The Difference
Since his first day in office, when he sat next to sitting Speaker Billy McCoy and voted against him four times in the Speaker's race (even when it was clear the Republican-led coalition didn't have enough votes to win), Toby Barker has earned the reputation of someone who stands by his convictions no matter the political pressure. Known as the representative who works harder and stays after most have left, Toby Barker studies through issues, makes up his mind and votes his conscience.
For Toby, it is not enough to simply give a stump speech full of political cliches during election season and comfortably sit back for four years, vote safely and avoid shaking the status quo. He ran to provide decent and honest representation for Hattiesburg, and that's exactly what his record shows.
In 2008, in his first month in the Legislature, Toby Barker was the lead author of the one of the most comprehensive pieces of transparency legislation. The final product put more government expenditure online for public access. He's tackled controversial legislative issues from mental health reform to entitlements. Toby isn't afraid to taken on the hot topics- indeed, often he finds common ground to reach practical, conservative solutions.
Perhaps the biggest difference is his vision and passion for Hattiesburg. He pushes a pro-Hattiesburg agenda. Toby knows our city, its assets and its challenges, and is dedicated to doing all possible to protect our neighborhoods' long-term sustainability. As an economic developer by training, he knows our region will only go as far as its core city will allow- and that's why he works to find resources to update infrastructure, protect our employers and enhance our quality of life. Only by setting out a vision of the promise of tomorrow will we be able to take hold of it now.
Toby Barker is one of the most accessible legislators when it comes to keeping in contact with constituents. Whether it's his email newsletter, phone calls during session or annual walks around the district (even when he's not on the ballot), he remembers the people and city he serves.
In the end, with Toby Barker, you do not get a "yes man" for a special interest group. Indeed, you get a representative- and that's the difference.