The Missouri Times - September 11, 2017 by Missouri Times

Missouri Times

The Missouri Times

TRUMP VISITS MISSOURI PAGE 10

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2018 HEATS UP PAGE 8

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SEPTEMBER 11, 2017

Love, Chappelle-Nadal head return to a building that condemned their words

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Missouri Times Magazine hits the shelves

The latest Missouri Times Magazine is hitting the shelves this week, and this special veto session edition features a prestigious list of lawmakers who have been nominated as the 2017 “Best of the Legislature.” The magazine highlights the efforts of the men and women in the Missouri Legislature who know and understand just what it takes to not only pass legislation, but also stand up and effectively block bills. “Our hope was to identify some legislators who are part of the solution, not part of the background noise, or even more, part of the problem,” publisher Scott Faughn said. “The Missouri Times legislative awards are for the real legislators. They may not be the bomb throwers on the floor or the ones with the most salacious Twitter accounts, but we tried to identify those who were the serious policymakers who were able to influence public policy in real ways.” But the list made certain that the legislators who made the cut were not in leadership positions. The intent of the list, rather, is to honor those who carry the legislation and push it through or

strike it down through sheer force of will. To compile the list of the most effective legislators, the Missouri Times reached out to subscribers, lobbyists, consultants, and legislative staff members to see just who they thought had earned the top honors in 2017, a year that proved to be a tough year for legislators on both sides of the aisle, passing a record low number of bills. And while Republicans won several victories on a number of significant issues this past session, the list also highlights some of the strong opposition brought forward by the minority party. The magazine also features two of the top staffers from the past year, highlighting their efforts in making their legislator one of the most effective. The magazine also features a number of features and profiles, as well as several opinion pieces ranging on topics from right-towork, tax cuts, energy, or even wine. The Missouri Times Magazine hits the shelves on Sept. 12. Be sure to pick up your copy at the newsstands at the State Capitol and also Tolsons, Whaley’s Pharmacy, and J. Pfenny’s - all on High St.

The Missouri Times

HOT LIST WE ARE MISSOURI

With $1.5M raised, the rightto-work referendum group is laying the groundwork for an intense 2018 campaign.

LTG PARSON

Between being on the forefront of calling for Sen. Chappelle-Nadal to be expelled or calling for a special session for a funding fix to restore cuts made to senior and veteran care, Parson has been a leading voice for Missouri politics this past month.

MAGAZINE

The Best of the Legislature is one of the most in-demand features we do - and it’s here!

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Bryan Lowry @BryanLowry3 Aug 30 Charles Buckner, a MO dairy farmer, has written Trump on his glass eye. #moleg #TrumpInMissouri

Tweets of the Week Highlights in 140 characters or less.

Shamed Dogan @Dogan4Rep Aug 30 Vandalizing property is wrong, but hoping for people to be hung/lynched over it?? Way over the line!! What is wrong with us #moleg? James MN Harris @JamesMNHarris My father in-law was a great man. He was intelligent, kind & humble. He believed in public service. We will miss him tremendously. Brian Hauswirth @Brianontheair Rep. @JChipmanMO120th’s office says Mike Lair’s visitation is Monday from 4-7 pm at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Jefferson City. #moleg

