October 2nd
Issue of the Week: Local Government Needs State Cooperation
Summary
While national politics tends to dominate the news, some of the most important governance happens at the local level. One of the things I thoroughly enjoyed most while campaigning is getting to know local elected officials and the employees of the local governments and school boards in my district. While I haven’t met everyone, I have met and learned from many.
There are so many challenges, but each challenge offers an opportunity to build a better community. This will come with genuine communication and partnerships between local governments and the state, and I’m excited to be a part of it.
Strong Constituent Services Start with Local and State Cooperation
State Representatives have a lot of responsibilities while the legislature is in session, but building strong relationships with the local governments in their districts needs to be one of them.
House District 33 includes five municipalities including rural and unincorporated areas, each with different needs, challenges and opportunities. That will keep me busy, but it also creates opportunities to connect our communities, share ideas that are working and make sure our local governments have someone working with them at the state level. I’m excited about that part of the job, and I plan to get right to work after the election.
Some of my priorities will be:
• Set up regular communication with the elected leaders of each municipality.
• Keep significant streamed meetings on my calendar so I can follow what is happening in each community, even when I cannot attend in person.
• Show up at city, school board, committee and community meetings, especially when the legislature is not in session and whenever local leaders ask me to be there.
• Work with other state representatives and state agencies to make sure local governments know about programs, resources and services available to them.
• Look for unnecessary red tape and bureaucratic processes that make it harder for local governments to work with the state and serve their residents.
• Keep an open-door policy in Jefferson City for local officials and constituents who take the time to come talk with me.
I believe in good government, and I want to work hard so you can believe in it too. That starts with different levels of government communicating with each other, understanding what our communities need and working together when we can.
Government works better when the people doing the work actually know and talk to each other.
Key 33 Details – Show Me 33
The opportunity for better government is there. It takes leaders willing to put in the time, build relationships and work together to solve the problems our communities face.
This cannot happen when party politics takes priority over serving constituents.
The meetings I’ve already had across the district have been incredibly useful.
In Lee’s Summit, I’ve learned more about the opportunities and challenges that come with rapid growth. In Blue Springs, I’ve seen how important school funding is to the district and the community. In Greenwood, I’ve learned how they are using technology to better prioritize public works projects. At Lake Lotawana, I’ve heard how rising property values and taxes are affecting long-term residents. And in Lone Jack, I’ve seen the challenges of maintaining a small-town feel and keeping the community safe while putting reasonable local rules in place.
Most of what I’ve learned has come simply from listening, asking questions and showing up.
Many of our local leaders receive little compensation for the time they put in. They aren't doing this to build a career. They do it because they care about their communities and want to make them better. They need someone at the state level who understands what they are working on, where they need help and what decisions in Jefferson City mean back home. That requires a state representative who is willing to show up.
Our local governments are made up of Republicans, Democrats and independents. The roads, schools, public safety and growth issues they deal with aren't Republican or Democratic problems. They're community problems, and we should be able to work together to solve them.
With five municipalities in House District 33, that will keep me busy. I'm perfectly fine with that. I want our local leaders to know their state representative, know how to reach me and know that I'll be there when they need someone working with them in Jefferson City.
A Better Path Forward & Conclusion
One of the best checks and balances in our country is that we have national, state and local governments. They all play a very important role in the quality of our lives on a day-to-day basis. The state government and the representatives that serve in it are a critical conduit between the national and local governments.
With many diverse municipalities and communities in our district, there is also an opportunity to connect local leaders, share ideas and learn from what is working elsewhere.
It will take time, coordination and a willingness to keep learning. I’m excited about that challenge and the opportunity to make government work better for our district.