Representative Davis Honored As Most Constitutional Legislator

Last week I was honored at a banquet for being the most constitutional legislator in the State of Missouri.  The reason is remarkable because people like us rarely are noticed, much less rewarded.  As we watch our country coasting toward bigger government and more socialism, politicians become popular quickly when they dole out favors and money to the special interest groups.  Those who vote according to constitutional and free market principles usually don't get accolades like those who channel funding to squeaky wheels.

The Y.O.U.N.G. (Yesterday's Oath Under Noble Guardians) Conservatives of America Locke & Smith Award

A committee evaluated all the bills that were passed and using objective criteria rated each legislator strictly on his or her voting record.  When I found out this group was only considering actual votes, I knew I had a good chance of winning.  The old expression is "Actions speak louder than words".  The YOUNG Conservatives of America really means it when they say it's about how you vote; and frankly, that is what counts when it comes to honest representation.  The country has suffered at the hands of those who have a smooth talk during election time, then side with the highest bidder or their "best buddies" when it is time to vote.  The nature of a democratic republic form of government is that we are supposed to trust the person in office to vote according to the principles he stood for when he ran for office.  Many voters have experienced that sense of betrayal when their office-holder pivots on important issues.

The questions the YOUNG Conservatives of America used to rate legislation are as follows:

1. Is this a proper function of government?
2. Does legislation *create* favoritism? (in any manner)
3. Does legislation have (favorable or negative) impact? (anything..?)
4. Does legislation create a fee for service scenario that only government can provide?
5. Does legislation impact personal liberty or freedom?
6. Does legislation undermine personal responsibility?
7. Does legislation create a means by which a government entity or government employees can abuse a taxpayer approved tax or amendment?
8. Can legislation be currently enforced under existing laws?

Click here for more details about the basis and grading: The Award Criteria

It is important to note that though I received the top score I was followed closely by Representatives Will Kraus and Rob Schaaf.  Both these gentlemen won fierce primary elections and will be serving in the Missouri Senate next year, so we have good reason to hope the Missouri Senate will become more constitutional in the future.

Here are the ratings of eight other state representatives from St. Charles County out of 163:
# 1 Cynthia Davis
# 5 Chuck Gatschenberger
# 9 Sally Faith
# 11 Kenny Biermann
# 71 Scott Dieckhaus
# 95 Doug Funderburk
# 100 Mark Parkinson
# 103 Joe Smith
# 125 Anne Zerr

Here are the ratings of the senators in St. Charles County out of 34 senators:
# 15 Tom Dempsey
# 30 Scott Rupp

If you don't live in St Charles County you can see how your Representative or Senator rated.

Special thanks belong to the constituents of my district for sending me back to Jefferson City four times to cast votes in favor of our constitution and the principles that made this a great state and nation.

Your thoughts are important to me, so let me know what you think about the Y.O.U.N.G. Conservatives creating a rating system to identify an objective standard for grading the legislators. You can send me your opinion by clicking here: Cynthia Davis

The Davis Family Gives Thanks

Among our blessings this Thanksgiving, we thank God for our new grandson Benjamin Elijah Davis.

A Little Bit of Humor

Thanksgiving: 12 Reasons to be Thankful you Burned the Turkey!

1. Salmonella won't be a concern.
2. Everyone will think your turkey is Cajun blackened.
3. Uninvited guests will think twice next year.
4. Your cheese broccoli lima bean casserole will gain newfound appreciation.
5. Pets won't pester you for scraps.
6. No one will overeat.
7. The smoke alarm was due for a test.
8. Carving the bird will provide a good cardiovascular workout.
9. You'll get to the desserts even quicker.
10. You won't have to face three weeks of turkey sandwiches.

Kraus: Happy Thanksgiving!

Each year, this Thursday is set aside specifically to count our blessings and, in spite of tough economic times, to find and recognize those things in our life that are good.  I'm thankful for family and friends and for the opportunity to serve you.  I'm especially thankful for our men and women in the Armed Services who keep this country safe and free, many of whom are deployed and away from their families on this holiday.

Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

PSC to Hold Local Public Hearing In Raytown Water Company Rate Case

On Wednesday, December 1, the Missouri Public Service Commission will hold a local public hearing in Raytown in a water rate case filed by the Raytown Water Company.

The local public hearing will be held in the Raytown City Hall, City Council Chambers, 10000 East 59th Street. A PSC staff public information/question and answer session starts at 5:30 p.m. with the local public hearing and the taking of sworn testimony to follow.