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The Missouri Times

RICHARDSON PASSES ON AUDITOR RACHAEL HERNDON DUNN, THE MISSOURI TIMES After weeks of Missouri politicos expecting an announcement from Speaker Todd Richardson on his 2018 plans, presumably an announcement of a campaign kick off for auditor, the Speaker finally made an announcement last Thursday. "I have received tremendous encouragement to consider running for state auditor in 2018," Richardson said. "However, after careful consideration and many discussions with my family, I have decided to forgo the campaign for Auditor and, instead, focus on my service as Speaker of the House. I first ran for office to pursue a conservative agenda to move our state forward and I'm proud of our many accomplishments. However, we still have unfinished business and I will focus on passing a number of important conservative legislative priorities next Lt. Gov. Mike Parson "Todd has done a tremendous job during his time in the Missouri legislature and has shown a strong commitment to conservative ideals. He has been a great speaker, and I look forward to working with him next session. I know he has a bright future ahead of him.” Treasurer Eric Schmitt “Todd Richardson is one of the most thoughtful public servants I know. He's been a great speaker and, more importantly, is even a better person.” Sen. Caleb Rowden “Todd will be remembered as one of the most successful and well-respected speakers in our state's history. His political allies and opponents alike admire him, which is an increasingly rare reality these days. I wish him all the best in whatever his future holds.” Sen. Ryan Silvey "Todd is a very talented legislator and a good speaker. It takes a lot of guts to walk away from what was shaping up to be an easy nomination for statewide office. When people look at these races, they too often take the humanity of the candidates out of the equation and assume we are all chess pieces to be moved around the board. I commend Speaker Richardson for having the courage to assess his personal situation and make the decision he concluded was best for him and his family and not just playing the hand the political class expected him to play." Majority Floor Leader Mike Cierpiot “I respect Todd for knowing his priorities and doing what's best for the Richardson family. I'm glad he'll be working for Missouri for one more year.”

session.” The Speaker, deemed by many - including past speakers as possibly the best Republican speaker to serve the Missouri House of Representatives, was a starter in what has become an incredibly deep bench for the Missouri Republican Party to call from for upcoming elections. In 2018, both U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill and Auditor Nicole Galloway are up for re-election. There are no open congressional seats, though they are also up for re-election. Even numbered state senate seats and all state house seats are also on the 2018 ballot. Despite being the presumptive next speaker, Richardson became speaker almost overnight after the sudden departure of former Speaker John Diehl in May 2014. He will serve over two years as the leader of the lower chamber. Richardson, an attorney from Poplar Bluff, was elected

Rep. Kathie Conway “I've known Todd since I first came to Jefferson City. His calm demeanor, intelligence and dedication to public service makes him an asset to anything he chooses to do. I appreciate that he wants to concentrate on the job at hand. I look forward to supporting him in whatever will be next.” Rep. Kevin Corlew “Todd is an exceptionally talented, thoughtful and dedicated public servant whom I've always found to be one who makes choices for the right reasons after careful consideration. This surely is no different. He will lead the House skillfully this next year, as he always has done. In the future, fate and circumstances may once again call on Todd to lead our great state in some capacity, and I'm sure he will be more than able to respond.” Rep. Robert Cornejo “Speaker Richardson has been the exact speaker the House of Representatives needed at the exact time he took over. He has done a tremendous job taking over at a difficult time and immediately got the House back to business and passing bold reforms that the voters elected us to do. He is always thoughtful before taking action and I am sure this decision was no different. I have no doubt he is making the right decision for him and his family at this time. I do not know what the future holds, but I hope he considers staying involved with politics past 2018 and helping move Missouri forward.” Rep. Paul Curtman “Speaker Richardson is a true statesman. Although he would make an exceptional state auditor, his reasons for not running only further demonstrate his character as well as his commitment to serve the

in 2010. His talent, possibly influenced by his father, former Minority Leader Mark Richardson, was quickly realized by his peers. He served as the majority floor leader under Diehl. As speaker, he brought stability to a growing supermajority after a series of controversies, but also oversaw the passage of the largest tax cut passed in Missouri’s history, as well as the full funding of the foundation formula, REAL ID compliance, right-to-work, constitutional carry, transportation networking reform, and tort reform, among others. "Missouri will have one of the most aggressive, competitive economic climates anywhere in the country,” Richardson said in May at the end of session press conference. Republican leaders in the Capitol were quick to praise Richardson’s leadership, but also express disappointment in him not running.

