Make Your Election Day Problem Free!

Area elections officials are suggesting that registered voters study their sample ballot prior to going to the polls so you are prepared to vote quickly. To read the 2008 ballot measures you can visit the Missouri Secretary of State's website at www.sos.mo.gov/elections/2008ballot/.

Some counties also have your local ballot version online. For example, Greene County's clerk has posted its local version of the ballot online at www.greenecountymo.org/election/.

You can also visit the Vote Missouri website at www.sos.mo.gov/elections/govotemissouri/localelectionauthority.aspx
to find out more about your local elections official including phone number, address and website, (if they have one.)

CBBT Contributes to Area General Election Candidates

The HBA's Political Action Committee, the Coalition for Building a Better Tomorrow, recently made contributions to several area general election candidates for office. The following candidates received contributions from the CBBT:

1. Representative Shane Schoeller, House District 139
http://www.electschoeller.com/
http://www.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills081/member/mem139.htm

2. Representative Jay Wasson, House District 141
http://www.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills081/member/mem141.htm

3. Representative Don Ruzicka, House District 132
http://www.donruzicka.com/
http://www.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills081/member/mem132.htm

4. Candidate for House District 136, Eric Burlison (vacant seat)
http://www.ericburlison.com/content/Home/tabid/37/Default.aspx

5. Greene County Commissioner Harold Bengsch

6. Christian County Western District Commissioner Bill Barnett

The CBBT also made a contribution to the HBA of Missouri PAC. If you have questions regarding the process for CBBT contributions, please contact Jennifer McClure at jennifer@springfieldhba.com

Meet Officeholders and Candidates at Mixer on Tuesday, Oct. 21

Meet area candidates and officeholders at the after-hours HBA Member reception on Oct. 21 at Southern Materials Company. This is your opportunity to make sure those in government, who make decisions which affect your business, actually hear the voice of residential construction. Enjoy hot hors d'oeurves and a cash bar in this beautiful showroom -- and you'll have a chance to vote on your favorite featured product! You can pick up your 2008 HBA Membership Directory if you haven't had a chance to do so already. This will be a political "party" that's actually fun!

When: Tuesday, October 21
When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Southern Materials Company Showroom, Highway 65 & Division
Cost: $15 per person

RSVP by clicking here

For more information about Southern Materials Company, visit the company's website by clicking here.

Amendment 4 Deals With Financing of Stormwater Control Projects

The Missouri Storm Water Control Amendment is a legislatively-referred constitutional amendment that, if passed, will amend the Missouri Constitution to change the provisions relating to the financing of stormwater control projects. It will appear on the general election ballot November 4, 2008.

Official Ballot Title:
Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to change provisions relating to the financing of stormwater control projects by:

-limiting availability of grants and loans to public water and sewer districts only;
-removing the cap on available funding and existing restrictions on disbursements;
-requiring loan repayments to be used only for stormwater control projects?

It is estimated the cost to state governmental entities is $0 to $236,000 annually. It is estimated state governmental entities will save approximately $7,500 for each bond issuance. It is estimated local governmental entities participating in this program may experience savings, however the amount is unknown.

Fair ballot language excerpt:
A “yes” vote will amend the Missouri Constitution to change the provisions relating to the financing of stormwater control projects. Currently, the Missouri Constitution allows the legislature to issue bonds or other types of debt so that grants and loans may be provided to municipalities and water and sewer districts in certain counties and cities for stormwater control.

This amendment will limit funding to only public water and sewer districts. It removes the current limitation on the amount of funds that can be made available for these projects and removes the restrictions on the method of disbursing these funds. It further provides that loan repayment funds shall be deposited into a specific fund to be used for stormwater control projects.

A “no” vote will not change the provisions relating to the financing of stormwater control projects.

If passed, this measure will not have an impact on taxes.

To view the full text of the amendment, visit the Missouri Secretary of State's ballot measures explanation page by clicking here.

In addition to changes to the constitutional language, parallel changes to the state statutes governing the storm water grant and loan program at 644.570 RSMo will be put into effect if the constitutional language is changed in November 2008. Also, the sale of storm water control bonds to fund storm water projects in first class counties could resume.

Background: Missouri voters approved $200 million in state storm water bonds in November 1998. The bonds are administered by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and are used for storm water planning and/or construction projects in first class counties and the city of St. Louis (MSD). The bond funds are used by participants for loans that cover up to 100% of the project cost or as a 50% match grant.

To date, $45 million of the $200 million in authorized bonds have been sold. The last bond sale was in 2002. DNR has awarded all the bond proceeds sold thus far.

