Fisher promises tireless effort if elected

By Brian Johnson

Nevada Herald

Barney Fisher says he isn't the type of man who likes to sit on the sidelines -- which is no doubt why he's in the race for the Missouri State Representative District 125th seat.

"People can gripe about what's going on in our government, but gripes wont get anything done," Fisher said. "That's why I decided to get off the sidelines and into the game."

Fisher, a Republican, will go against Democrat candidates Larry Berry and Bart McClaughry for Rep. Jerry King's house seat this November.

But Fisher may have a leg up on them.

On Jan. 16, Rep. King gave fellow Republican Fisher his full endorsement saying, "I have been looking for a individual who possesses the qualifications, experience, selflessness and work ethic to best represent the 125th District. I have found such a person in Barney Fisher of Nevada."

Even with the endorsement, Fisher won't let it go to his head. He knows that it's still early and anything can happen.

"You have to run like you're behind," Fisher said. "You have to be available everywhere and to everyone."

Fisher, a lifelong resident of Nevada, said he entered the race because he thinks Missouri has a lot of improving to do.

One issue Fisher thinks could improve the state greatly is tort reform.

On April 27, Missouri Gov. Bob Holden vetoed the recent tort reform proposal that would limit the filing of a lawsuit in the county were the damages accrued. It also would limit non-ecomic damages to no more than $400,000.

"We need tort-reform," Fisher said. "In Holden's administration, this state has lost around 500 doctors because they couldn't pay for all of the lawsuits."

Another issue that Fisher thinks is important is education. He thinks there is enough funding for every school district to prosper, but he says the people running the schools maybe the problem.

"The schools are fully funded," Fisher said. "The school system just needs anyone with some moral fiber to do it. There's plenty of money. We just need someone with the guts to run it. Education for kids should be the number one issue for the state."

Fisher says that if he is elected to the Missouri House of Representatives, he will do the best he can do to make Vernon County and Missouri the best it can be.

"I'll work tirelessly," Fisher said. "I'll be out there working for the voters."