Nearly 3,200 individuals voted for Kristi Kenney for 120th District State Representative in the recent primary election, nearly double the number of votes received by the leading opponent. In Henry County, Kenney’s vote totals more than doubled her nearest opponent.
City Hall in Appleton City was packed on the 20th of August for a special session of the city council. Area residents were responding to a letter sent out by New Mayor Jay Knowles concerning the financial state of the town. It seems that the financial statements do not match the actual monies that the town had- to the tune of $30,000.
As I mentioned in my previous legislative column, August 28 is the official day that most legislation signed by the governor takes affect. Most bills that contain an emergency clause become law as soon as the governor signs it. During the 2008 legislative session, more than 575 measures were introduced in the Senate — with 58 Senate bills and 76 House bills receiving the governor’s signature. Below are several bills that will make a positive impact statewide for Missourians.
It’s hard to believe I have only four months left to serve as state representative for the 120th district. It seems like only yesterday that I had the honor of first being elected by the good people of this area with the purpose of going to Jefferson City to change the way our government does business. At the time I had a clear vision of what I wanted to accomplish, but given the fact I entered service as a member of the minority party it certainly seemed like the deck was stacked against me. But as all Missourians know, hard work and persistence eventually pay off. I was blessed to be part of a group of committed individuals who believed we could change this state for the better. Now, almost eight years later we close this chapter of our lives knowing we accomplished the bulk of what we set out to do, and with a long list of achievements in which we can take great pride.
August 28 is the day when many of the bills previously signed by the governor take effect. Of the 578 Senate bills introduced during the 2008 legislative session, 61 were passed, and 58 received the governor’s signature. Seventy-six House bills were also signed into law. Most of the Senate and House bills that contained an emergency clause became law upon receiving the governor’s signature. In my next series of columns, I’ll tell you about some of the important and beneficial measures signed into law as well as how they will affect Missourians across our state.
On August 5, you allowed me the honor of continuing in the process to select the next St. Clair County Sheriff. I want to thank not only those who voted for me, but those who took the time to vote for other candidates as well.
Many of you have already asked me into your home to discuss issues and concerns about law enforcement, and to review my proposed plans and priorities if elected Sheriff. Between now and the general election, I hope to meet with every voter to share my thoughts about the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department for 2009 and beyond.
Thanks again. I look forward to meeting with you.
Larry McCrea
Candidate for St. Clair County Sheriff
The Scott Largent Campaign for State Representative would like to thank all of its supporters from the Primary on Tuesday. There was wide support from all five counties in the district as Largent amassed a dominating total. The campaign is excited that the hard work throughout the district over the last seven months has paid off.
Fellow Democrats, and Republican friends:
Richard Nixon once told everyone "I am not a crook". You don't believe him? Just call him up, or stop by his office, and he will tell you so. Our Sheriff says there are a lot of half truths floating around out there, You don't believe it? Just call him up, he will tell you the truth. Bill Clinton, when asked whether he was alone with Monica Lewinsky answered, "It depends on how you define alone". Our Sheriff when asked whether there was a nepotism policy at the Sheriff's Office, and whether there were as an inordinate amount of relatives working there, said, "It depends on what you call a relative". When the man who was turning himself in at the Bus Stop restaurant in Osceola, decided someone was mistaken about his intentions, and began to resist arrest. The Sheriff was called in from the Courthouse as backup. He was quoted as saying, "I didn't know there was a problem". You don't call for back up when there isn't a problem. One of the Sheriff's ads stated that he had some ideas for 2009. He said this after repeatedly stating, he would make no changes at the Sheriff's Office?
Jefferson City - Today, the president of the Missouri AFL-CIO, Hugh McVey, joined by Missouri union members announced their endorsements of working family candidates from the Missouri House and Senate to the race for Governor.
“2008 will be a watershed year for working families. We’re excited and ready to play a major role in electing candidates—from the White House to City Council—who will stand with us on pocketbook issues,” said Missouri AFL-CIO President Hugh McVey. “And we’re ready to work. The Missouri AFL-CIO grassroots mobilization campaign is a broad effort to educate working families about which candidates will fight for healthcare, retirement security, and good jobs and which ones are in the pockets of Big Oil and other multinational corporations.”
The Missouri AFL-CIO as well as the Greater Kansas City Building and Construction Trades Council endorsed Kristi Kenney, State Representative Candidate in the 120th District.