members of the state legislature and the people of Missouri.” Rep. Bruce DeGrote “I am shocked to learn the Speaker will not run for auditor in 2018. In my opinion he is the most, effective legislator in the building. I look forward to supporting him in whatever public office seeks.” Rep. Kevin Engler “I think it's a shame when you get a good public servant like Todd Richardson and he decides not to further his political career toward auditor - a shame. I understand it. He has a young family, but I just wish we had more people like Todd willing to serve.” Rep. Jean Evans “It's a loss for Missouri, but hopefully he'll come around and run for another office. Missouri needs him.” Speaker Pro Tem Elijah Haahr “Todd Richardson is one of the best and brightest people in state government. When, or if, he chooses to be a candidate for office again, the state of Missouri will be lucky to have him.” Rep. Hannah Kelly “Speaker Richardson is an incredible statesman who I hold the deepest respect for. I am beyond grateful for the chance to serve under his leadership in the House and call him a friend. Whatever step is next for him after his service is completed in the House I have no doubt will continue to be successful. We do still have an auditor’s race to win in the next election, and I look forward to supporting the Republican nominee at that point in time and helping ensure a successful victory.”

Majority Caucus Chair Glen Kolkmeyer “I have always supported Speaker Richardson. I think he will continue to be a great leader for the Missouri House and politics in general. Rep. Joe Don McGaugh “Todd is one of the leading conservatives in Missouri. No matter what he decides to do after his successful term as Speaker of the House, I will support him wholeheartedly.” Rep. Nick Schroer “I am deeply disheartened to hear our Speaker is not running for State Auditor. While I understand he wants to focus on upcoming issues this next session, he has proven to be an effective leader who has worked with both parties to improve the State of Missouri. I look forward to working with him next year, and hopefully, many years to come!” Rep. Kathy Swan "I greatly respect the thoughtful decision made by Speaker Richardson and his family. His experience as Speaker of the Missouri House will certainly prepare him well for any future pursuit, whether professional or political.” Rep. John Wiemann "Todd Richardson is a genuine and thoughtful person who has been an effective Speaker. I respect his decision to focus on his service as Speaker and the important work we want to accomplish on behalf of Missouri families in the upcoming legislative session. I know that whatever Todd chooses to do in the future that he will be successful and a great asset to Missouri.”

6 www.themissouritimes.com Benjamin Peters

benjamin@themissouritimes.com As lawmakers return to Jefferson City for the annual veto session, one question is on everyone’s minds: what will the Legislature do with Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal and Rep. Warren Love? The embattled Democratic senator from University City made national headlines in August when she posted a Facebook comment in which she said she hoped President Donald Trump would be assassinated. Her remarks quickly led to rebukes from both sides of the aisle in Missouri, with the Senate leaders removing the senator from her committee assignments. Lt. Gov. Mike Parson penned a letter to the Senate, calling on them to petition for a special session to expel the senator if she did not resign by the start of veto session, even after Chappelle-Nadal issued an apology to the President in a press conference held in St. Louis. Parson said that he had spoken to members of the senate, whom he says are in agreement that her actions were unacceptable and unbefitting the conduct of a Missouri state senator. Thus far, Chappelle-Nadal has refused to step down. And less than two weeks after that, another Missouri lawmaker drew the ire of his fellow legislators with his remarks concerning vandalism of a Confederate monument in the Springfield National Cemetery, in which he stated that the vandals should be “hung from a tall tree with a long rope.” Love also apologized, but several lawmakers also pointed out that if Chappelle-Nadal’s comments were grounds for expulsion, so should Love’s be. Members of the minority party quickly pointed out that the Republican leaders, who appeared so quick to call for Chappelle-Nadal’s resignation, were slow in their calls for the same from Love. “When a black Democratic woman made a reprehensible social media post in support of political violence, condemnation and calls for her resignation was immediate and bipartisan," House Minority Leader Rep. Gail McCann Beatty, D-Kansas City said in a statement. "But when a white Republican man did the same, Greitens, Parson and other Republican leaders suddenly lost their voices." In a tweet later that day, Gov. Eric Greitens stated that he believed Love should face the same consequences as Chappelle-Nadal. Both legislators were condemned by members of both parties for their words, which they called shocking and offensive. But the question now is whether their respective legislative bodies will expel them or not. The Missouri Constitution allows each chamber to expel members with a two-thirds vote, per Article III, Section 18, but the state law doesn’t provide any examples of what should be considered worthy of expulsion. If the chambers were to call themselves into a special session on the matter of expulsion of either Chappelle-Nadal or Love, they would have to do so with a three-fourths vote from the members of each chamber. There is no provision that allows for a single chamber to convene a special session, however, which means that under the Missouri Constitution, both chambers must sign a petition to convene a special. Still, several lawmakers seem uncertain as to what will come with the veto session, as sources tell the Missouri Times that a decision on whether the Senate attempts to expel Chappelle-Nadal will come down to a matter of whether they have the votes to do so or not. Democrats would most likely not cast a vote or vote against expulsion, meaning that the Republicans would need every one of their 23-member caucus to do so. If the House intends to do the same with Love, it could be an easier motion to accomplish.

