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Five questions with Rep. Mike Cierpiot, R-Lee’s Summit

1. What was your first campaign experience?

Probably here [in my hometown], speaking to a group of people when I first ran. I know much more than I knew three years ago when I first started running for office and I think that the way I’m able to talk with constituents has gotten a lot better.

Rep. Mike Cierpiot, R-Lee's Summit
Rep. Mike Cierpiot, R-Lee’s Summit, Assistant Majority Floor Leader

2. In what ways have you made a tangible effect on your constituents’ lives during the past legislative session?

As far as my district, I think I represent them very well. I live in a conservative area and I vote to reflect those beliefs from my constituents. Individually, my office gets a lot of calls that we try to deal with as quickly and as best as we possibly can. We’ve done a pretty good job of that, I think, this last year.

3. Who from the opposing party do you most respect? And your own party?

I would probably say Johnny Rizzo. He is very interested in what’s good for Kansas City and I’m from Lee’s Summit so what’s good for Kansas City is usually good for us too. He’s a smart guy and he cares a lot.

From my own party, there are a lot of quality people. This past year I’d say Sen. Will Kraus. He’s my senator and I think he really did some great work in Jefferson City. He worked hard on the unemployment bill — Senate Bill 28 that became House bill 611 — which would be a great help to employers in the state and in our area. He’s a hard worker and I respect him for that.

4. What was your dream job growing up?

You know, I used to want to be a tree trimmer. I used to love climbing trees and I thought that might be a really cool job, but not so much anymore.

5. What do you most enjoy about the interim?

Being home. This year I was the Assistant Majority Floor Leader, and my workload was quite a bit heavier, and so it’s nice to have some time to rest after such a busy session.