Following this week’s announcement that State Sen. Peggy Palmer (R-Augusta) wouldn’t be seeking re-election, her seat was essentially up for grabs. Initially State Rep.
David Crum from District 77 had promised Palmer he would seek her position, but he bowed out, choosing to focus on his current role.
Now it appears that State Rep. Ty Masterson (R-Andover) of District 99 will make a bid for Palmer’s Senate seat. He spent Tuesday aligning his supporters, respected friends and colleagues, to be sure “everybody was on board.”
With a nod to the values that he picked up during his youth in rural Butler County – “integrity, accountability and service” – Masterson said, “it’s important that our elected officials reflect these qualities and represent the values of their district.”
Born in El Dorado (where his parents still reside), he split his school years between the Circle School District and Augusta, where he graduated.
“My wife Marlo and I have chosen to live and raise our children here,” he said. “All my extended family live in Butler County as well, so it’s important to me to preserve, protect, and improve our way of life here.”
Masterson said he believes Butler County has a wealth of “potential and resources,” which he feels government should help, not hinder.
“I have an agenda for Butler County. It’s full of entrepreneurs, industries, farmers, ranchers and hard-working folks who just want to grow their businesses and their families and improve their quality of life,” Masterson said. “We need to keep government off their backs whenever possible, and wherever government has a legitimate role, I think there needs to be more coordination on all levels so that we minimize unintended consequences and move forward. We need to work together to bring businesses to this county with high-paying jobs and opportunities.”
With 16 years of entrepreneurial experience in the service industry and four years as a state representative, Masterson feels he’s prepared to take this step.
“Those experiences have taught me so many lessons about how to serve the public and the importance of working with others to achieve the desired outcome,” he said.
In respect to his predecessor, he said he’s got respect for Palmer, who he said has been a “good senator.”
