Historical September–October 2018 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
How can we clean up politics in Jefferson City?
In the absence of meaningful legislation by lawmakers in Jefferson City, a citizens’ petition will be on the ballot in November to do it for them. Amendment 1 will do five things: 1) ban all lobbyist gifts over $5, 2) cap individual campaign contributions at $2,500 for state senators and $2,000 for state representatives, 3) require politicians to wait two years before becoming lobbyists, 4) establish a nonpartisan citizen commission to draw political boundaries, and 5) open legislative records to the public.
In the last few years we have seen a role reversal with the traditional champions for local control blocking efforts by cities and counties on everything from public health ordinances to minimum wage.
The only way to explain this flip is that lobbyists for large, private corporations have more sway in the Capitol than the average Missourian.
The role of money in politics is not unique to one party; given the opportunity, the majority party can take advantage of our current system of redistricting for their own benefit.
The other disturbing trend is the revolving door between legislator and lobbyist. One of the side effects of term limits is legislators plotting their next career move while still in office. Corporations and lobbyists are not only potential donors but also potential employers. Amendment 1 creates a cooling off period so lawmakers stay focused on representing the best interests of their constituents instead of making policies with an eye towards future employers and clients.
In August, 44% of the 28th ward’s registered voters turned out to vote!
We need you again this November to support Amendment 1 and re-elect Senator Claire McCaskill for U.S. Senate. Mark November 6 on your calendar and I’ll see you at the polls! For a complete listing of ballot initiatives visit sos.mo.gov.
Original photograph caption
Alderwoman Heather Navarro.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, September–October 2018.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2018_09.pdf, printed page(s) 7; PDF page(s) 7.