The storm water funds are allocated through a formula in the state constitution. The formula allocates the available funds based on the applicant’s population. There are currently seventeen first class counties: Boone, Buchanan, Callaway, Camden, Cape Girardeau, Cass, Clay, Cole, Franklin, Greene, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Platte, St. Louis, St. Charles, and Taney.

Since the last bond sale in 2002, the Internal Revenue Service has enacted certain restrictions on tax exempt bond sales. The IRS requires that the tax exempt bonds be spent fully within three years of a sale. Because the existing storm water program cannot meet the IRS requirements, it is necessary to change the constitutional authorization language.

CBBT Sporting Clay Slide Show

Results of the 2008 CBBT Sporting Clays Tournament!

It was a great tournament! Thanks to our presenting sponsors: Conco Companies and Meek's - The Builder's Choice. This was our first year with both a morning and afternoon flight and we had a great turnout of more than 100 shooters. Top shooter in the afternoon was George Postma with an 84 out of 100. In the morning, Jeff Hansen was the #1 shooter with an 87 out 100. Best overall team of the morning group was the Citizens National Bank/OakStar Bank Team: Stu Wetzel, Jeremy Ray, David Beebe, Lor Randant and Steve Faseler with a combined score of 370. Rusty MacLachlan's team took the honors in the afternoon with a score of 390: Rusty MacLachlan, R.L. Bennett, George Postma, Scott Bracy and Ryan Groatake.

Many thanks to our Award Sponsors: Bailey Company, Sam Bradley Homes, Homes By Sam Watts and National Home Products

Morning Awards: (Ties were broken based on comparison of scores at a pre-determined stand)

A 1st - Jeff Hansen, 87

A 2nd - Bryce Scothorn, 85

A 3rd - Eric Shryer, 82

B 1st - Adam McHaffie, 70

B 2nd - Greg Lynn, 69

B 3rd - Bob Manton, 69

C 1st - Matt Morrow, 56

C 2nd - Scott Evans, 56

C 3rd - Larry Saxe, 55

Afternoon Group:

A 1st - George Postma, 84

A 2nd - Steve Butler, 84

A 3rd - R.L. Bennett, 83

B 1st - Kevin Clingan, 67

B 2nd - Dan Fugate, 67

B 3rd - Ryan Goatake, 66

C 1st - Buck Doty, 55

C 2nd - Bill Tigmeyer, 55

C 3rd - Rod Widger, 55

Support CBBT By Participating in Clay Shoot on Thursday, Sept. 11

The CBBT Sporting Clay Shoot at Ozark Shooters is almost here! It is going to be a great tournament! Remember, there are two flights to choose from: 9:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. Lunch is served at noon for both flights. The cost is $75 per person or $375 per 5 person team. Download the entry form by clicking here. You don't have to be an expert marksman to enjoy this tournament. It is fun for everyone. Not interested in shooting? There are sponsorship opportunities for a $100 investment. The best part is that by participating and sponsoring you can earn even more Home Show points! There are three ways for members to gain points for CBBT support/participation:

1. Entry level Coalition for Building a Better Tomorrow (CBBT) donation of $100 or more.
2. Participating in the CBBT Sporting Clays Tournament (if entry level donation has previously been made).
3. Sponsoring the CBBT Sporting Clays Tournament (if entry level donation has previously been made.

Legislation removes contribution limits

On August 28th, 2008, Senate Bill 1038 became law in Missouri. This act repeals the campaign contribution limits for certain candidates running for office in Missouri as well as making a number of other changes with respect to candidate and continuing committee campaign finance reporting. To download a more specific summary of the changes and their impact on reporting, visit the Missouri Ethics Commission website by clicking here.

Individuals and committees required to file campaign disclosure reports shall electronically file contributions exceeding $5,000 within 48 hours of receiving the contribution.

The treasurer and deputy treasurer of all committees shall reside in the district or county in which the committee sits.

Legislative and senatorial district committees shall retain only one address in the district in which it sits for the purpose of receiving contributions.

Out-of-state committees that make contributions in support of or against candidates or issues in elections shall report the names of its contributors even when the contributions originally made to the out-of-state committee were not made specifically to influence any particular election.

Current law imposes a penalty of twice the amount of the contribution or expenditure that is incorrectly reported up to $5,000. This amendment removes the $5,000 cap and imposes a penalty equal to the amount of the contribution for failing to file or filing incomplete reports.

Post Election Update - Looking Ahead to November

Update on CBBT Supported Candidates

Congratulations to Roseann Bentley (Greene Co. Associate Commissioner race) and Lyndall Fraker (Webster Co. Northern Commissioner race) who won their primaries. Fraker has a general election opponent and Bentley does not. The City of Springfield's 1/8th cent transportation tax renewal also passed by a wide margin of more than 80%. Although candidates Terry Ozborn and Jeff Justus were not successful in their primary races, they ran outstanding, positive races of which they can be extremely proud.

