Email: joe.barker@patch.com
Phone: 636.575.9390
Hometown: Pacific, Mo.
Birthday: Aug. 27, 1985
Bio: Born and raised in Pacific, MO, (that's out by Six Flags), I graduated from Pacific High School in 2004. After that, I went to Truman State University in Kirksville to study journalism. While there, I worked on the campus newspaper, the Index, and also did other odd jobs to pay the rent—I worked at a liquor store and at Sears. I finished up my education at Truman in 2008 and immediately moved to Hannibal, Mo. to take a job with the Hannibal Courier-Post. I spent two years in Hannibal, the last as the Sports Editor, before coming to St. Peters.

POLITICS
How would you describe your political beliefs?

I tend to lean left on a lot of things, but not everything. I tend to take an issue-by-issue look at things. I usually vote Democrat, but not always.

RELIGION

How religious would you consider yourself? (Ie, casual, observant, devout, non-religious).

I don't consider myself very religious. I see the benefits for people, but I have yet to find one for me. I'm not anti-religion, I just don't think it fits me.

Do you identify with a certain religion? If so, which one?

No. See above.

LOCAL HOT-BUTTON ISSUES
What do you think are the most important issues facing the community?

I'm still new in town so I think this will be an ever-changing answer, but or now I'm very curious about what life-long residents of St. Peters think about the growth of the city. I've been to a few events already and have heard older residents talk about how St. Peters was a town of 500 people about 40 years ago. Now, it's 100 times that size and I wonder what changes the city had to undergo to reach the point where it is now.

Where do you stand on each of these issues?

Personally, I'm a fan of the growth. Having live in several small towns, I really enjoy the way St. Peters is—it seems like it's the best of both worlds. On one hand, it does have a low-key feel, but on the other, there is plenty to do. I think the growth is probably for the best.