1. What was your first campaign experience?
When I was a kid my family was involved in local politics where I live. I helped one uncle get elected sheriff. My grandfather was presiding commissioner and my uncle was presiding commissioner too. They all were elected as Republicans in Webster County. As I got older I started helping other candidates whether it be candidates like Kit Bond or Roy Blunt.
For me, I ran for County Commissioner in 2008 and then ran for state representative in 2010.
2. In what ways have you made a tangible effect on your constituents’ lives during the past legislative session?
I’ve tried to represent all of my constituent base and not just those that totally align with my way of thinking all of the time. I realize everyone has opinions and needs and so I make a point of looking at it like that when I read legislation.
For example: public education. I’ve stood up for public education in my neck of the woods because we have great schools down here. I haven’t necessarily supported everything that’s come forward, because it isn’t necessarily what’s best for my district.
3. Who from the opposing party do you most respect? And your own party?
I really respect Clem Smith. I think he’s really diplomatic in his way. We don’t always agree but we can talk about issues and we really get along. Michele Kratky is definitely another person who I know and work with very well. Her and I are both on the Missouri Workforce [Investment Board].
On my side of the aisle one of my closest friends is Todd Richardson. He’s got a tremendous amount of potential and I look forward to helping him with anything he’s doing. He has a really bright future. I also respect and support Majority Leader Diehl.
My best friend in the House is Craig Redmon. Even though we’re from different parts of the state, we get along really well and have always been good friends.
4. What was your dream job growing up?
I’ve got a retail background and I always thought I might be in business and own a lumberyard or something like that. I managed a Walmart for seven years and worked with the company for 17, so in a way I guess I was able to do that.
5. What do you most enjoy about the interim?
I absolutely enjoy being out here with constituents. We have a huge, huge Fourth of July celebration in our district. We actually have the longest running parade in the state of Missouri and just completed out 133 year. President Bush (Senior) came here once. And we have another big event called Reunion Fest that I founded two years ago that’s kind of a reunion of all schools. It’s a lot of fun. We get old bands together and play music and everyone gets to see each other.
I also have to work to make a living outside of [being a representative], but most of all I just love being here with the constituents.
Ashley Jost is no longer with The Missouri Times. She worked as the executive editor for several months, and a reporter before that.
