Real Issues from Real People #2

 While out knocking on doors in Excelsior Springs today I was amazed at how many people were aware of the state Historic Preservation Tax Credit program and how important it has been in the redevelopment of the downtown area. Sonya and I went to the west side today and it is a beautiful area of town. Huge old Red Oaks and a variety of architecture with construction ranging from the teens to the late 50's.
 The state historic tax credit program was part of what enabled investment in the Oaks Hotel, a blighted property that is now apartments and a source of pride for the community. There used to be a distinct separation of identity in Excelsior with those living on the west side viewing the downtown like the wrong side of the tracks. However, this is improving as there was a nearly unanimous feeling that things were on the upswing in Excelsior and redevelopment in the downtown was cited in nearly every instance.

The Missouri Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program is currently under threat. Although this program creates skilled jobs and adds more revenue to the state than it costs it was reduced two years and and is on the chopping block.
Please read more about this vital program and my position on this important area issue by going here.
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 I was stopping here to make a few notes while knocking on doors in Excelsior Springs. Photo by Sonya Morgan who went along with me today and is my great helper.  ____________________________________________________________________

 It was inspiring to me to hear the number of people I spoke with who's concerns were not for themselves but for others. I spoke with a young mother today who has a friend that is a single mother with two children. She works yet is unable to get any assistance such as food stamps. Although her employment is full time, her wage is too low to adequately keep up with the bills. This frustration with the way the system is structured is a common theme among people I speak with. It is almost as if it punishes those who are being responsible but under employed. It also points to the huge segment of our society whose needs are not being discussed in the Missouri House of Representatives. When it is discussed, the conversation centers around those who are already eligible. The huge swath of our society that is underemployed, uninsured and ineligible is simply left out of the discussion.
 In an election year and in the current economy, one would think that the problems directly impacting the lives of so many would be front and center. But instead the topics of focus are all centered around partisan issues that are designed to divide people and force them to chose a side. The deterioration of our political process has left people out of the equation. That isn't right and it is my intention to change this conversation. We need realistic talk not partisan talking points. The problems of the people in our area are not going to get closer to being solved by mimicking those in Washington DC. We can do better than this and it starts with putting people first.
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