If the paint stick solves the problem, you could do a temporary fix by:
- cutting a small length of water hose
- slice the hose open
- place the sliced hose over the "button" on the starter switch
New starter switched are relatively cheap and readily available and easy to install on the starter.
If the copper contact on the starter is worn down, the above temporary fix will also work, but eventually the starter will have to be rebuilt/replaced.
