Great Choices for Jefferson County

Dear Friends and neighbors,  

Tomorrow we will once again have an opportunity to take part in one of the most important rights we have as Americans – we will have the opportunity to choose our future leaders.

As the representative of District Two in Jefferson County, I often am contacted by individuals who are passionate about issues that impact our lives on a local level.  On really great days, the people who contact me are so passionate about local issues that they are willing to put their name and reputation on the line to stand up and be counted among candidates.

We are so fortunate in Jefferson County to have so many individuals who have strong values, intellect and dedication to making our world a better place.  You will have the opportunity tomorrow to vote for some of these people.  Please let me share with you what I have learned about some of these local leaders.  Today, I will only comment on candidates that have made such an impression on me that I can endorse them sincerely based on my own personal experience.  All three of these folks (Mark Jones, Linda Schroeder and Jim Terry) are running for their first elected position, and I applaud them, and support them in their efforts.

Mark Jones – Fox C-6 School Board
I met Mark several months ago, shortly after he decided to run his first campaign.  Mark lives in Fenton (in District 2 of Jefferson County), and his children attend schools in the Fox School District.  Mark works as a computer consultant in Fenton.  Mark decided to run for the Fox School Board after watching the board hire someone unqualified, but well connected, to Director of Nutrition for the district.  He attended several school board meetings to understand the issues.  He promises to do what he can to bring transparency and accountability to the School Board.  Unfortunately, I have heard members of the current school board brag about how all the board members vote unanimously habitually.  I have witnessed this habit myself.  I have always believed that open discussion, and honest debate about issues serves the people much better than predetermined decisions and votes without substantive discussion.

Mark’s goals of transparency and accountability are appropriate and timely for the Fox School Board.  Mark Jones has both the skills and passion to bring transparency and accountability to the school board.  There are two open seats and several choices in this race.  For a better future for Fox schools, I ask that you vote for Mark Jones, and whichever other candidate you believe will work with Mark for transparency and accountability.

Interested voters can learn more about Mark at:

http://www.facebook.com/MissouriForJones

http://arnold.patch.com/articles/meet-fox-school-board-candidate-mark-jones

http://www.missouriforjones.org/

Linda Schroeder – Big River Ambulance Board
I met Linda during my first term on the County Council.  From the very beginning, Linda has struck me as someone who cares very deeply about the community.  She has attended several Ambulance Board meetings and called me afterward with her thoughts about topics discussed.  In addition, I have personally seen Linda at over 90% of the County Council meetings throughout the past three years.  Linda has been appointed to serve on both the Jefferson County Parks Board and the Jefferson County Library Foundation.  Since I serve on the Library Foundation Board with Linda, I can tell you that she has not missed a single meeting since her appointment to the board.  Several months ago, Linda decided to run for her first elected office and chose serving on the Big River Ambulance District as her goal.

Linda generously opens her home and business to the public every year for an annual Christmas Party.  During this event, she collects funds and food for the local food pantry, Peace Pantry.  Linda and her husband own and operate a local small business (for more information, see http://www.gilschroedersodsales.com/).  She has experience in making difficult, cost-conscious decisions while setting and achieving long-term plans for organizational growth and building improvements for her successful business.  Linda has indicated she would like to help the Ambulance District improve response times and working conditions for employees.

Linda is hard-working and thoughtful.  She has passion, commitment and skills that will serve the Big River Ambulance Board well.  Linda has my complete support, and I recommend that you vote for Linda Schroeder for the Big River Ambulance Board.

Interested voters can learn more about Linda at:  http://myleaderpaper.com/pages/?p=20572

Jim Terry – Big River Ambulance Board
I met Jim shortly after winning my first election.  Jim has so much energy and passion for a number of community goals.  In addition to serving as one of the top volunteers at the Peace Pantry,  Jim Terry is easily the most well-known activist for road improvements on this side of the state.  Jim regularly attends meetings at East-West Gateway (a multi-jurisdictional organization of counties in the St. Louis metropolitan area which together share federal funds for road improvements throughout all these jurisdictions).  Jim has been working for years to encourage lawmakers at all levels of government to fund road improvements for Hwy MM/W and his vision is to have four lanes of traffic available across this road. 

Jim organizes and hosts monthly community meetings on road and infrastructure improvements and plans.  Jim’s ongoing influence on infrastructure is leaving his fingerprint across Jefferson County’s road system.  During my time on the Council, I have attended several of Jim’s MM/W meetings and Jim has attended several County Council meetings.  Shortly after my election, Jim took the time to introduce me to key players at the state and national levels at an East-West Gateway meeting, and he served with me on a committee to review and select engineering firms for various road and bridge projects throughout Jefferson County.   

Jim is a trained engineer and dedicated public servant.  His work-ethic and infrastructure knowledge are unmatched.  He was appointed to serve on the Big River Ambulance Board and is running his first election as an incumbent.  I recommend Jim Terry for the Big River Ambulance Board without reservation. 

Interested voters can learn more about Jim at: 
http://myleaderpaper.com/pages/?p=20572