I have finally made a decision about something that I've been pondering. I have decided that this year I am going to run for Jasper County Public Administrator. For those of you who don't have a clue what the Public Administrator does (like most of Missouri) here's a brief synopsis:
The Public Administrator is elected by the county to:
1. Act as conservator for deceased estates
2. Act as conservator for minor estates
3. Act as guardian/conservator for individuals who have been deemed incapacitated by a court.
Number 3 is actually the largest part of the Public Administrators job. This job is a big job and requires accessibility 24/7.
My desire for this job began when I was in college and did an internship in the Public Administrators office. I spoke with the P.A. at that time, Janice Tusinger, about my desire to run for the office when she decided to retire. Janice decided not to run in 2004 and I considered running, but decided not to because I work for the state of Missouri and state employees are not allowed, by statute, to run for an elected office while employed by the state. Four years ago I didn't see a way that I could feasibly leave my job losing my income and benefits. Four years makes a big difference. Financially, things have changed that makes leaving my job less threatening coupled with watching what happens to people who are incapacitated when someone who isn't right for the position is elected to the PA office.
This is just one small part of a series of article and certainly not the only story to be told about the current PA's office:
http://www.joplinglobe.com/siteSearch/apstorysection/local_story_341152428.html
I am taking a leave of absence beginning at the end of Feb 2008 to begin campaigning for the position. I am no politician. I have no political ambitions- at all! I just want to be the Jasper County Public Administrator. The campaign process is totally new to me but I have 2 advisors who are very knowledgable both with campaigning and with the PA position. I also have a very enthusiastic campaign committee/team who are in total support of me. The primary election is the first Tues in August. Everyone who runs for this position will probably run Republican so the primary will most likely be the deciding vote. Now, I just need to find a job in the interim so that I can make my mortgage and keep food on the table.
Other than that things are well. The kids are all busy. Lucy will be turning 2 in February. She is a hoot! The holidays were great. Very relaxing. I took time off between Christmas and New Years and just enjoyed myself.
I can't wait to get my gun back from being painted pink. I told you before that I passed my concealed carry class, didn't I? As soon as my gun is back I'll post a pic for you to see.
Oh, only 13 months until my 40th birthday.....still can't wait! I'll be much busier this year that I had expected so I won't be able to spend as much time planning my shin-dig, but it's still going to happen.
The Public Administrator is elected by the county to:
1. Act as conservator for deceased estates
2. Act as conservator for minor estates
3. Act as guardian/conservator for individuals who have been deemed incapacitated by a court.
Number 3 is actually the largest part of the Public Administrators job. This job is a big job and requires accessibility 24/7.
My desire for this job began when I was in college and did an internship in the Public Administrators office. I spoke with the P.A. at that time, Janice Tusinger, about my desire to run for the office when she decided to retire. Janice decided not to run in 2004 and I considered running, but decided not to because I work for the state of Missouri and state employees are not allowed, by statute, to run for an elected office while employed by the state. Four years ago I didn't see a way that I could feasibly leave my job losing my income and benefits. Four years makes a big difference. Financially, things have changed that makes leaving my job less threatening coupled with watching what happens to people who are incapacitated when someone who isn't right for the position is elected to the PA office.
This is just one small part of a series of article and certainly not the only story to be told about the current PA's office:
http://www.joplinglobe.com/siteSearch/apstorysection/local_story_341152428.html
I am taking a leave of absence beginning at the end of Feb 2008 to begin campaigning for the position. I am no politician. I have no political ambitions- at all! I just want to be the Jasper County Public Administrator. The campaign process is totally new to me but I have 2 advisors who are very knowledgable both with campaigning and with the PA position. I also have a very enthusiastic campaign committee/team who are in total support of me. The primary election is the first Tues in August. Everyone who runs for this position will probably run Republican so the primary will most likely be the deciding vote. Now, I just need to find a job in the interim so that I can make my mortgage and keep food on the table.
Other than that things are well. The kids are all busy. Lucy will be turning 2 in February. She is a hoot! The holidays were great. Very relaxing. I took time off between Christmas and New Years and just enjoyed myself.
I can't wait to get my gun back from being painted pink. I told you before that I passed my concealed carry class, didn't I? As soon as my gun is back I'll post a pic for you to see.
Oh, only 13 months until my 40th birthday.....still can't wait! I'll be much busier this year that I had expected so I won't be able to spend as much time planning my shin-dig, but it's still going to happen.
Here's a pic of all the kids. This was actually taken right after Thanksgiving dinner. We used this photo for our Christmas cards:
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