2010 sick leave hours have been reduced by 38% and workers compensation hours have been reduced by 45%.  I will help continue this trend to save taxpayer money while being fair to the firefighters who protect us.

Increase transparency

Monarch taxpayers deserve to know how their hard earned money is being spent.  I pledge to make every penny spent available online with no exceptions.  My hard stance on pension transparency during my last campaign made me a target of unions, but I will not waver in my dedication to transparency.

Work with other St. Louis County Fire Boards to see what policies have been effective for them

New ideas for good government can be just as effective as practices already in place.  We must leave no stone unturned when determining what is best for the district.