Local businesswoman Karen Best announced this week she will be seeking to replace term-limited Representative Jeff Justus in the Missouri House of Representative. Best is a well-known face in the community having been a local real estate agent for more than 13 years and most recently serving two terms as the Mayor of Branson. Best says her community involvement throughout Taney County has prepared her to step into this role.
“For more than a decade I’ve been working to promote business and industry in Taney County. Throughout that time I’ve served on numerous boards, commissions, and with community organizations and have been able to hear first hand the issues and concerns our citizens have,” Best said. “I have a diverse background including more than 20 years in education as a teacher and administrator, 13 years experience as a small business owner and real estate agent, and two terms as Mayor of Branson working to improve quality of life and grow our economy.”
Best even had a stint of employment with the Trump Organization, an opportunity that gave her valuable insight into the business and management practices of current President Donald J. Trump. “It was an exciting time,” Best said. “Getting to work in the Trump Organization taught me a lot and I look forward to working to advance President Trump’s “Make America Great Again!” agenda here in Missouri.
Best said she considers herself to be a fiscal conservative and will look at ways to cut waste and inefficiency in government. “As Mayor I always looked for ways we could provide better services for our citizens without raising taxes. Finding waste and inefficiency in government is something I have first-hand experience in and I look forward to using that experience when I get to Jefferson City,” Best said. “I am a pro-life, constitutional conservative who will always uphold and defend the rights of all Missourians.”
