Legislative Update: A regular feature of West County Democrats general meetings is the Legislative Update presented by Glenn Koenen. Have you ever wondered what our elected officials do aside from raising money for their next campaign? Glenn provides a compact view of legislative initiatives proposed by our lawmakers at the national and state level. If it is important to understand exactly what our officials are doing or not doing to improve the well being, health and safety of our community, you can always find his summary on the Legislative Issues page.
Presentation Topic: “Redistricting in Missouri: Can We Effect Change Before The New Lines Are Out?”
Speakers: Bill Otto and Cheryl Hibbeler
Description: Drawing legislative districts in most states is more about political tactics than good government, and the table tilts in favor of the party in power during census years. What can be done between now and 2020 to make Missouri district boundaries truly representative of the population? How “bad” is it in Missouri and how could things be better? What other matters (ethics in government, campaign finance reform, etc.) should be on the Democratic Party agenda in Missouri and what can we do about them?
About the speakers: Bill Otto is a retired air traffic controller with a strong record of public and community service. Bill has been a Boy Scout leader, a Bible School teacher at Arlington Methodist Church, a youth coach at St. Lawrence Catholic Church and a house father in a boys’ home. He has served as a City Council member in Bridgeton, then as a Representative to the Missouri State Legislature (District 70) for a diverse area that included portions of St. Louis and St. Charles counties since elected in 2012. Bill was born on New Year’s Day in 1956. He has overcome many personal challenges, beginning at age 15 when his mother died and he was sent to a boys’ home. Bill was provided food and shelter until he was 17, when state law forced him to leave. He was put out on the streets — homeless at 17. Bill overcame these challenges with the help of teachers and mentors and went on to receive his GED, go to college and join the U.S. Navy. Bill especially credits the help he received from inspiring Navy officers who taught him how to be successful. In 1983, he received an honorable discharge from the United States Navy. He and his wife Kathy have been married for over 20 years and raised two sons and three daughters in Bridgeton. Bill is a huge St. Louis Cardinals fan. His love of music can be seen through his vinyl record collection and the guitar that he occasionally will strum.
Cheryl Hibbeler currently serves as a committeewoman in St. Charles County. Cheryl is involved in non-profits in St. Charles County including Youth In Need, Community Living, SCAD Advisory Board, and the O’Fallon Historical Committee. Cheryl was elected and served on the O’Fallon City Council and the St. Charles County Council. She currently serves as an elected Committeewoman to the St. Charles County Democratic Central Committee.
As always, we will be collecting for Circle of Concern. For info click here.
Please join us for lunch following the meeting at the Pasta House on Manchester just west of Weidman at 14007 Manchester Rd. Ballwin, MO. 63011
For the notes from the April meeting, click here.
Contact person: Terry Gates / 314-991-2529 / jtgates@aol.com