They’ll have to find their way without many of the legislature’s veteran leaders. Largely because of term limits, 67 of the 163 seats in the House are open, along with 10 of the 34 Senate seats.

The situation calls for serious-minded lawmakers who can get up to speed quickly on complex issues and cross party lines if necessary to get things done. There is no time for politicians to engage in shenanigans or drive purely ideological agendas.

Here are The Star’s recommendations in selected contested area races:

MISSOURI HOUSE

DISTRICT 32
Democrat Jason Grill of Parkville, a lawyer, deserves a third term. Grill has sponsored legislation to curb identity threat and secure help for autistic children. His Republican opponent, Ron Schieber, is a former Park Hill school board member, but Grill gets the nod.

Read more: http://www.kansascity.com/2010/10/24/2348048/recommendations-in-key-missouri.html#ixzz13lCSiCDn

October 25, 2010

For Immediate Release

CITIZENS COALITION ENDORSES STATE REPRESENTATIVE JASON GRILL FOR MISSOURI HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

PLATTE COUNTY, Mo. – Platte County Citizens Coalition, a Missouri not-for-profit, bi-partisan civic association organized in 2005 for the purposes of promoting social welfare, consensus in public opinion, continued orderly growth and development and public education regarding civic issues affecting Platte County, announced today that it has endorsed candidates seeking to represent county residents in various local county offices and legislative seats.

“Our bylaws require that at least two-thirds of the Board members vote in favor of a candidate before we can make an endorsement,” said Candyce Kuebler, Platte County Citizens Coalition Chair. “We undertook a screening process, conducted candidate interviews, and were able to make unequivocal endorsements for these political candidates. Our Board is comprised of nearly equal representation by Republicans, Democrats and Independents,” she said.

Candidates endorsed were:

• Platte County Presiding Commissioner: Bobby Kincaid, Democrat
• Platte County Collector: Both Sheila Palmer, Republican and Becky Dye, Democrat were endorsed by the PCCC

• Platte County Clerk:  Sandy Krohne, Democrat
• 30^th District, State Representative: Lexi Norris, Democrat
• 32nd District, State Representative: Jason Grill, Democrat
• State Senate (34^th District): Martin Rucker, Democrat

According to Kuebler, prior to conducting candidate screenings, the PCCC issued this policy statement to all candidates:

“Government provides necessary services for our community.  Candidates who disparage government in general or actively seek to polarize the political process by focusing on issues unrelated to the office they are seeking will not be considered for endorsement.

The Platte County Citizens Coalition expects candidates for public office to be competent to perform the duties of the office they seek.  This includes having a clear understanding of the legislative process and the functions of government at the local, state and federal level.  Qualified candidates should campaign on the strengths they can bring to office and the policies they will support if elected.  Action and policy statements should be pertinent to the responsibilities of the office for which they are running.

Campaign comparisons between candidates should be based on fact, fairly presented and limited to issues of qualification and policy pertinent to the office sought. Misrepresentations and slander must not be tolerated by the press or the community.”

“Our Board has a history of endorsing both Democrats and Republicans,” said Kuebler. “They do a solid job of selecting candidates whose values and positions most nearly reflect what our organization supports and tries to promote, no matter what political party they represent.  It is regrettable that some of our Republican candidates did not participate in the process this year.  That fact precluded their consideration for endorsement.”

The bipartisan Platte County Citizens Coalition was formed to support growth in Platte County in an orderly fashion that complements the lifestyle of those who have chosen to live and work in Platte County. The coalition seeks to involve committed Platte County residents, regardless of political affiliation, in taking an active role addressing issues that affect the growth, development and quality of life in the county. For information about the coalition or how to become involved, visit www.plattecitizenscoalition.com.

-       Kansas City Federation of Teachers and School Related Personnel

-       Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals

-       Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals

-       Missouri National Education Association

-       Missouri Association of School Administrators

-       Missouri Council of Career and Technical Administrators

Rep. Jason Grill has also received strong support from members of the Park Hill and Platte County R-3 School boards. Some of them wanted to share why:

Representative Jason Grill understands supporting our Platte County public schools is crucial to our children receiving a quality education that prepares our students to compete globally.

As a mother and member of the Platte County R-3 Board of Education, I have had the opportunity to work with Representative Grill on important legislative issues directly affecting our school district.  I appreciate his willingness to take a strong stance in support of public education, as well as the care and concern he has shown for ALL of Missouri’s public school children.

