Opinion

Law enforcement equipment, learning about the political process

Saturday, February 16, 2013

The capital building in Jefferson City was completed in 1917, after being designed by an architectural firm from New York named Tracy and Swartwout. The dome of the capital is 238 feet above ground level and is the third capital building to be built in Jefferson City. The exterior of the building is built of a dense marble from Carthage, Mo. The capital is split, with the House one side and the Senate on the other. It is a magnificent building and if you have not been to see it, I would suggest you go.

On Monday, I made a trip to Jefferson City and visited the capital while I was there. I stopped by the office of State Rep. Randy Pike and was able to visit with him for about an hour. Rep. Pike spoke about some of the work he was doing in his new job. He mentioned being in Nevada last week and having a chance to speak to some of the kids in the Nevada schools. I noticed he had some papers on his desk that he had received from the kids and I was impressed that he took such interest in what the kids had to say. We also spoke about some of the gun laws that may be attracting attention, as well as the issue of carrying guns in schools.

After leaving Rep. Pike's office, I made my way to the other side of the capital building to State Sen. Ed Emery's office and was able to speak briefly with him. Sen. Emery was hard at work when I arrived, but took the time to speak with me like Rep. Pike had done. I asked Sen. Emery about the gun law issues and he said he was working to protect the Constitution. I was very pleased with what I heard from both Rep. Pike and Sen. Emery.

The reason for my trip to Jefferson City was to go to the Missouri Excess Property Building to try to get some needed equipment donated to the Sheriff's Office. The Missouri Excess Property Program is funded primarily through branches of the military and even the Highway Patrol. These agencies donate equipment and the Missouri Excess Property Program gives it out to law enforcement agencies that need it. This is a great way for law enforcement agencies with budget constraints to get good used equipment they otherwise could not afford. On this trip I was able to procure some computers and laptops. I also received some equipment to help form a Special Response Team that we plan to put together in the near future. This equipment will be of great help to the Vernon County Sheriff's Office, and was certainly worth the trip to Jefferson City to acquire.

I would encourage residents of Vernon County to be involved in their government, from the local to the state and even federal levels. I urge you to contact your representatives at all levels concerning the issues important to you. The Sheriff's Office is also here to help. Residents are welcome to call (417)283-4400 with their comments and concerns regarding law enforcement in Vernon County.