Why I'm running

I believe that government should serve the people. Not just rich people. All the people.

Engraved in the walls of the State Capitol, and embedded in our state seal, are the Latin words "Salus Populi Suprema Lex Esto." It means "Let the welfare of the people be supreme law."

Our forefathers left our guiding star in plain sight. The people. That is my guiding star.

I'm running to put people first again.

My father was an elementary principal. After educating himself and serving in the Army, he moved his family from Arkansas to Missouri and took the helm of Fairview Elementary in Columbia. He stayed there for 30 years. When he retired, he got a job working at DESE in Jefferson City and spent another 7 years serving the people.

I was born and raised in Columbia - I've spent my whole life here. I hold two degrees from the University of Missouri, Mizzou. I love this state. I took my dad's example of public service and spent nearly thirty years as a state employee. I'm ready to do more.

What I saw while working in state government, was a lot of elected officials who thought they knew better than their constituents. They would often try to overturn the will of the people.

That's not right - and if elected, I vow to make the best choice for the people. I will approach each question with three of my own. Will it work? Do we need it? Can we afford it? And then I will ask one more - will it benefit the people of Missouri?

My priorities will include education and healthcare for all. I think those are the building blocks for strong communities, places that people want to live. I believe people want to live in rural Missouri, and if we support them with strong communities, everywhere in our state can flourish.

Education is one of the most important missions of the state. Inscribed in the rotunda of our state capitol is this quote from George Washington.

"In proportion as the structure of a government gives force to public opinion, it is essential that public opinion should be enlightened"

Our forefathers understood that not only should government be informed, but so should the people. I intend to honor that promise.

I'm running to put people first again in Missouri. The benefits should flow to the people. If elected, I promise to work for you.