As Jay Ashcroft’s ex-supervisor and fellow engineer, I know he’s right for Missouri | Opinion
In the political world, accusations and mudslinging are almost as common as campaign promises. Recently, the Missouri GOP gubernatorial primary has seen its fair share of controversy, particularly surrounding Jay Ashcroft and his credentials as an engineer. As Jay’s former supervisor and a fellow engineer, I feel compelled to set the record straight.
Ashcroft is undeniably an engineer by education and credentials. He has two Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc.-accredited engineering degrees from Missouri University of Science and Technology. He worked as an engineer for 4 1/2 years in the defense industry, and then was certified by the state of Missouri to teach mechanical engineering, which he did for almost six years.
The recent attempts to discredit Jay’s engineering background by pointing out that he does not hold a government license as a professional engineer are misleading at best. It’s important to understand that while a professional engineering license is a requirement for certain roles, it is not a blanket necessity for most engineering work. Many engineers operate in capacities where such licensure is not required. Ashcroft has never claimed to be a licensed professional engineer. He has always been transparent about his qualifications and experience.
To suggest that candidates are unfit for office because they lack a specific government-issued license, especially when that license is not a prerequisite for the roles they have performed, is a disingenuous attack. It’s an attempt to distract voters from the real issues at hand and the substantive qualifications that Jay brings to the table.
The underlying implication of these attacks is even more troubling. Should we, as voters, support a candidate such as Mike Kehoe who seems to endorse the idea that more government regulation and licensure are inherently beneficial? The notion that we need more government control over who can and cannot work in various fields is antithetical to the principles of free enterprise and individual merit.
Kehoe’s endorsement of the idea that government licenses to work are necessary and good is a dangerous stance, particularly in an era where overregulation stifles innovation and entrepreneurship. As a former small business owner, you would think Kehoe would know better. Do we want to elect someone who believes that the path to progress is through more bureaucratic red tape?
Ashcroft represents a different vision. He understands that while certain professions do require rigorous licensure for public safety, not all work should be subjected to such constraints. His approach is pragmatic and rooted in a deep understanding of both the engineering and legal landscapes.
In contrast, Kehoe’s constant untruthful attacks on Jay reveal desperation and a lack of substantive critique. It’s a classic tactic of a career politician who is more interested in maintaining power and control than in advancing real solutions for Missouri. Why is Kehoe being investigated by the FBI? Jay Ashcroft’s track record, both as an engineer and a public servant, speaks for itself. He has consistently demonstrated a commitment to integrity, innovation and practical governance.
As someone who has supervised Jay and seen his capabilities firsthand, I can attest to his competence, dedication and ethical standards. The voters of Missouri deserve a leader who embodies these qualities, not one who resorts to cheap political stunts to discredit his opponents.
In this primary, the choice is clear. Jay Ashcroft is not only qualified but also uniquely positioned to lead Missouri forward. Let’s not be swayed by unfounded attacks, and instead focus on the real issues and the true qualifications of the candidates.
Rosendo Martinez is a retired senior engineering scientist. He lives in Macedonia, Missouri.
