Putting myself on the line: Running for school board... again... Conway, MO

I probably shouldn't admit this... but it is what it is. I'm running for the Laclede County R-1 school board . . . again.

This will be my third try.

I've heard all sorts of things in my quest to serve on the school board. The most popular comment:

You're not from here. You're an OUTSIDER.

I've lived in the Conway, MO area since January 2000. I was born and raised out side of Chicago; my kids were born there as well. No matter what I do, how long I live here, I will never be from Missouri. Neither will my kids.

But, I think of myself as an INSIDER.

• I own my own business. In fact I have two local offices.
  
• I volunteer at the school - I have a neat little title: Practical Parenting Partnership Coordinator. I'm in charge of the PPP (Aren't you jealous! The head P)
  
• I've been elected to the Laclede County Extension Council.
  
• I've volunteered and helped 4-H, Girl Scouts and the Phillipsburg Community Development Council
  
  

I feel strongly that South Central Missouri offers my family a wonderful quality of life. It offers my family opportunities we wouldn't have in the Chicago-land area.

I feel strongly that it is my obligation to give back to my community. I want to serve on the school board. I want to help make a difference.

We will see, this coming Tuesday, April 8th if the community will allow an OUTSIDER to serve on the school board.