WHAT IS NEXT FOR CHAPPELLE-NADAL AND LOVE? How does a legislative special session work? Benjamin Peters

benjamin@themissouritimes.com

With calls for a special session swirling around the state, the question of just how the legislature could call a session in order is on the minds of many. Currently, the loudest cries are for a special session to deal with the expulsion of the recently embattled Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal, following her comments in regard to the assassination of the President. Article III, Section 18 of the Missouri Constitution outlines how an elected official may be expelled. Lt. Gov. Mike Parson has called on the Senate to petition for a special session, as well as calling on the senator to resign by veto session (Sept. 13). “I talked to the Lieutenant Governor, I’ve talked to Senate leadership, and if she does not resign, steps will be taken to remove her,” Greitens stated during a Wednesday morning Facebook Live video. But the Legislature could also potentially take up the controversial circuit breaker bill, better known as HCB 3, though several legislators tell the Missouri Times it seems unlikely that will be the case at this time. But what would it take to call a special session? It could be done with a call from Gov. Eric Greitens, who has already used it twice

this summer, or it could be done with a threefourths vote of both chambers of the General Assembly. Article III, Section 20b outlines the rules pertaining to the calling of a special session by the legislature and states that a petition shall be filed with the Secretary of State stating the purpose for which the session is to be called. It outlines that the petition must be signed by three-fourths of the members of the Senate and three-fourths of the members of the House of Representatives, at which point the President Pro Tem of the Senate and the Speaker of the House shall by joint proclamation convene the General Assembly in special session. The chambers will then have 30 days to work under that session, before automatically standing adjourned sine die at 6:00 p.m. on the final calendar day. But how does this pertain to the potential special sessions in reference to Sen. Chappelle-Nadal or HCB 3? The real questions here are whether the chambers would have the numbers to even call a session or not. For those trying to do the math, the Senate would need 26 members to sign off on the petition, while the House would need 123 representatives. In terms of HCB 3, that could more easily be said than done, since the bill failed to even get enough votes for an override in the final

vote, with just 83 approving the measure. The Senate would just barely have enough, with 27 senators casting “aye” votes. Another thing to point out is that, in the case of Sen. Chappelle-Nadal, only one chamber would be acting on anything, as it would be up to the Senate to expel one of their own. However, there is no provision in the law that relates to just one chamber being called into session, meaning that state law instead would require both chambers to come to a session, even if the House would have no actions in the matter. If the special session to expel Sen. Chappelle-Nadal is called, several legislators say the most likely outcome would be that the embattled senator would resign, as state law would require the forfeiture of Chappelle-Nadal’s retirement benefits under MOSERS if she is removed from office. Whether a special session is called depends on how the senators would vote on the matter, and if they do not have the numbers to expel her outright, then leadership might try another option, which is to censure the senator. The Missouri Times has reached out to the Governor’s Office to inquire as to whether the Governor would take the matter of calling for a special session into his own hands but has not received any comment at this time.

