I recently went to an informal gathering featuring Republican Senator Rob Schaaf representing the 34th District of Missouri. I attended the meeting to represent students receiving the Missouri Access Grant.
As I walked into the room, a small group sat in a circle, chatting. Schaaf began the conversation about a proposed bill regarding the police force. He told a story of an officer in St. Louis speaking to him about a vendor on the street, stating he didn’t need a license to sell, because he pays the alderman.
It is illegal to pay a government official to avoid obtaining a vending license.
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| Senator Schaaf |
The cop wrote a report and notified his superior. Schaaf was upset with the alleged comments from the vendor, and felt the need for the media to cover the story. The media didn’t.
He asked if anyone disagreed. After hesitation, I raised my hand, and said, “Senator, I also believe the media should cover this story, but at this point in time I believe we need to focus our energy in directions. As a native of St. Louis and concerned with the FBI statistics naming St. Louis number one crime city in America, I don’t think it makes sense to focus so much on the nickel-and-dime operations, but put forth more effort to saving peoples’ lives.”
The reaction was positive from the senator, he agreed with me, but still he stated he will strive to get a story out of the alleged comments of the vendor.
The discussion with Schaff was an opportunity to hear about his priorities and to tell him what we think he should focus on. And it also made me wonder how many people know who represent them.
Some believe America is a society of go with the flow people; nothing matters until you are personally affected. In other countries people would give anything to live in a free society such as America.
Who represents you. Do you know? Do you care?
Links below to help find who represents you:
Voting Links
Voting Linkshttp://registertovote.org/
http://projectvote.org
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