Candidate Kristi Kenney has also been endorsed by the Missouri Fire Fighters, the Missouri School Administrators, the Missouri National Education Association (MNEA), and the Missouri State United Auto Workers (UAW) which represents numerous auto workers across the state.
“As a candidate for State Representative I will continue representing the working families in my community on the important issues of job growth, education and health care,” said Kenney.
Boards and commissions are designed to give citizens a voice in their government and provide a means of influencing decisions that shape the quality of life for the residents of Missouri. Participation on a board or commission is one of the most effective steps a citizen can take in becoming an active voice in our state’s government.
Scott Largent’s campaign for State Representative is proud to announce its’ endorsement from the Missouri Chamber of Commerce for the Republican Primary on August 5th. Largent, the owner of SERVPRO, a local small business, has pledged to fight against tax increases and will work to foster a pro-business economic environment in Missouri. “Missouri has taken a number of steps in the right direction in the past four years,” Largent stated, “But there is still work that needs to be done. Our economy depends on small businesses and we must work to create an environment that supports their growth.”
Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Dan Mehan released a statement calling Scott Largent “the pro-employer and pro-jobs candidate that voters can enthusiastically support.” The Missouri Chamber of Commerce is the largest statewide business organization, representing 3,000 member businesses employing more than 425,000 Missourians.
Osceola, MO, July 29, 2008,: St. Clair County, Missouri Sheriff Candidate Larry McCrea learned today that he has received the endorsement of the Missouri Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police. He is only one of four sheriff candidates statewide to receive the FOP endorsement.
Larry McCrea is running as a Republican in the August 5, 2008 primary for St. Clair County Sheriff. McCrea, of Osceola, has 30-plus years of law enforcement experience, as both a deputy sheriff and police officer.
Larry McCrea stated, “I know that salaries, benefits, and working conditions of law enforcement officers have improved greatly because of the Fraternal Order of Police. The FOP has also played a role in improving the integrity and professionalism of law enforcement agencies. Their endorsement means a great deal to me and to law enforcement officers statewide. I appreciate their support”
Further information about McCrea’s background can be found at: www.larrymccrea.com
Just a few weeks ago, citizens across our country and people throughout Missouri celebrated Independence Day. I hope you had the chance to commemorate the holiday with friends and family and enjoy all the American traditions we love. It is easy to get caught up in these traditions and forget that we are celebrating our independence and the formation of the America we know and love today. One of the reasons that colonists risked their lives for their independence was because the 13 colonies had no representation in the British Parliament – they had no vote. One of the best ways to appreciate our independence and pay tribute to our founding fathers and the veterans who have continued to fight for our freedoms is by exercising our right to vote.
The summer heat has really picked up lately and I’m glad to report my campaign for state representative has too. Monday night we had over 200 people turn out for the campaign kickoff as we literally had a packed house at the Eagles Lodge.
The time between legislative sessions provides lawmakers valuable opportunities to serve in their Senate districts and spend time with their families and friends before returning back to Jefferson City. However, this time — also known as the interim — also contains several key dates that affect citizens throughout our state.
The Missouri Department of Transportation reminds political candidates it is illegal to place campaign signs on state right of way. The signs may obstruct drivers' vision and distract drivers. The signs also interfere with roadside operations such a mowing and maintaining the roads.
MoDOT will try to notify the sign owners that their signs must be removed. MoDOT will remove the signs upon owner request or if the owner does not respond in 24 hours or cannot be reached. The exception is if the sign creates an immediate safety hazard. These will be removed immediately.
Removed signs will be taken to the nearest MoDOT facility for the owner to pick up. Contact MoDOT's customer service at 1-888-275-6636 for more information or to locate removed signs.
The 2009 fiscal year began on July 1, distributing more than $22.4 billion to nearly every state department and agency within Missouri. The General Assembly debated and discussed details during the 2008 legislative session about our state budget, ensuring that each and every dollar was accounted for before passing each budget bill. Lawmakers in the Senate and House sent the governor the approved budget back in May. This is the largest budget in the history of our state. This year’s final budget included funding for education, transportation and health care, among other areas.
I am pleased to respond to the Henry County Audit report as was published recently in the Clinton Daily Democrat. Audits are designed to determine if funds are missing from any accounts and make recommendations to improve any procedures that might further safeguard monies. We have completed four audits since my term as your Sheriff began and I am pleased that those audits have never had any findings of critical errors.