The Missouri Times

More unanswered NO MO RED TAPE Missourians share their thoughts on questions on state regulations with mixed reviews metal detectors Benjamin Peters

Michael Layer

michael@themissouritimes.com

In June, the Missouri Legislature voted that, as of July 1st, it will no longer allocate funding to Capitol Police nor any other security personnel to monitor the metal detectors at the visitor entrance to the Capitol building. In doing so, the funding for Capitol security measures were specifically restricted so that the public could enter the building without going through the metal detectors. At the same time, funds were appropriated so the Capitol police could hire five additional officers specifically for “saturation patrols,” which entails patrolling the hallways, but does not include monitoring the metal detectors. On Tuesday however, Office of Administration Commissioner Sarah Steelman spoke with Elliot Davis of Fox 2, and confirmed that Capitol visitors “will have to go through metal detectors.” Davis asked Steelman, who has been been forced to carry water for the administration on the metal detectors for months, about whether the public should be required to go through the metal detectors based on the budget that was passed. She said, “the legislature gave an appropriation to the Department of Public Safety for additional Capitol security guards, which will be stationed at the metal detectors.” Her comments contradict Rep. Scott Fitzpatrick, Chair of the House Budget committee, who shaped the specific allocations in the Missouri budget. “There was an appropriation for 5 additional Capitol police officers. The intention was for those officers to saturate the hallways and have an increased presence on every floor of the Capitol,” he said, “There was no appropriation for the security [contractors].” Currently, the Capitol hires independent contractors to man the metal detectors while police are stationed near the entrances and exits. Because the metal detectors are by the entrances to the Capitol, the police and contractors are in the same location, but do not serve the same function. Steelman’s comments raise questions as to how the contractors are being paid, whether Capitol police has misappropriated funds by hiring officers or contractors to do a job they are not intended to do, and whether the public should still have to go through the metal detectors. Mike O’Connell, Director of Communications at the Missouri Department of Public Safety, was not aware of any procedural

differences of how the metal detectors were to be managed since the budget was passed. “ I know there are metal detectors there and there are security measures in place, utilizing them – just as there have been in the past… I’m not aware of how [the 2017 budget] in any way affected the procedure as far as security goes, now.” It is still unclear as to how the contractors are being paid. It is still unclear as to whether Capitol police will be hiring officers to be taking over for those jobs. For O’Connell, what is clear is that the job will be done. For him, as long as the security measures in place, the minute specifications for Capitol police come second. “The metal detectors are in place [and] the system is being utilized. We don’t get into get into the details of specific security measures, other than to say that we adapt and adjust to whatever the conditions are to provide security to people who work in that building, the legislators, and to the general public,” O’Connell said.

WATCH DAVIS’ VIDEOS ONLINE In Davis’ coverage, Steelman says the Missourians want the metal detectors, despite the legislature’s decision. Specifically, Davis asked her whether the legislature had changed their minds and allowed for either contractors to be paid or for police to be hired to take over their position. She said, “That’s not what everybody was saying… The public won out because we were making sure that the Capitol is safe for the public.” Rep. Kurt Bahr told the Missouri Times in June that “The inconvenience of the metal detectors is just extreme.” Bahr said. “My office window is right outside on the second floor where most of the visitors come in, and so when I was at the Capitol, I just saw lines of school kids waiting in the cold, waiting in the rain, waiting in the sun, waiting to come into a building that had forever been an open building. It’s just a terrible idea to say we’re going to process these people through metal detectors when having a couple of cops will do a better job providing security.”

