Every Dollar Counts

 This week, the Senate Transportation Committee heard Senate Bill 324, a bill I sponsored to remove the requirement for a front license plate on most vehicles.  This idea was raised during our Rebooting Government sessions in both the General Government and Transportation Committees.  Removing front plates will save the state between $1 million and $1.5 million dollars. Nineteen states currently require only one license plate.  Among those, four – Kansas, Oklahoma, Kentucky and Tennessee – border Missouri.  Two other border states – Illinois and Nebraska – have similar legislation pending. While this isn’t a new idea in Missouri – former 8th District Senator Matt Bartle pushed for it last year – it is becoming more popular because of our difficult budget situation.  Right now, every dollar counts. Many law enforcement agencies and officials believe they will be less effective in catching criminals and clearing crimes if they cannot see the front plate.  However, they could lose that money in personnel, the equivalent of maybe twenty officers, if we do not make the change.  No evidence has been found that shows law enforcement is any less effective in states that have a single plate requirement. Since one of the stated objectives for your District 8 office is to be fiscally responsible, I will continue to look for opportunities like this to save taxpayer dollars.  If you have any ideas, I would be glad to hear them. 

 Shaving My Head for Charity

 Many of you know that I sport a military style haircut.  This weekend, I’m going one step further and having my head shaved.  It’s for a good cause.  On Saturday, March 12, at 4:00 p.m. I will be at John’s Barber Shop to have my head shaved in return for a minimum of $1,000 in donations to Hope House, a shelter for women and children who are victims of domestic violence. Hope House offers a lifeline of safety from abuse for thousands of local women and children by providing education, prevention, and support.  With the help of Hope House, women have been able to change their lives in a positive way. My offer was quite a surprise to my wife, Carmen.  She noted that, “Will has worn his hair the same way for 19 years." I guess it is time for a change.  I look forward to a friendly and successful auction. John’s Barber Shop is located at 217 SE Douglas in Lee’s Summit.  Thanks to Nick Swearngin, owner of the shop, for organizing this charity auction. 

 Welcome Visitors 

Again this week, constituents from District 8 took the time to come to the Capitol, which I always appreciate.  Some of the visitors were Mike Frommer, David Witt, Tracy Damario, Debbie Kline, Tina Jackson, and Judy Green. Lara Vermilion, President of the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce, organized a group of about 35 members and businesses to come here for its Chamber Day.  I was very honored to have a chance to visit with this group. The General Assembly always has a Physician of the Day to take care of any medical issues that might come up.  On Wednesday, Dr. Sean Clinefelter, Grain Valley, handled those duties here at the Capitol.  Many thanks to him. Students of Daniel Young Elementary, Thomas J. Ultican Elementary, and John Nowlin Elementary Schools, all of Blue Springs, visited the Capitol this week.  I am always glad to take the time to talk with our young citizens about state government.   

 Upcoming Elections

The following elections are scheduled in Eastern Jackson County.  I encourage you to remember the dates for your area and get out and vote! 

Date                     Election

Mar. 22        Kansas City Mayor/City Council General Election

Apr. 5            Municipal Elections for the following:

                            Kansas City (Earnings Tax Question)

                            Blue Springs

                            Grain Valley

                            Greenwood

                            Lake Lotawana

                            Lake Tapawingo

                            Levasy

                            Lone Jack

                            Oak Grove

                            Raytown

                            Sibley

Apr. 5          School Board Elections for the following:

                        Lee’s Summit R-VII School District

                        Blue Springs R-IV School District

                        Grain Valley R-V School District

                        Oak Grove R-VI School District

                        Lone Jack C-6 School District

                        Raytown C-2 School District

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