Everyone deserves a seat at the table when it comes to finding solutions to the state’s problems, Treasurer Sarah Steelman said in St. Joseph Thursday morning.

St. Joseph Mayor Ken Shearin gave the gubernatorial candidate an earful from his chair, focusing on sewage during the campaign breakfast.

Ms. Steelman visited Savannah, Mo., and the Krug mansion on St. Joseph’s North Side on the second day of her “Kitchen-table Tour,” aimed at soliciting questions and concerns from Missourians.

Local Republicans Charlie and Donna Nill opened their home to Ms. Steelman and about 20 others, who quizzed the candidate on higher education budget woes and her call for an end to the ethanol mandate.

Mr. Shearin turned attention to an issue closer to home: a federally mandated $500 million project to reduce sewer overflows into the Missouri River. The city likely will have to triple sewer bills as a result.

He said she’d “rattled off” a list of platform initiatives — such as tax relief, illegal immigration, ethics reform and an energy package — but St. Joseph needed financial assistance with the 150-year-old problem.

Local officials have sought help from federal and state sources, “But no one is stepping up to the plate,” he said.

Ms. Steelman said she opposed the unfunded mandate and, if elected, would work with the federal government on the issue and suggested not complying if necessary to avoid the burden on St. Joseph taxpayers.

“I can guarantee you this as governor, I will come to the plate,” she said.

Mr. Shearin said that he expected to see the issue come up in her future campaign conversations between now and the Aug. 5 primary with U.S. Rep. Kenny Hulshof, R-Columbia.

The statement drew a smile from Ms. Steelman, who later traveled to Kansas City for her next stop on the tour.

Prior stops included Springfield, Lebanon and Dixon.

Alyson E. Raletz can be reached at

alysonraletz@npgco.com.