Reader Poll
| Facing term limits, Rep. Ervin looks to the future |
 |
 |
 |
| News - Community News | |||
| Written by Angie Anaya Borgedalen | |||
| Wednesday, 26 August 2009 23:00 | |||
|
State Rep. Doug Ervin, who represents District 35 in the Missouri House, faces term limits next year. While the Northland lawmaker doesn’t rule out running for another elected office in the future, Ervin said his goal now is to continue his work on health care reform and tax-related issues as he returns to Jefferson City in January for his last five-month session. Left widowed in 2006 and raising three children, Ervin got remarried this summer. Republican Ervin’s district covers Kearney, Holt, Smithville, Missouri City, Mosby Pleasant Valley, Nashua and a portion of Kansas City North. Ben Wierzbicki, chairman of the Clay County Republican Central Committee, said the GOP is looking for a good candidate to run for Ervin’s seat. “That’s a Republican seat, and we want to keep it,” he said. “We’re in the process of interviewing candidates.” Wierzbicki said Ervin had been a great representative for the area and would be hard to replace. Seeing an opportunity to take a Republican office, Democrats are also attempting to recruit a candidate to fill the upcoming vacancy. One named mentioned is Jim Baldwin of Holt, who ran unsuccessfully for the office last year against Ervin. Charles Myers, chairman of the Clay County Democrat Central Committee, said his party would zero in on the seat as filing gets closer. Filing for state offices opens Tuesday, Feb. 23, according to the election board. “We’d love to pick up a Democratic seat in that district,” Myers said. “It’s a big district, and we’re looking at candidates.” The following are a few questions The Kearney Courier posed to Ervin:
Q: What are your future plans? Ervin: I still have one year left in the legislature and plan to continue my work on health care and tax-related issues. Beyond next year, my first responsibility will be taking care of my family.
Q: Do you plan to run for another political office? Ervin: Elected office has been the most rewarding service that I have offered in my adult life. I wouldn’t rule out running for a future office.
Q: What do feel was your greatest accomplishment while serving in the House? Ervin: Legislation: HB818 (dealing with health insurance portability and accessibility); Service: Assisting people with problems related to state government; District: Taking part in so many road and bridge improvements.
Q: What did you find most frustrating about serving? Ervin: Too many times politics are placed above people and good public policy.
Q: What advice do you have for someone running for the office? Ervin: Work hard, stay true to your principles and put service over politics.
Q: Is there an effort underway to try to find candidates to run for your seat? Ervin: Yes. Q: What has the economic downturn meant for your district, and do you see brighter days ahead? Ervin: Everyone feels the tightening of their belts in a downturn such as this. The American people are a persistent and industrious breed, we will experience brighter days ahead.
Q: What can states and local government do to help those without health care? Ervin: Establish an ownership model for health care by focusing on access, affordability and privacy through establishing a level of tax equity, portability, transparency, and health banking.
Liberty Editor Angie Anaya Borgedalen can be reached at 781-4941 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Comments (1)
 Write comment
You must be logged in to post a comment. Please register if you do not have an account yet.
|
Subscribe to this comment's feed
I wonder if Mr. Myers aligns himself with the extremists in his party or the more moderate faction of the DNC. Although you must admit that faction is getting pretty small. Your party's future is looking pretty bleak the more you push for things Americans don't want. The RNC will welcome anyone from the Democrats with open arms, the GOP is a big tent party who had lost it's way for the last 8 years. We have found our path again.