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Building the future begins at the polls
OPINION ARTICLE BY CHIP JONES, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS
As we gear up for the 2024 general election, it’s time to discuss what it could mean for our industry. This is a big election year, which can be daunting for many people. What issues will truly have an impact on our company? It’s important to know what’s at stake before making your decision.
START LOCAL
Everything starts at the local level. Local elections play a massive role in determining what permits are granted and what work our industry can perform. Those leaders can directly impact our day-to-day operations, so take the time to find out who is running in your area. Understanding your local dynamics will help inform how candidates will make a difference for our company.
STAKE IN THE STATE LEVEL
Your state leaders are vital to getting the funding needed for heavy civil construction projects. This is especially important for Missouri residents, who will be voting for their governor this year. The governor controls the state budget and can create programs to support infrastructure. Having a governor who is a champion of construction will be one of the largest impacts of the 2024 general election.
It’s important to learn which legislators have a track record of supporting opportunities for infrastructure. Mike Kehoe is a great example of this. As Missouri Lieutenant Governor, he has been a leader in infrastructure investments, such as the $14.6-billion Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, $2.8-billion Improve I-70 project, and $50.5-million I-44 rehabilitation project. His support of the industry would lead to projects, which is always a good thing for a heavy civil construction company.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The national stage is just as important. Elections have consequences — one way or the other. A business-friendly administration can create a climate where work thrives. Pro-business candidates support the industry and protect ESOPs like ours.
When assessing your choices, it is important to look at what the candidate has supported in the past. If there is economic uncertainty, businesses are hesitant to build. Our client work depends heavily on how comfortable other businesses feel about investing in projects. When the environment isn’t business-friendly, we often have to pivot and lean on other areas of our business.
GET THE FACTS AND GET VOTING
Doing your research is key. We have partners in our industry who have the resources to help.
Infrastructure: AGC | ABC | NAPA | NUCA | ACPA
Make your plan early! It’s our civic duty to let our voices be heard. Having your voting plan in place will help you be prepared and know what to expect. It also helps when coordinating voting time with your supervisor or knowing if you need an absentee ballot.
ABSENTEE BALLOT REQUEST DEADLINES
Missouri: October 23
Arizona: October 25
Arkansas: October 29
Kansas: October 29
We proudly build the nation every day. Now, take that energy to the voting booth.
Chip Jones, Executive Vice President of Operations has more than 30 years of experience in the heavy construction industry, with experience working for and with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). Chip provides strategic leadership for heavy highway projects and oversees the development of safety and culture-based initiatives.