Justus For The Missouri 62nd

During the last few weeks, as I campaigned  door-to-door, neighborhood by neighborhood, I had the opportunity to visit with many constituents  of  the 62nd District.  While sitting on their front porches or in their living rooms, most have been eager to share their hopes, needs, and concerns for our district.   Issues such as taxes, traffic, health care, roads, and schools are the common thread of these discussions.    Equally important is the need for jobs that will keep our young people here and will allow children of retirees who have settled in the area to follow.   A strong sense of family and community  was part of each conversation.

When speaking with voters of Stone and Taney Counties, one question has repeatedly been asked of me:    “How will I maintain my integrity and not become “just another politician” while serving in Jeff City?” In reference to that, they mention “the Village Law”, Dennis Wood (the incumbent) and Rod Jetton (the Speaker of the House).   Most of the Representatives and Senators serving Missouri are dedicated to their districts and the state of Missouri.   Their hard work and a deep concern for the people they serve is evidence of this.

Sadly, there are some that taint the rest.  The Dennis Wood version of “the Village Law” is an example of this.  He claims the law was slipped in personally by Jetton during the last hours of the session.    The conflict that developed between these two almost caused the session to implode.  Incidentally,Mr. Wood’s bill to repeal “the Village Law” and three other bills he sponsored during that last session never got out of committee, nor can I find with the Clerk of the House any public records indicating he made any attempt to get them out of committee.   For what purpose would he fail to act?  Perhaps he filed “the Village Law” repeal and the other three bills merely to give the impression that he was effectively and actively representing the voters of District 62.

During all of this public infighting, the people of District 62 lost their representation and the State Republican Party lost its credibility.  During the last week of the session, when the majority of bills are debated and  voted upon,  Dennis boasted that he “stayed low”, meaning he refrained from speaking on the floor and  withdrew from debates involving other House members about issues vital to his constituents.  That is not an effective legislator.

The unbelievable history of this entire episode needs to be brought to light.  On September 24, 2007, Mr. Wood, in front of many concerned residents of Highway DD and the media, asserted that Mr. Jetton, at the last minute, in the middle of the night, at the end of the Legislative Session, pushed through “the Village Law” for his close friend, Mr. Plaster. 

The facts do not support this accusation.  (Refer to the attached appendix.)  On April 25, 2007, Dennis Wood and the full House voted on “the Village Law.”  Using the same language (SB22; section 72.080), on May 18, 2007, the bill was  passed, and subsequently, signed by Governor Blunt.  Why Dennis invented this story, I do not know.  But it did great harm to our district and to the taxpayers of Stone County.  Your Stone County taxes already paid and a portion of your future taxes are now earmarked for high priced lawyers instead of road projects or public protection.  Because Dennis Wood allowed “the Village Law” to sit on his desk for  twenty-four days, Stone County residents are forced into an expensive lawsuit to defend yourselves against the deep pockets of Mr. Plaster. The bill to repeal “the Village Law” and signed by Governor Blunt came out of the Senate through the hard work of Senator Jack Goodman and several other  committed  legislators.   Dennis Wood was ORDERED by the Republican members of the House  to “lie low” so as not to jeopardize its repeal and that of other important legislation.  At least, our incumbent got that right.

This latest debacle is an example of what must be avoided.  As a newcomer to the political arena,  I understand that the position of Representative is about you, the voter, and serving you.   My responsibilities include seeing that our District has the respect we deserve, keeping our economy strong, maintaining excellence in our schools, improving and expanding our road system, and providing an environment that will encourage our children to remain here.  Never will I force the tax payers of Stone or Taney County to become enmeshed in a lawsuit, wasting valuable public funds to defend themselves because I did not do my job.

I have had many mentors in my life, and several are still “working” with/on me.   With their help and yours, I feel that we can avoid the pitfalls that have adversely affected our area.  And, if you should see me heading down the wrong path, do not hesitate to remind me of my promise to you.  As my dad once told me, “Straighten up and start flying right or you are out of the house.”  You are my boss.  If I do not have your respect, either I am not listening carefully or not working hard enough for our district.  In that case, fire me and boot me to the curb.   Through hard work, dedication, commitment, and your support,  our vision for District 62 can be realized.

I am asking for your vote on August 5th in the Republican Primary.   Please give me the chance to work for you.
        Jeff Justus

Click Here to review the appendix for the above article and see for your self.