Lou Lapaglia Answers Questions on Campaign for Christian County Presiding Commissioner
The following is an interview with Lou Lapaglia conducted by the Christian County Sun via email. Lou is currently seeking election to the office of Presiding Commissioner for Christian County as a Republican. His only opponent in the race is John Grubaugh, who is challenging Lou for the Republican nomination. You can find interviews for other candidates for county office in Christian County at the August 3 Christian County Election Central Resource.
SUN: Lou, why are you running for Christian County Presiding Commissioner?
Lou Lapaglia: I am running to bring stability, creditability, unity and transparency to Christian County Government.
SUN: Now that we know why you’re running, why are you running as a Republican?
Lou Lapaglia: I am running as a Republican because I am a conservative and believe in the Republican platform. As a lifelong conservative republican, I believe in a strong financial stewardship of the people’s money and keeping the constitution as written by our founding fathers.
SUN: On your website, you list a pretty accomplished resume in the business world. How do you think your experience has prepared you for the role of a county commissioner?
Lou Lapaglia: As President of a 987 million dollar footwear business, I had to be conscientious in supporting and maintaining a business plan and strategize , not only day to day activities but for long term business plans. I had to be accountable monthly for my performance…..just as I will be accountable to the citizens of Christian County.
SUN: Since you’re running to unseat an incumbent commissioner, there are obviously things you would like to do differently if you’re elected. What would you do differently?
Lou Lapaglia: The things that I would do differently when elected are various. My first goal would be to have an open county government; building trust between the citizens and county government officials. Every citizen in the county should be treated equal. I will work with the elected officials and the county employees to bring unity and cohesiveness for better productivity and for a better workplace environment.
SUN: From talking with people around Christian County, what do you think are the most important issues to people in this county, both in this race & longer term?
Lou Lapaglia: I feel that the most important issues to the people in this county are, first of all, the lack of trust issue between the citizens and the elected officials. We, as leaders, will need to earn the respect and trust of the citizens.
The issue of roads is very prevalent. Seldom do I go out among the citizens without hearing about problems they are having with their road or complaints about the road system in general. With the loss of 5.5 million in road funds in the last few years, we will need to find funding to begin the paving or repaving of our county roads.Another issue is jobs. The county and the cities must work together to bring in new businesses and help expand the current businesses.
SUN: Christian County has been growing & changing quickly for several years. What is your vision for the future of the county as it continues to grow & change?
Lou Lapaglia: As we continue to grow we will need to work with Ozark Transportation Organization and MoDot to build our infrastructure; which will give cities, small and large, more accessibility and availability for growth.My plan is to keep working with my theme “One Christian County”….the County working with the cities to bring new businesses, such as light industry, into our county. The new businesses will not only give us more jobs, but also broaden our tax base. This will be a priority in my administration.
SUN: Why should Christian County voters cast their ballot for you?
Lou Lapaglia: Christian County voters should cast their vote for me because I am a businessman. There should be a business person at the top. Someone who knows how to write a business plan, understands P&L, understands and knows how to work with people to produce high productivity. Someone who knows how to set goals and meet them. Someone who understands that it is the bottom line that counts. Someone who cares deeply for people and will welcome their voice.I am not beholden to anyone and I will run the county as a business. I am running not as a politician but as a businessman. Every dollar will be accounted for.
