To the editor:
“It is about abrogating the will of the general assembly.” — Missouri State Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, as quoted by the Missouri Independent.
It’s that time of the year when the leaves start to showcase their vibrant colors — a welcomed sight — and the sights and sounds of autumn fill our senses, when we’re not being distracted by the bright Friday Night Lights. And of course, it’s the presidential election season.
But this year’s seasonal change seems different than most. It’s almost like a little bit of hope is floating on the cool autumn air that says, “We’re all fixing to be a part of living history,” not only on the national level, but as a state, too! All you have to do is look at the ballot to see that.
When we look at the issues on the ballot, we are seeing what progress looks like (whether you agree with that progress is another topic), and we as a whole always vote for progress. Why? Because it doesn’t belong to one political party, and we all think we deserve better than what we have been given.
And despite the fact that we wildly vote for progress, even in Howell County, the lawmakers we vote in tend to believe they know better than us, the voters, and override what we want. Sen. Coleman’s quote is a prime example of lawmakers who feel that they should have the ultimate say on progress and don’t blink an eye at denying Missourians the chance to vote on important issues like medical freedoms.
In short, if we want to keep what we’re voting, for the progress we want, we have to start voting for folks who will abide by the will of the people, hear their voices at the ballot box and remember that they work for us — not the other way around. So start looking for the candidates that offer that from the bottom of the ballot to the very top.
Because we deserve a voice in our government through our representation, and this year we have that on the ballot.
JoJo Stewart, Democratic Candidate, Missouri House of Representatives District 154, Willow Springs