Cooper Capitol Comments
July 2, 2008
On July 3, 1776 John Adams wrote in a letter to his wife, Abigail, these words…
“It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts
Of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and
Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations
From one End of this continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”
The Fourth of July, Independence Day, the Glorious Fourth — whatever you call it—this is the day we celebrate the birth of our nation, the moment we claimed our independence from Great Britain, and democracy as we know it was born. Families all across Missouri will get together on July 4th for backyard celebrations, which have become a cornerstone of our many holiday traditions.
A musical celebrity was in Clinton Monday night. That's right, the holder of the number one spot in St. Joseph, Missouri a few years ago made a stop here. Actually it was a campaign stop for Jeff Parnell, the front running contender for the 4th Missouri district of the US House of Representatives, or Ike Skelton's seat. Ike's been around for a long time. And why not? He's one of the last of the true moderates, with a vote history that shows a true thinker- conservative on some issues, liberal on others, keeping everyone happy.
In the past, nobody really had a chance of even competing with him. He'd been this region's congressman for 32 years, and is going for 34.
Well, Jeff Parnell, although not officially running against Mr. Skelton yet, thinks he has a chance. His main differences? Everywhere. He's focusing largly on fuel prices, as that seems to be the main thing that everyone is unhappy about. He wants to drill anywhere we can.
"For thirty years every President has said they'd get us off of foreign oil, and We've always been more dependent on it at the end of their term."
He's also a proponent of the Fair Tax, an embedded sales tax, and ending the income tax once and for all.
Shannon Cooper, State Representative of the 120th district, announced today that the 2008 End of Session (Interim Report) has been mailed. This report contains major legislation passed by the General Assembly as well as a breakdown of how your tax dollars were collected and spent this year. The District Survey Results are included, and these are the results of the Legislative Survey that Representative Cooper sent out earlier this year.
“I hope to keep my constituents updated through this report, and I hope this will help to continue my constituents’ involvement in the governmental process,” said Cooper.
If you do not receive this report in a week or so and would like a copy, please call 573-751-1484; or leave a message on the district office phone: 660-885-3825; or send an e-mail to shannon.cooper@house.mo.gov.
June 6, 2008The gavel fell, papers flew, and the 94th General Assembly came to an end, and with it my career in the Missouri House of Representatives. With a tear in my eye and a lump in my throat I said good bye to many dear friends who only eight, short years ago were complete strangers.
I will leave the Capitol with many fond memories, and I will cherish forever the friends, Republicans and Democrats alike, that I have made here in the last eight years.
It hasn’t sunk in yet that it is all over. Just last week I caught myself saying, “We will work on that next year,” before I realized that there is no next year for me. I won’t try and convince you that state government will shut down without me (it won’t), but I will assure you that I will truly miss representing you in this great process.
I came into the Capitol early on Saturday morning, the day after session ended, and started cleaning out my office and sorting through eight years of complaints, compliments and all of the other paperwork that goes with this job. I didn’t get far, and was amazed by the volume of correspondence that Naomi has carefully filed away over the years. It was like a walk down memory lane as I read through your letters. Many of the issues you contacted me about have been resolved, many have not. I was torn on what to do with all of this paperwork, but in the end, for some reason (I don’t know why) I started to carefully box it all up. Maybe someday, years in the future, I will open up a box or two and enjoy reading these letters again.
I continued working through my files…the Capitol was like a ghost town compared to the doings of the day before. After a few hours I took a break and slipped into the House Chamber. As I walked across the Floor I was reminded of all the bills I had handled, the ones that I had passed and the ones that had failed miserably. You see, I have never been afraid to try to pass something that I believe in. Whether it was popular or not, if I thought it was a good idea, I would try it. I became quite good at convincing my fellow members of the merits of my legislation and more times than not, I was successful. Of course there were times when despite my best efforts, I lost. I have memories of losing an issue one night -- when the voting was over I only had 13 votes in favor of my idea! Now some of you might be thinking how embarrassing that was to get beaten so badly. But as I have learned, you are not always successful, and to be an effective legislator, you must be willing to try…no one wins all the time.
I want to thank you for putting your trust in me and allowing me to serve you in the Missouri House. It has been as experience I will never forget and I will cherish forever.
This is a national issue, but everyone is complaining about gas prices lately. Stop at any gas station and you'll see some very angry people. Any coffee shop or – well, anyplace you happen to be you seem to end up talking about gas. And why not? Unlike in major metropolitan areas, you have to use gas to get anywhere. Our community is made up a lot of smaller communities that are interdependent on one another. We'd like to hear your thoughts on the matter, and you may see us come up with the camera.
