Helping her youngest child, who had a learning disability, navigate the school system taught her how to effectively advocate; aiding her ailing mother has exposed deficiencies in state statutes; and working as a senior accountant has developed her problem-solving and analytical skills.
Lee Ann Pitman wants to put it all together to represent the people of her community in the Missouri General Assembly.
“Now that my youngest is graduating high school, it is time for me to take the opportunity to give back and serve the people,” Pitman told the Missouri Times.
The 49-year-old has been selected by the Republican Party as its nominee for the vacant House seat representing part of St. Louis County. On Nov. 5, Pitman will go up against Democrat Trish Gunby in the race for HD 99.
Gov. Mike Parson called the special election for the district following the resignation of Jean Evans, who was months into her second term. Evans is now the executive director of the Missouri Republican Party.
In the 2018 general election, the district elected Evans, a Republican, to the House while simultaneously voting to side with Claire McCaskill, a Democrat, for U.S. Senate.
“A lot of people just want someone to listen to them,” said Pitman. “I think the key is going out, knocking doors, and talking to the people in the district, learning what is really important to them.”
She noted that she brings a lot of skills and advantages to the table. Pitman described herself as detailed, research-oriented, and rational with a level head. Life has taught her it’s okay to say “I don’t know, I need to go research that,” she said.
“I don’t go out and do things without information,” said Pitman. “I’ve learned today I have a lot to learn. I am willing to put the effort in to do that.”
Alisha Shurr was a reporter for The Missouri Times and The Missouri Times Magazine. She joined The Missouri Times in January 2018 after working as a copy editor for her hometown newspaper in Southern Oregon. Alisha is a graduate of Kansas State University.
