Representation Outside the Council Chamber

County Council work is not just about legislation, it’s about representation.

Some of the most important things a council representative does cannot be seen on meeting night.  The bulk of the work happens outside the council chamber.  Meetings to build relationships with relationships with other elected officials are essential to serving the needs of those I represent.  For example, last Saturday afternoon I took a rare weekend trip outside of this beloved Jefferson County to  watch a debate between two individuals who will face off next year to represent citizens in northern  Jefferson County in the Second Congressional District.  By attending this event, and by working to build relationships with both of these candidates, I help constituents have resources to resolve issues that cannot be resolved in county government.  It was refreshing to hear each candidate mention the importance of the work your county council is doing in Jefferson County in their speeches during the debate.  You can be sure that whether Ann Wagner or Ed Martin wins the 2012 election, that your future representative will not forget Jefferson County residents. 

A few months ago, I, and a few other council members met with JoAnn Emerson, whose congressional district includes southern Jefferson County to help her understand the needs of residents in her district.  She assured us that she looks forward to serving Jefferson County.   Since the beginning of the year, members of the council and I have met with Senator Roy Blunt.  We have attended events with Governor Nixon, State Senators Ron Casey and Ryan McKenna and U.S. Rep. Carnahan aides.  This week, I will reach out to Blaine Luetkemeyer to invite him to spend time with council members to familiarize himself with the new area of his district, central Jefferson County. 

On the state level, I have worked with State Representatives Paul Wieland, Paul Curtman and John McCaherty to help citizens address various issues that need addressing through either state legislation or to ask them to leverage some of the resources available to them to help our constituents. 

These meetings take time, but are essential to making sure our residents are well represented at all levels of government.  Jefferson County is blessed to have such dedicated current and potential public servants representing them.  This is one more way that your county council serves as your voice to government.  It’s not just about legislation, it’s about helping you.