Dear Friends, Supporters, and Constituents,
It has been a profound honor and privilege to serve as State Representative of the 39th district since 2005. As I look ahead to completing my sixth year in office, I am filled with gratitude for having been granted not once, but three times, the opportunity to represent our community in the Missouri General Assembly.
In the early days of 2004, when I first decided to pursue election to this office, I chose to do so not because of a long cherished desire to hold a title. Rather, I did so because it seemed the very best way in which I could serve my community. It was the best way for me to fight for the progressive values and policies which make our community vibrant, diverse, and innovative.
Every job I have held, every volunteer position I have taken, has been about strengthening our community; as a community organizer or as domestic violence shelter social worker, my career has, and will always be about a deep commitment to public service.
So, in 2004 I ran for office to serve our community, not to gain a title or to retain it. During my time in Jefferson City I have learned many things about our democracy and the people who serve as elected officials. Much of it is optimistic; I firmly believe that most elected officials have a deep desire to represent and to help the communities which elected them, regardless of party affiliation.
I am proud that I have served every day of my time in public office focused on the needs and beliefs of my current constituents and making good public policy for our entire state. I have spoken up for my community, but I have also spoken up on issues and for groups that are too often silenced or forgotten; their needs inconvenient to those whose focus is on higher office or easy re-election.
We need elected officials who care more about these people than about their political career. That is why I ran. That is why I have been so honored to have won your overwhelming re-election both 2006 and 2008.
Though I am not seeking re-election as a State Representative in 2010, my public service will not end. The same commitment to securing a healthier, economically secure, more equitable future for all Kansas Citians that drove me to run for office will continue to drive me in my next project. I will turn my focus toward what is an intersection of environmental sustainability, social justice, and economic justice in every community; food policy. I am excited about this new way in which to serve our region.
Though it is bittersweet for me to leave office, I believe that it is necessary for good public servants to occasionally do so. To make a career only of holding office is to necessarily detach oneself from the community which has chosen you as its representative, and increases the likelihood you will focus more on future elections than current constituents.
As I finish my sixth year in the state capitol, I will acknowledge daily the generous blessings my community has bestowed upon me with the honor of this office. I promise to continue to do all I can to deserve your many years of support and encouragement, and to be an unwavering voice for the loyal opposition in our state legislature.
With deepest gratitude,
Beth Low