On April 30, 2010, the Raytown Water Company filed a rate case with the Missouri Public Service Commission seeking to increase annual water operating revenues by approximately $471,205.  Under an agreement reached between the company and the PSC staff, the current monthly water bill for a residential customer using 6,000 gallons of water would raise about $5 per month. The Commission is taking information to decide on this case

PSC to Hold Local Public Hearings In Lee's Summit and Kansas City on KCP&L Electric Rate Increases

The Missouri Public Service Commission added another local public hearing in Kansas City on December 2 in electric rate cases filed by Kansas City Power & Light Company (KCP&L) and KCP&L-Greater Missouri Operations Company.

The local public hearing will be held at the Hillcrest Community Center, Meeting Room A, 10401 Hillcrest Road. A PSC staff public information/question and answer session starts at 5:30 p.m. with the local public hearing and the taking of sworn testimony to follow.

In our e-mail of October 28, we also provided notice of the following public hearings, as well as information, on KCP&L rate increases.

December 7, Kansas City. Two local public hearings will be held at the Cohen Conference Center of the Kansas City Public Library-Plaza Branch, 4801 Main Street.

For the first hearing, a PSC public information/question and answer session starts at 11:30 a.m. The local public hearing and the taking of sworn testimony will follow.

Beginning at the end of the first hearing and until 5:30 p.m., the Commission will have a listening post for the public. PSC staff members will be available to answer questions from the public.

A second local public hearing will start at 5:30 p.m. with a PSC public information/question and answer session. The local public hearing and the taking of sworn testimony will follow.

December 8, Lee's Summit. Lee's Summit North High School, Lecture Hall, 901 NE Douglas Street. A PSC staff public information/question and answer session starts at 5:30 p.m. with the local public hearing and the taking of sworn testimony to follow.

If you wish to comment or need further information, you may contact the Office of the Public Counsel, P.O. Box 2230, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102-2230; telephone 1-866-922-2959; email opcservice{at}ded{dot}mo{dot}gov or the Public Service Commission, P.O. Box 360, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102; telephone 1-800-392-4211; email pscinfo{at}psc{dot}mo{dot}gov.

Metropolitan Energy Center Receives Funds For Energize Missouri Homes

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has announced the selection of six organizations for grant awards for the Energize Missouri Homes - Homeowner Upgrades and Geothermal Program. Metropolitan Energy Center, Kansas City, will receive a grant award of $1.75 million to provide services for a 48-county region encompassing much of the western and northern parts of the state.

Through the Energize Missouri Homes - Homeowner Upgrades and Geothermal Program, these six organizations will assist more than 1,200 Missouri homeowners with funding for energy audits and energy efficiency upgrades such as weather stripping, insulation, efficient heating and cooling systems and installing geothermal systems.

Interested homeowners may contact the Energy Center directly at (816) 531-7283 to learn more about the program or may visit the department's website at EnergizeMissouri.org.

You can also contact Energize Missouri Homes at P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176 or 877-610-0834 and EMH{dot}upgrades{at}shawgrp{dot}com.

Rupp: Remember Your Blessings This Thanksgiving

With Turkey Day around the corner, it's time to reflect on all the gifts we have been bestowed with. It is easy to get distracted in the chaos of everyday life, and we sometimes focus more on our struggles rather than on our successes.  I want to encourage you to think about what you are grateful for this year.  Please allow me to share what I am thankful for:

• I am thankful that my daughter thinks I am the best daddy in the world, and I pray I live up to her hopes.
• I am thankful that my son is full of imagination and wonderment, and that he tells me he loves me every day.
• I am thankful that I get to represent 165,000 amazing people in the Missouri Senate for four more years.
• I am thankful that my parents were loving, caring, and supportive people that instilled strong values and ideals in me as a young man.
• I am thankful that we live in the best, most free country with unlimited opportunities in the whole world.
• I am thankful that I get to spend every day with my best friend.
• I am thankful for the thousands of men and women that go to work each day far from home to defend our country from its enemies.

This Thanksgiving, remember all your blessings and share them with those around you.  Tell your family and friends that you love them and give thanks for the food upon your table.  Keep our military men and women and their families in your thoughts and prayers, as some of them may be spending Thanksgiving apart this year, and remember to have a thankful attitude not just during the holidays, but all year-round.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all and God Bless.