The Missouri Governor's contest has been decided - Republican Kenny Hulshof will face Democrat Jay Nixon in the general election to be decided on November 4th. For more information about Hulshof's positions on small business and the economy click here. Jay Nixon's website can be reached by clicking here.

Remember to Vote on Tuesday, Aug. 5th!

Tuesday August 5th is voting day! Remember these candidates the CBBT has supported: 

Terry Ozborn, Republican candidate for Greene County Public Administrator (HBA member)

Jeff Justus, Republican candidate for state representative, 62nd district (Taney and Stone Counties)

Roseann Bentley, Greene County Commissioner up for re-election

Lyndall Fraker, republican candidate for Webster County Northern Commissioner. 

Also, the HBA board of directors endorsed the City of Springfield's 1/8 cent transportation sales tax renewal. For more information go to www.cityofspringfield.org/egov/eighthcent.html

Two HBA Members Run for Office

HBA Member Terry Ozborn

Two HBA of Greater Springfield members are currently running for office in primary elections to be determined August 5th. Both of these members have received contributions from your political action committee, the Coalition for Building a Better Tomorrow.

Builder Terry Ozborn is running for Greene County Public Administrator. "The Greene County Public Administrator is the public official that we trust to protect the financial interests of the county's most vulnerable citizens," said Ozborn. People have trusted Terry for years with their family’s largest financial investments. As a builder and small business person, his financial management skills are well-established. His knowledge of real estate, investments and related legal requirements will enable him to make the best possible professional decisions relative to each individual’s needs and circumstances. Ozborn currently serves on the board of the HBA of Greater Springfield and has chaired a number of committees for the organization including the health insurance task force. He was voted Springfield’s best builder in 2000 by readers of the Springfield News-Leader. You can email Terry by clicking here.

Member Jeff Justus, president of L&J Plumbing, is running for state representative in the 62nd district which encompasses Stone and Taney counties. A life-long resident of the area, Jeff has served the community in many ways: Table Rock Chamber of Commerce board of directors chairman, a long time member of the Branson Advisory Park Board, a trustee on the Skaggs Hospital Board, and an honorary coach of the College of the Ozarks NAIA Division II Men’s National Championship Tournament. For more information about Jeff's positions on the issues and experience, you can visit his campaign website by clicking here. highlight this and paste remainder of article here

HBA Board Endorses 1/8-cent Transportation Sales Tax Renewal

On August 5, Springfield voters will consider extending the City’s 1/8-cent transportation sales tax for another four years to continue making much-needed local road improvements. The HBA's Board of Directors voted to endorse the issue. Strong transportation infrastructure is critical for the continued growth and development of our region. Passage of this ballot measure would result in numerous benefits including:

Improved Traffic Flow and Time Savings
Projects such as the widening of US 65 to six lanes from Chestnut Expressway to Battlefield Road and interchange improvements at I-44 and Kansas Expressway will reduce congestion, save time, and significantly improve traffic flow.

Increased Safety
Revenue from this tax would allow for design and construction of critical intersection improvements that would enhance safety at some of the city’s most dangerous intersections. Two such examples are the proposed addition of north-south lanes on Campbell Avenue under the James River Freeway, and off-ramp intersection improvements to the National Avenue corridor near CoxHealth.

Environmental Stewardship
Enhanced bicycle, pedestrian, and transit lanes will further address the need for alternative transportation modes. Specifically, the proposal includes new overpasses and sidewalks that will connect pedestrians and cyclists to various transit stops. Additionally, longer turn lanes, such as those planned for the intersection of Battlefield and Glenstone, will result in reduced idle time, reduced fuel consumption, and reduced emissions.

Cost Savings
Once completed, the proposed projects would improve the overall traffic flow and would ultimately mean passengers are able to travel more efficiently, saving both time and money with reduced fuel consumption.

Together, these benefits work to improve economic development in the region, and ensure the Springfield metro area has a strong transportation infrastructure that keeps up with the region’s continued growth.

As in the past, this renewal of the City’s transportation sales tax was crafted in partnership with the Missouri Department of Transportation and Greene County so the combination of City, County and State funds will accelerate construction on these high-priority projects.

This sales tax was first approved by voters in 1996, and has repeatedly received strong support. Funds from the tax have totaled $50 million in local funding, and have leveraged transportation investments of more than $100 million. The program has resulted in improvements to dozens of roads and intersections in Springfield. This ballot proposal will allow those improvements to continue, without a tax increase. For a complete list of past projects funded by this tax, visit springfieldmo.gov/egov/eighthcent