Senator Kitt Bond spoke out about it recently. In no uncertain terms he lambasted what many consider the real culprit behind the high gas prices- the US Govenrment. Feel free to comment at press@trumanlakenews.net.We return to the Capitol from spring break next Tuesday and we will tackle many new issues. In this report I want to give you a wrap up of the education issues we have been working on during the first half of this Session.
The one issue that every Missourian can relate to is education. Whether you have a child or grandchild going to school in Missouri, or a friend or family member who is a teacher, or if you yourself teach or are enrolled in higher education, education matters to you – and therefore matters to us.
This week there was more scandal in government as Elliott Spitzer becomes the newest punch line around the Capitol. A man who has built a solid foundation as public servant, working to bring ethics and morals to New York’s state government, fell hard this week. “Hypocrite of the Year” would be a more fitting title than the one he currently holds.
If you’re like me, you spend a considerable amount of time during the beginning of every year looking at your expenses and figuring out where you might be able to save money. Going over mortgages, utility bills, health expenses, and at this time of year, our taxes, gives us perspective on what we need to do to save – whether for our children’s education, retirement or a relaxing vacation. Year in and year out we set priorities for spending our money and often have to compensate for inflation and put aside more money for certain items – maybe a new car or home improvements. Your representatives in Missouri take on a similar task every year when we put together our state’s budget.
You can’t turn on a television, tune into a radio station, or pick up a newspaper without hearing or reading about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Like many of you, I continue to pray for the safety of those brave men and women who are sacrificing everything they have so we can continue to enjoy our freedom in this great country.
It has been a busy week here at the Capitol. We are now spending more time on the Floor debating bills, and have dealt with many issues ranging from illegal immigration to pharmaceutical drug lists. There is never a dull moment around here, and it often amazes me how simple, common sense issues can suddenly become so complex.
From national politicians debating the effectiveness of a fence to the presidential contenders sparring over how to best deal with our immigration policy, we have heard a lot of talk about immigration. But talk is all it has been for a long while. The U.S. Congress has yet to deal with the widespread problem of illegal immigration, and Missouri is not a place to stand by and watch the situation get worse. This has put us into action as we move forward with multiple ideas this session to address the problem here at home.
It was with great excitement that I traveled to Jefferson City on Tuesday to file for the position of State Representative of the 120th District. My wife Leslie, and I, along with our daughter Taylor and son Seth are looking forward to traveling around the district meeting each of you as we discuss issues that are important to all of us.
As a small business owner, former police officer and Henry County Coroner, I feel that I have the experience and first hand knowledge needed to represent you, the people of the 120th District.
In the next few months I plan to work with you and share my views on issues important to our state and our district. Illegal Immigration, out of control property taxes, strengthening our public schools and improving our highways are just a few of the subjects that I know are on everyone's minds.
I look forward to running a campaign based on the issues that affect the lives of everyone in our district, regardless of party affiliation.
I believe that the people of this district deserve a representative that will use common sense and life experience to speak out and stand up for them in our State Capitol. As this campaign unfolds I hope that I can earn your trust, your respect and your vote in November
Last week’s column was a hit with most readers. I had numerous comments and all where in favor of House Bill 1722. Another hot topic this year is property tax.
Across the state, Missourians are struggling to meet the financial burden that results from the ever-increasing property values and the corresponding increase in property taxes. In some counties in Missouri, assessed values increased by an average of 22 percent between 2005 and 2007. This of course means an increase in the amount Missourians paid in property taxes. Although property taxes are primarily a local issue, these striking increases have led to a need for us to take action at the state level and property tax reform is a to priority for us this session.
Osceola, MO, February 15, 2008: St. Clair County resident Larry McCrea announced today his intention to file for the Republican nomination for St. Clair County Sheriff. A 30-year veteran of professional law enforcement, McCrea’s diverse experience includes service as deputy sheriff, small town police officer, large city police officer, and police helicopter pilot.
JEFFERSON CITY –A Senate bill that protects Missouri taxpayers from tax increases caused by reassessment today advanced to the House for consideration. Senate Leader Mike Gibbons, R-Kirkwood, sponsored the property tax reform bill, Senate Bill 711, which also closes tax increase loopholes, requires earlier notice and more information, and expands tax relief for seniors and the disabled.
"The days of taxpayers getting hit with tax increases because of reassessment are almost over," Gibbons said. "We're protecting taxpayers from being taxed out of their homes and businesses."
