Editor’s note: This is the first of a two-part story featuring responses from the candidates for Missouri House District 53. Part two will appear in next week’s edition.

Two candidates are looking ahead to the race for Missouri House District 53 as voters prepare to cast ballots in the Aug. 4 primary election.

Beth Grubb is running unopposed in the Democratic primary, while incumbent Terry Thompson is running unopposed in the Republican primary. Both are seeking the District 53 seat in the Missouri House of Representatives.

Grubb, 71, is a retired health care economist who has lived in Odessa for 36 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in dietetics, a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Central Missouri and a doctorate in public policy analysis and health services research from Saint Louis University. She currently serves on the boards of Partners for Odessa Parks and Recreation and the Odessa Community Services Center.

Grubb said concerns about the future of …