Missouri State Representative Curt Dougherty ~ District 53

2008

Buckner Elementary school visits Representative Dougherty at the State Capitol Tuesday, April 22^nd

Blue Hills Elementary School visits Representative Dougherty at the State Capitol Tuesday, April 29^th.

Cler-Mont Elementary School visits Representative Dougherty at the Capitol Tuesday, May 13^th.

2007

December 12, 2007

Representative Dougherty takes action on underage drinking.

Fort Osage High School

Addressing the growing problem of teenage drug and alcohol use.

As a community we must all work together to bring awareness and the prevention of teenage drug and alcohol use in eastern Jackson County. Myself along with the Jackson County Sheriff's Department, COMBAT and many concerned parents, have taken steps to reduce teenage drinking and drug use. Just some of the steps we have taken and proposed are as follows:

Myself along with the Jackson County Sheriff's Department have had several community town hall style meetings to hear the concerns of many of the parents and citizens on what they want to do to improve awareness and enforcement of the laws regarding teenage drug use and drinking.
The Sheriff's Department has pledged to take additional action against establishments that sell alcohol to underage persons.
Partnering with the Fort Osage School District, I have sponsored a "poster" contest. The theme of the posters will be making good life choices, mainly on not using drugs and not to drink or drive or attend parties that have alcohol or drugs. I presented the winner, Stephanie Leonard - 12th Grader at Ft Osage High School, with $100 cash at a student assembly. Stephanie's poster is at the left.
Concerned parents will make an effort to inform the Sheriff's Department of any knowledge of stores selling to minors or the location of a suspected underage party that may involve drugs or alcohol.
The establishment of a "tips" phone number to the sheriff's dept. and a drop box in the high school for information on parties with drug or alcohol use.
I will send out a mailer to remind parents of the dangers of "hosting" underage parties that serve alcohol as well as some ideas to help teenagers make good choices.

Encouraging teenagers to make good life choices by setting a good example, reminding them that bad choices can have consequences that can follow you the rest of your life, or may end your life. Working together as a community, we will make out lives in Jackson County better.

The Missouri Chamber honors Rep. Curt Dougherty with

2007 Spirit of Enterprise Award

The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry has honored Rep. Curt Dougherty with the 2007 Spirit of Enterprise Award. The award was established in 1990 to recognize legislators who have consistently shown efforts to protect the free-enterprise system in Missouri.

Dougherty, of Independence, has been a dedicated ally for business community since he was elected to the Missouri House in 2002. This year he co-sponsored a bill that authorizes an income tax deduction for elderly recipients of Social Security and non-private retirement benefits.

“In his five legislative sessions, Rep. Curt Dougherty has been a strong advocate for enhancing Missouri’s business climate,” said Daniel P. Mehan, Missouri Chamber president and CEO. “Rep. Dougherty has a 100-percent voting record with the Missouri Chamber on priority issues. We thank Rep. Dougherty for his excellent support of business.”

Dougherty was presented the award during the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry Annual Meeting, November 15, at the Westin Crown Center, Kansas City.

4/24/07 Blue Hills Elementary School

03/28/07 Independence Academy

Representative Curt Dougherty along with Representative Ray Salva with students from the Independence Academy. This group, along with Kathy John, their sponsor, visited the Capitol March 28^th and Representative Dougherty entertained them.

3/13-14/07 Cler-Mont Elementary

Representative Dougherty with Supreme Court Judge Judith Stith and Democratic Committee member John Mayfield.

2006

Cler-Mont Elementary

Spring Branch Elementary

No more work clothes for two hardworking union members! Jenee’ Lowe, Pipefitters Local #533 and Curt Dougherty, IBEW 124, employed by Mark One Electric.

FALL 2005

Representative Dougherty was one of the sponsors of the Buckner “Mud Run”Being a part of any community should be more than only being seen at election time. I try to involve myself in as many events as possible, as my schedule permits. And if you have never been to the Buckner Mud Run, you have never had such a good time getting dirty. I was proud to be a financial sponsor of this fun event.

Now you see it – soon you won’t.

