Tuesday, Apr. 13, 2010

Letter to the Editor

Paid to work, not campaign

In today’s political climate filled with distrust and scrutiny of our elected officials, I was very surprised to see Representative Bryan Pratt at the Lee’s Summit polls on election day instead of being in Jefferson City where our elected leaders were to be in session.

I am well aware that Representative Pratt is running for State Senator Matt Bartle’s seat. However, when our state legislature is in session, he is paid to be present representing his district and doing the work of the people not campaigning for his next run for an elected office.

In my opinion, this is quite reminiscent of President Obama’s extended absences from Congress as he campaigned for the next step in his political career.

Has this self-serving attitude found its way to Missouri? Are we, the taxpayers, now to pay our legislators for campaign days in addition to days when they are to be in Jefferson City?

I feel Representative Pratt owes his constituents an explanation as to why he chose to campaign in Lee’s Summit for his next run at elected office rather than be representing the 55th district on a paid session day. Maybe he should consider reimbursing the citizens the salary he was paid for the day Representative Pratt felt it necessary to further his political career rather than being in Jefferson City working as he was paid to do.

Mary Lee Kachur, Blue Springs