Sending Jason back to Jefferson City will ensure our Platte County public schools have a voice at the State Capitol!

Patricia Stinnett – Platte County R-3 School Board, 2005-Present, Board of Directors Missouri School Board Association

As a 6 year veteran in the governance of public education in our community, I am confident that Jason Grill will continue to be an effective ally for public education. He consistently and effectively reaches across the aisle and works in a bipartisan fashion to ensure that our district benefits from State funds for issues such as Parents as Teachers, Summer School programs, Teacher salary benefits allocated  from the Federal Government, and the school foundation formula. Jason recognizes teachers and students as ground zero in public education.  He will also oppose any effort to weaken local control of our district. I support Jason Grill as our most important friend in public education. As we as a nation and community weather the economic challenges ahead, there is absolutely no reason to change the leadership in the advocacy of public education in Jefferson City. Jason’s character, integrity and ethics are beyond reproach. He is a hero for our kids and a resource for the district.   Vote for Jason Grill for State Representative. Vote for Jason Grill for public education.

Fred Sanchez, Park Hill School Board Member – 2004-Present (Former Vice President and Treasurer)

“Jason Grill has been a consistent, strong supporter of our public schools, the teachers, the students, and the parents.”

Laurie Burgess - Former Park Hill School Board Member - 1994-2003 & 2007-2010 (Two Terms as President/Two Terms as Vice President)

“Jason Grill never plays partisan politics with education issues in the Missouri House.  He always reaches across the aisle to do what is best for our community and our schools.”

Pauli Kendrick - Park Hill School Board Member – 2010-Present,  Former Mayor of Weatherly Lake – 1996-2004

If you’re interested in helping with any of these campaign events, email me at jason@jasongrill.com or email Ryan at ryan@jasongrill.com. Or you can call 816 519  9933. Thanks!

Friday October 22nd:  Door to door campaigning with Jason and others 5-7 pm

Saturday October 23: Door to door campaigning with Jason 10:30am-6:30 pm (Jason will walk the full 8 hours, but we hope you will join us when you can during the day!)  At 7 pm – Don’t forget big Missouri Tigers game!

Sunday October 24: Door to door campaigning with Jason 4-7pm (Go Chiefs! Game starts at noon)

Monday October 25: Door to door campaigning with Jason and others 5-7pm

Tuesday October 26: Door to door campaigning with Jason and others 5-7pm

Wednesday October 27: Door to door campaigning with Jason and others 5-7pm

Thursday October 28: Door to door campaigning with Jason and others 5-7pm

Friday October 29 through Tuesday November 2nd: We’ll need volunteers for our 72 hour GOTV (get-out-the-vote) operation. We have shifts available for you to go door to door, complete literature drops, complete voter outreach.

Nov 2nd – Election Day.  Work a poll.  Polls open from 6 am – 7pm.  Help us with a shift or join us as long as you can!

Thanks for your support! Let us know how you can help!

Best -

Jason Grill

Educators support Jason Grill
for Reelection to Third Term in Missouri House seat

The Missouri National Education Association supports Jason Grill in his bid for reelection to the Missouri House of Representatives. Grill is running for the 32nd district seat.

“Missouri NEA believes that a great public school is a basic right for every child,” says Chris Guinther, MNEA president. “Our organization is pleased to recommend Jason Grill, who understands the responsibility that legislators have to make our public schools great.”

“Our recommendation process is rigorous, and Jason Grill clearly measures up on the issues that are important to Missouri’s children, their future and our state’s public education system. He deserves the support of every voter who believes the future of our state depends on the quality of our schools.”

The MNEA Political Action Committee evaluates candidates for office on the basis of their support for four issues: 1) preserving and strengthening public education, including increasing funding for schools; 2) ensuring children’s health and safety; 3) maximizing student learning, including smaller class sizes and early childhood education; and 4) respecting school employees, including improved salaries and professional development funding. The voting records of incumbents, questionnaires completed by candidates and lengthy interviews with candidates are all considered as MNEA decides who will receive its support.

The 35,000-member MNEA represents teachers, education support professionals, retired teachers and students studying to be teachers in school districts and on college campuses throughout the state. It is the Missouri affiliate of the 3.2 million-member National Education Association.