There was a time when a tap on the shoulder caused a student to sit up and pay attention to what his or her teacher was saying. And there was a day and age when a teacher could cuff a disruptive student on the hand as a reminder that unruly behavior would not be tolerated in the classroom. Today, our teachers are afraid their disciplinary actions will lead, not to obedience and compliance by the student, but instead to frivolous lawsuits filed by angry parents. This inability to maintain order in the classroom for fear of litigation has led to an environment detrimental to the learning process.
Probably one of the largest priorities in the General Assembly this session addresses the issue of rising property taxes. During his opening day address, Senate President Pro Tem Michael Gibbons said that the Legislature owes the citizens of Missouri — many who are being taxed out of their homes — the General Assembly’s best effort to protect citizens from tax increases caused by reassessment.
Often times we are bombarded by enticing offers that advertise “free money” and “once in a lifetime opportunities” by e-mail, telephone, and mail system. Most of us know that these offers are too good to be true and discard them quickly. However, some Missourians fall into this dangerous trap, and it can take years to recuperate from these shifty and highly manipulative scam operators.
By reading the constituent survey percentages and comments, which many of you took the time to return to me, I see that immigration is something on everyone’s mind. As we all know, illegal immigration is a problem here in Missouri. This week, instead of writing my own report, I have inserted below, part of the Capitol Report written by the Speaker of the House and my good friend Rod Jetton. Through this report he explains some new legislation that should help to deal with the illegal immigration issue here in Missouri.
Greetings! My name is Cara McLaughlin and I am Representative Cooper’s new intern for the spring session. This week the representative has asked me to write his report in order to tell you a little bit about myself and what I will be doing here in the Capitol this semester.
Jefferson City - This week legislation that places certain requirements on petition circulators was approved by the Financial and Governmental Organizations and Elections Committee. Senate Bill 909 includes components of three other measures related to petition circulators. Now that the combined measure has been passed by committee, it will be placed on the Senate calendar for likely debate on the Senate floor later in the session.
Bill Shelton of Montrose has announced that he will be running as the Republican candidate for the office of Henry County Collector/Treasurer.
His focus will be on bringing change through utilization of best practices and technology coupled with providing high levels of customer service to the taxpayers of Henry County.
Today I am announcing my candidacy for the 120th District House of Representatives seat. Serving the public is an honor and a privilege and is something that I take very seriously because of you.
Jefferson City - As I mentioned last week, much of the heavy lifting in the Missouri Senate is taking place in committee hearing rooms throughout the Capitol. Eventually, many of the bills heard in committee will move to the Senate floor for debate by all 34 members. By the time many bills reach the floor, they have been amended or rewritten completely. I’m hopeful that does not happen to Senate Bill 724, which I presented to the Senate Financial & Governmental Organizations and Elections Committee this week.
Jefferson City - At this stage in the legislative session, most of the work is occurring in committee hearing rooms in the state Capitol. Each bill is read on the Senate floor, and the Senate President Pro Tem then assigns each bill to a particular committee. The sponsor of a bill presents the proposed legislation to members of the committee, and then witnesses may testify either in favor or in opposition to the bill. After the committee hears all testimony on a bill, the members either vote to approve the bill and send it to the full floor of the Senate for debate by all 34 members, or they vote against the bill.
The Capitol was turned upside down this week with the sudden announcement by Governor Blunt that he will not seek a second term.
For the first time in the history of our state, a sitting Governor has chosen not to run for a second term. This was the best kept secret in Jefferson City (believe me!) and you could not believe the chaos and confusion that Governor Blunt’s decision created. I have never seen so many people talking on their cell phones at one time in all my life!
Jefferson City - This week Governor Matt Blunt delivered his annual State of the State address to a joint session of the Missouri General Assembly, and I fully concur with the governor’s optimistic message about the direction of our state. As the governor reported, our economy is growing, our schools are improving, our health care system has been transformed for the better, and indeed, the state of our state is strong.
Greetings from the State Capitol! The 2008 legislative session kicked off last week and it was good to be back and see many of my old friends. I find it hard to believe that this is my 8th and final year of serving you. The time has flown by and I have enjoyed every minute of it!
Many pieces of legislation have been filed and the Governor presented his priorities on Tuesday night in the annual State of the State Address. Governor Blunt has quite an aggressive list of priorities for the upcoming session. Some I like…some I don’t. I will share these with you next week.