It was once a thriving business on the corner on Buckner’s main downtown street, but those were many years ago. The owners abandoned this building and soon it would be sold on the court house steps because it had become so run down and unsafe that no one would buy it. Past Mayors and city councils in Buckner tried their best to get something done about this dilapidated building but their efforts failed. I was contacted by the newly elected Buckner Mayor, Debbie Gilmore, who told me this was one of her top priorities. She wanted to get this building removed before it fell on somebody. Mayor Gilmore had found out that the trustees of the building was the Jackson County Land Trust who flatly refused to even consider tearing down the building. When she told me she needed my help, I was more than happy to lend a hand. I contacted the Jackson County Land Trust and was also told the same thing; there was no money to tear down the building. Well, that was not the answer I wanted! This is not a County entity but a State entity, so with the help of State Auditor Claire McCaskill, I was able to get their bank balance and they had at that time over $ 700,000 in the bank to care for their properties. Hardly broke, I thought! I then read their operating charter and armed with this information contacted the top officer of the Jackson County Land Trust. After a very frank discussion with them, they were ready to write the check to tear down the building. That was not good enough. There was a business that still operated next to the old building and careless demolition could cause damage to this business, so the lowest bidder was rejected to tear down the building in favor of a contractor who would hand pick the building down. Soon it will be just a memory, and I am happy to be able to help the citizens of Buckner.

Eastern Independence neglected no more!

These are some before and after photos of the improvements on the 24 highway project, and as you can see vast improvement have been made. A final complete pavement is yet to be done that will bring the driving surface up to even with the new curbs. Aren’t the new sidewalks and red ramps just beautiful? We have several new businesses that have already opened and report doing a good business. The power company has installed new underground conduit for the new utilities and street lighting. There have been 2 meetings of business owners and if they agree to bear the cost of buying the new street lights, we will go from 13 old street lights to 56 new street lights! This will really make the area look like new! If the businesses agree to only buy the street lights, the power lines will go underground at the same time eliminating the ugly overhead power lines. This project is something that I am very proud of and we will enjoy the benefits that it will bring for many years to come. ( P.S. Another new pavement project coming to the district - the details coming soon! )

Clella walks for senior center meals program

At a young 105 years old, Clella walks for pledges for the senior center meals program. I was honored to be her main sponsor and it was such a joy to spend time talking to her and the wonderful stories the told. I even got a kiss for my donation! We promised we would not tell my wife! Clella said she doesn’t kiss and tell.

Representative Dougherty –Active in the community

It was with great pleasure that I participated for the 4th year in the Buckner Lewis and Clark Days celebration. The parade is such a fun time for myself and my wife, Susan. This year I passed out over 500 small American flags to the adults and kids that were lined up along the street before the parade. I told the children to wave the flag as the parade went by and they might get extra candy (I passed out fifty pounds.) What a great sight it was to see everybody waving the American flag as the parade went by!

April 27th -- More Visitors:

Blue Hills Elementary

APRIL 21, 2005

Rep. Curt Dougherty Meets with Missouri Credit Unions

Jefferson City – Rep. Curt Dougherty (D-District 53) recently met with credit union representatives during the Missouri Credit Union Association Annual Meeting in Jefferson City, held April 4 - 6.

The event brought in credit unions from across the state, including 29 staff members and volunteers from 13 different Kansas City area credit unions. A legislative reception on April 4 at the Summit Lake Winery provided an opportunity for Rep. Dougherty to visit with attendees and discuss issues and legislation important to credit unions.

“We appreciate that Rep. Dougherty took time out of his busy schedule to meet with the credit union staff and volunteers who came to Jefferson City,” says Roshara Holub, Missouri Credit Union Association president/CEO. “His participation means a great deal to us, as this event provides an excellent opportunity to better understand credit union concerns.”

Credit unions are not-for-profit financial cooperatives owned by the people who use them. There are 179 credit unions and more than 1.3 million credit union members in the state of Missouri.

The Missouri Credit Union Association is the trade association representing credit unions and members in the state. For more information, visit www.mcua.org.

APRIL 19, 2005

VISITORS TO REPRESENTATIVE DOUGHERTY'S OFFICE IN JEFFERSON CITY:

Spring Branch Elementary
Cler-Mont Elementary

MARCH 17, 2005

MISSOURI SPEAKER HONORS REPRESENTATIVE DOUGHERTY

Marking the first anniversary of the conceal and carry law, Missouri House of Representatives Speaker Rod Jetton addressed a packed Capitol Rotunda on Thursday, March 10, 2005. NRA members, gun club members, hunters, sportsmen and the general public cheered as House Speaker Jetton kicked off the day long celebration of the first anniversary of the new conceal carry law, commenting that the opponent's prediction of gloom and doom did not come true. He then introduced State Representative Curt Dougherty of Independence as one of the courageous Democrats that stood firm against former Governor Bob Holden and helped override the veto, even under tremendous party pressure. "To take a stand for the rights of the people and then to be recognized by the speaker, is quite an honor", remarked Dougherty.

