Jay Kersting Interviews Harry Otto (PODCAST)
July 23, 2010 by admin
Filed under Featured Articles, In The Press, Media Coverage
In this podcast, Jay Kersting interviews State Senate candidate Harry Otto. [Listen to the interview]
Harry Otto took my invitation to be interviewed for this podcast. Give a listen and make your decision by August 3rd. — Jay Kersting
Originally Posted at http://jaykersting.com/blog/2010/07/23/podcast-interview-with-state-senate-candidate-harry-otto/
Otto launches Senate bid
January 18, 2010 by admin
Filed under In The Press, Media Coverage
He’s been promising to run since at least the spring, and Jefferson City CPA Harry Otto launched his campaign for the state Senate on Monday night with a fund-raising dinner.
Incumbent Carl Vogel, R-Jefferson City, can’t run for re-election because of term limits. “My goal for the next 315 days is to get recognized and known around the district,” Otto told family, friends and supporters gathered at the Eagles Club. His qualifications include what he called “my Es” - education, experience, ethics and an endorsement. “I’m very proud to have the endorsement of the sitting senator,” he said.
Otto, Jefferson City automobile dealer Mike Kehoe and state Reps. Mark Bruns of Wardsville, Bill Deeken of Jefferson City and Kenny Jones of Clarksburg - all Republicans - have said they want to succeed Vogel. Official filing for the office begins Feb. 23. So far, no Democrat has announced an intention to run for the job.
“I do expect to be outspent in this campaign,” Otto said, “but I don’t expect to be outworked.
“I don’t think this office ought to be purchased. I think it ought to be earned.” He said he’s not afraid of a fiveman primary race, nor is he worried that four of the five announced hopefuls are based in Cole County.
The district includes Cole, Callaway, Moniteau, Miller and Morgan counties. “Moniteau is less than 10 percent of the district (population) and Cole is close to 50 percent of the district,” Otto said, “so you could split Cole more than four ways and it’s still larger than some other counties. “But, to be elected you’re going to have to get votes from each and every county in the district.” Otto told supporters his research shows no CPA ever has been elected to the Missouri Senate. “I think it’s time to get one there,” he said. He later said: “I’ve been doing professional accounting work for over 35 years in central Missouri (and) I’ve met a lot of people and served in a lot of community positions in the last 35 years. “And I think that’s going to help me in this race.”
Otto did not discuss issues Monday night, saying there’s plenty of time to go into detail about his position on issues later. But, he told the crowd, “The big issue we do face is money - it’s not coming in as fast as projected, and the expenses are probably as much as, or nearly as much as, projected.” He later said his approach to Missouri’s not getting enough income won’t be raising taxes. “I’m not talking about an increase,” he explained. “I’m talking about determining where the money should go - who gets it and who waits in line for it.” He said the state’s history of “being a little bit frugal and a little bit ‘cheap’” has been the right attitude to have, leaving the state in better financial shape than many others during the current economic crisis.
With its constitutional requirement to get at least 25 percent of the general revenue budget, Otto said education also will be a major issue. “When we have some failing school districts that have had to be taken over by the state, and fixed for the kids who are being cheated out of a good education, it’s a very important issue,” he said.
Copyright 2009 News Tribune Co. All rights reserved.Otto named distinguished alumnus
July 16, 2009 by admin
Filed under In The Press
Harry Otto received the 2009 Cole County Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Cole County Chapter of the Mizzou Alumni Association.
He was recognized for his accomplishments in both his personal and professional life.
Otto received a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with a major in Accountancy from University of Missouri-Columbia. He currently is a certified public accountant and member owner at Williams-Keepers LLC.
He served as president of the Jefferson City Host Lions Club, president of St. Peter Catholic Cemetery Association, president of Mid-Mo Medical Foundation, president of St. Mary’s Foundation and president of the Helias school board and of the Missouri Society of CPA’s.
Otto currently serves as chairman of the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce.
Originally posted Tuesday, June 23, 2009 via News Tribune
Candidacy Announcement
May 26, 2009 by admin
Filed under Featured Articles, In The Press, Media Coverage
Jefferson City businessman Harry Otto announced this week he will run for state senate in the 6th District in 2010. Sen. Carl Vogel who is term limited currently serves as the 6th District Senator. The 6th district includes the counties of Callaway, Cole, Miller, Moniteau and Morgan.
Otto is a Republican.
“Harry was my campaign treasurer when I first ran for the Mo. House in 1990” Vogel said. “I asked Harry to consider this office after I was elected to my second and final senate term. I have known him for over 25 years. I know well his business ability, his leadership skill, and his spirit of community service. All of these attributes would enable him to well serve the citizens of the 6th district in the Mo Senate.”
Otto is a certified public accountant and a member owner in the firm of Williams-Keepers LLC. He currently serves as Chairman of the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce. He has previously served as president of the Jefferson City Host Lions Club, president of St. Peters Catholic Cemetery Association, president of Mid-Mo Medical Foundation, president of St. Mary’s Foundation, president of the Helias School board and president of the Missouri Society of CPA’s.
He served 6 years in the US Army Reserve and previously worked for the Missouri Department of Revenue as the Assistant Manager of the Compliance Bureau and Manager of the Income Tax Bureau.
Otto is a native of Osage County and a graduate of St. George School, Linn High School and earned a BS in Business Administration with a major in accountancy from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
He is a member of St. Joseph Cathedral Parish. He and his wife Mary Kay have resided in Jefferson City for over 35 years. They have 3 children and 3 grandchildren.
For more information on Otto, go to www.citizensforotto.com.