GGFM Hosts Candidate Meetings
- GGFM
- Aug 9, 2016
- 2 min read
Good Government for Missouri recently hosted meetings with eight of the Missouri House and Senate candidates GGFM is supporting this election. At these small, informal meetings, GGFM members had opportunities to build stronger relationships with candidates as they discussed priority policies, the 2016 Legislative session, and the upcoming election.
GGFM members met with several Legislators who are expected to be future leaders in the Republican Caucus. Rep. Justin Alferman (R-Hermann), a freshman member, is on track to be a future Budget Chair or member of House Leadership. Rep. Kirk Mathews (R-Eureka), pictured left, is widely viewed as a possible future Speaker of the House. His deep background in healthcare and ability to moderate the more extreme elements in his party make this a valuable relationship to cultivate.
Members also met with candidates in three contested State Senate races. Rep. Stephen Webber (D-Columbia) is running against another young House member, Rep. Caleb Rowden (R-Columbia), for an open Senate seat. Webber, pictured right, strongly supports closer ties between the state and the non-profit sector and has demonstrated an ability to facilitate greater cooperation across party lines. Members met with Rick Stream (R-Kirkwood) and Rep. Anne Zerr (R-St. Charles), who both lost their August 2 primary races to more conservative Republicans. Stream participated in the Jewish Federation’s first Legislative mission to Israel and strongly supported many of the ideas advocated on the trip, including social innovation grants. During her tenure in the House, Zerr chaired the Select Committee on Economic Development and advocated for closer partnerships with the business and non-profit communities. She also took part in one of the Federation’s Israel trips.
Additionally, GGFM hosted meetings with three leaders in the House Democratic Caucus, Rep. Lauren Arthur (D-Kansas City), Rep. Kip Kendrick (D-Columbia), and Rep. Sue Meredith (D-St. Louis). Arthur, pictured left, is well-liked and considered an up-and-coming leader of the Democratic caucus. She is earning a reputation as a thought leader who is able to reach across the aisle to help shape debates. Kendrick has been a strong proponent of public-private partnerships in areas like healthcare and education. Meredith represents the Jewish Federation campus and has staunchly supported issues championed by the Federation.
GGFM will continue to host candidate and Legislator meetings leading up to the November election. Members will receive meeting schedules via email. For more information, please contact GGFM at goodgovformo@gmail.com or GGFM’s Treasurer, Gerry Greiman, at ggreiman@spencerfane.com.
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