David Giarratano, who resides in rural Texas County north of Raymondville, has announced his candidacy for a seat in the Missouri House of Representatives.
Giarratano is running for the 142nd District representative position, which includes areas of Texas, Howell, Phelps and Pulaski counties. The seat is now held by Robert Ross of Yukon who is facing term limits this year and will be running for the Missouri Senate. He will file as a Republican.
“The experience I gained in my 27 years of service in state government will enable me to serve the citizens of the district from day one,” Giarratano said. “I worked hard to protect Missourians by helping to prevent the improper disposal of hazardous waste and keeping the roadways safe by conduction inspections of commercial vehicles. I have worked with legislators in the past to help improve the quality of life for citizens of our state.”
Since retiring from state service Giarratano has worked at the Walmart store and Orscheln Farm and Home in Houston. He also works as a substitute teacher in the Houston and Cabool school districts.
“My present work activities provide me with the opportunity to provide excellent service to customers and help the youth of our area,” Giarratano said. “Both are things I would look forward to continuing as state representative.”
He has a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, a doctor of chiropractic degree from Cleveland Chiropractic College and additional coursework in teacher certification from the University of Missouri and Lincoln University.
Giarratano said he is a staunch defender of Second Amendment rights. He has been a life member in the NRA for more than 20 years and has more than 12 years as a volunteer at the NRA National Action Pistol Championships and other NRA events. He is a past president of the Missouri Sport Shooting Association, fighting for the right to carry concealed in Missouri. He has also competed in pistol shooting competitions in several states and in Europe. He was the 1995 Missouri Indoor Conventional Pistol State Champion.
The right to life is very important to Giarratano, he said.
“My education in the biological sciences has shown me that life begins at conception,” he said. “It is important we protect the unborn, the most vulnerable members of our society.”
Being fiscally responsible is also a priority for Giarratano. He believes that the state should not spend the tax dollars collected from hard working Missourians on frivolous things such as stadiums for sports teams and a high speed bullet train between Kansas City and St. Louis.
“Our tax money would be much better invested in infrastructure improvement that would help bring good paying jobs to south-central Missouri,” he said.