An Open Letter to the Residents of the 134th District
Two years ago this month Jane and I began to work on the beginnings of my first campaign. It was the start of one of the most exciting and humbling times in my life. We had no idea the number of friends we would make and the time we would spend getting to know the citizens of our district.
The time has just flown by, but the memories Jane and I have of the 2010 election are still fresh in our minds. It was a truly interesting, challenging and amazing time in our lives. We made a commitment then to go in a different direction – that we were ready to serve Springfield, Missouri, in a different way, and neither one of us has regretted one moment of that decision. Today, we have not changed – we have not wavered from that commitment.
Even though we may be seeking election to the House from a district with a different number and many new constituents, our message is still the same: Real Issues, Real Solutions. The election of 2012 finds us facing many of the same problems we faced two years ago with no solutions in sight. We must work to find the right solutions to position us for the future here in Missouri. We must come to the conclusion that true progress can only come when we work together and develop a vision of the future for our state that provides opportunity for everyone willing to work to build it together. I want to be a part of that process. Not a process that divides us because of envy or a lack of trust but one that pulls us together with a common goal of a better life for ourselves and a better future for our children and grandchildren.
As a life-long Springfieldian spending the majority of my business career in the beverage and grocery businesses, I believe I have the tools and the knowledge needed to get all Missourians back to work. Not only have I been responsible for budgets and managing others, but I have also been very active in the community on a number of different levels. I have served on a number of not-for-profits including The Victim’s Center, Habitat for Humanity, Boys and Girls Town of Missouri and Ronald McDonald House. I have been active for years with Rotary and the Chamber of Commerce here in town as well as in Lebanon, Missouri. I just completed a six-year term with the Landmark’s Board which oversees a number of residential and historic districts throughout the city. Giving back to my community and those around me is an important part of my make-up.
With your support and help, I want to continue that committed lifestyle by representing you and your family as the 134th District’s Representative in the House. I have no ulterior motive, no plan to go on to other elected positions. I want what every father and grandfather wants for their family: to leave behind a legacy that will help make each of our children and their children prosperous and be able to attain whatever their dreams may be in the greatest country in the world.
I would honored and humbled to be your next representative in Jefferson City.