McNeece prioritizing public education if elected for Missouri Senate District 12

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Judy McNeece, a resident of Green City, is the Democratic candidate running in the Missouri Senate District 12 race.

McNeece said she saw nobody had filed to run in District 12 on the Democratic side and she thought someone needed to do it. McNeece is retired, but worked in banking for almost 28 years. She prides herself on working her way up through her company and eventually became vice president. She believes the experiences she gained working with people will help prepare her for this position.

As a resident of Green City, McNeece says she understands the importance of looking out for people in rural communities.

"I've talked to people in towns of about 4,000 to 5,000 and their children leave because there aren't jobs or because there's no daycare," McNeece said. "We have to stop that. We have to make it attractive to live in the rural parts of Missouri."

She also says one thing that can help rural communities is making sure public education is a top priority.

"I believe in public education," McNeece said. "I think we need to support the schools, support the teachers because when we do, we're supporting our communities."

This is the first time McNeece has ran for office. She says if she is elected, she wants to be a voice for the people in her district.

"If they can share their concerns with me, that's half the battle," McNeece said. "Then, it's just taking that down and explaining to the rest of the senators and the representatives what is happening in my district."

McNeece is running against incumbent Rusty Black to represent District 12. The upcoming general election will take place on Nov. 3.