MARCH 16, 2005

STATE REPRESENTATIVE CURT DOUGHERTY (D-INDEPENDENCE), was a co-sponsor of House Bill 365 which allows County Sheriffs to use the money collected from the new conceal and carry permits to be used for costs associated with the processing of those permits. Due to an error in the original law, the funds collected could be used only for equipment and training. Some County Sheriffs refused to issue the permits saying that the cost is not covered by the permit fee. Representative Dougherty worked closely with the bill sponsor, Representative Brian Munzlinger (R-Williamstown), to pass this bill. Dougherty voted against several attempts to add "junk" amendments to the bill before finally casting his "yes" vote in favor of the new bill. The final vote was 142 in favor and 7 against with 13 not voting. "The issue is now finished and we can move head", said Dougherty.

MARCH 2, 2005

REPRESENTATIVE DOUGHERTY VISITS BUCKNER 4TH GRADE TO TEACH MAP READING SKILLS

Representative Curt Dougherty visited more than 80 Buckner fourth-grade students and showed them how to find points of interest in Missouri on a map as well as general map reading skills. Representative Dougherty brought each child a Missouri State map as well as a Missouri Tourism Guide for them to take home.

The children enjoyed this immensely and dove in headfirst. "I don't know who enjoyed themselves more; the students or myself! They were so eager to learn and asked many very good questions." said Dougherty.

The map reading was done in the Buckner elementary gymnasium and Dr. Larry Ewing and Mr. Patrick Farnen helped coordinate this effort.

FEBRUARY 15, 2005

REPRESENTATIVE DOUGHERTY DONATES LAW BOOKS TO

FORT OSAGE SCHOOL

Representative Curt Dougherty personally delivered a new 20-volume set of Missouri Revised Statutes to Dr. Larry Ewing's office at Fort Osage School. These books were at no cost to the school and are the same books seen in law offices statewide. Dr. Ewing's office agreed with Representative Dougherty that having these books available at the school might spark a fire with one of the students to aspire to being an attorney and practicing Missouri law. Dr. Ewing's office appreciated Representative Dougherty's efforts in obtaining these books.

FEBRUARY 15, 2005

REPRESENTATIVE DOUGHERTY INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO REDUCE SENIORS PROPERTY TAX

Representative Curt Dougherty introduced legislation, which would reduce property tax assessments by fifteen percent for persons who are 62 years of age or older, and then freeze them at that level as long as they reside in that home. Dougherty said, "We must not force our senior citizens to choose between their homes or their heart medication. They have worked hard and played by the rules and must have relief from skyrocketing increases in their property taxes. This bill, if passed, will accomplish this simply and cost effectively."

You can view this bill at the State of Missouri website at www.state.mo.us and if you desire additional information, please contact Representative Dougherty at 573-751-6535 or by email at curt.dougherty@house.mo.gov

REPRESENTATIVE CURT DOUGHERTY RECEIVES CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION

State Representative Curt Dougherty of Independence was named Legislator of the year for his work in Homeland Security and Urban Safety Practices.

Former Assistant Minority Floor Leader Bill Randall said, "Curt has done exemplary work here in Jefferson City to help us tackle the issues that face us in Homeland Security and Urban Safety Practices. He believes in being prepared and doing all that is necessary to make sure our citizens are secure. In urban areas, these challenges are vast. His work on these measures has been significant. He has researched and prepared strategies for urban safety and has led the charge in seeing them implemented. One of the meetings that Rep. Dougherty was a part of was held at Fire Station #1 in Independence. Also in attendance were the Fire Chief, the Assistant Fire Chief as well as the Director of the Kansas City Chapter of the American Red Cross. These are serious issues for Missouri and Rep. Dougherty is tough on making sure our citizens are safe. He deserves this honor and I commend his vigilance and vision."


	Capitol Address: State Capitol Bldg. 201 W Capitol Ave. RM102BB Jefferson City, MO 65101 (573)751-6535 Fax: (573) 751-9418 District Address: 16003 E. Cogan Lane Independence, MO 64050 (816)833-0916

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