benjamin@themissouritimes.com

Shortly after taking office, Governor Eric Greitens made it a priority for each state department to review their rules and regulations in order to locate burdensome or outdated practices in order to make the business environment more attractive and encourage job growth. Greitens announced this move with Executive Order 17-03, which suspended all rulemaking until the end of February and required each agency to review their rules and repeal any regulations that do not meet the necessary criteria, which is as follows: • The regulation is essential to the health, safety, or welfare of Missouri residents; • The costs of the regulation do not outweigh their benefits, based on a cost benefit analysis; • A process and schedule exist to measure the effectiveness of the regulation; • Less restrictive alternatives have been considered and found less desirable than the regulation; • The regulation is based on sound, reasonably available scientific, technical, economic, and other relevant information; and • The regulation does not unduly and adversely affect Missouri citizens or customers of the State or the competitive environment in Missouri. The initial deadline to complete these rule reviews had been set for May 31, 2017, but it was delayed. Now, the state agencies are in the process of conducting the regulation reviews and holding the required public hearings; some are even wrapping up and sending their results to the Governor’s Office already. The results, to say the least, have been somewhat mixed, with some departments receiving a few dozen responses from Missourians, while other have recorded hundreds, or in one case, thousands. Currently, the Governor’s “No MO Red Tape” website shows 478 comments have been received. In those comments, the website says 16 departments have been mentioned specifically, with 157 specific requirements identified. According to the website, the departments receiving the most comments are the Dept. of Health and Senior Services, Revenue, Social Services, and Natural Resources. We reached out to each agency and have been compiling the responses from each department in regard to how many comments they have received and just how effective the public hearings have been. Here are the num-

bers the Missouri Times has been given from the following departments over the course of the last week: Department of Agriculture – 1,968 comments MoDOT – 71 comments Department of Mental Health – 14 comments Department of Health and Senior Services – 45 comments Department of Revenue – 69 comments Department of Conservation – 646 comments Department of Higher Education – 12 comments Department of Natural Resources – 74 comments Department of Public Safety – 235 comments Department of Social Services – 112 comments Missouri Public Service Commission – 36 comments Office of Administration – 60+ comments Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions & Professional Registration – 90+ comments Interesting to notice is the wide degree of comments given to each department, with the Dept. of Agriculture leading the way with roughly 2,000 comments, compared to the 14 comments received by the Dept. of Mental Health, who also said that they request comments from its consumer and provider networks prior to filing new rules or rule amendments. “As a result, the number of comments we receive through this open public comment period does not reflect all of the input we receive on our rules,” a statement from the department read. The Department of Natural Resources also says that one of the best avenues for them has been stakeholder meetings. It’s also worth noting that, while the Dept. of Higher Education only shows 12 comments, their hearings are still scheduled to take place on Sept. 13 and 14. In truth, it seems that the more effective means of gathering public comment has been to open up an online way for Missouri citizens to send their ideas or complaints, rather than hosting public hearings. At some hearings, less than a dozen people could be seen in attendance; more than one agency’s hearing even had no attendees. In fact, the two public hearings for the Public Service Commission lasted barely five minutes apiece. The Missouri Public Service Commission holds their first public hearing to receive comment from the public on their rules or regulations. The only people in attendance were reporters, PSC staff, and lobbyists. CONTINUED ONLINE AT MISSOURITIMES.COM

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Hagewood to challenge Stacy for District 31 seat

BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. – Travis Hagewood announced he will be running for the District 31 seat next fall and is already taking steps to put out Stacy on the defensive, who claimed the seat in 2016 by knocking out former incumbent Rep. Sheila Solon.

Coleman announces candidacy for HD32 to replace Lauer

GRAIN VALLEY, Mo. – Grain Valley alderman, school board member, and community leader Jeff Coleman has announced his candidacy to replace termed state Rep. Jeanie Lauer. Coleman, a Republican, has served as a retirement and wealth preservation specialist for over 30 years.

Clubb launches campaign for House District 144

PIEDMONT, Mo. – Vinnie Clubb publicly announced his candidacy to serve the people of Missouri’s 144th House District as their State Representative. The current office holder, State Representative Paul Fitzwater, will be exiting due to term limitations.

Presnell announces candidacy for Missouri House District 35

LEE’S SUMMIT, Mo. – Iraq War veteran and Democratic candidate Jordan Presnell on Saturday, Aug. 12 announced his intent to run for state representative for Lee’s Summit and parts of Kansas City and Raytown.

New Hilltop office in St. Louis signals midwest outreach for Dems

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Hilltop Public Solutions, a campaign management group, is unveiling a new office in St. Louis for better outreach in the midwest. While Hilltop has offices around the country, the strategy group but has been looking to widen their base.

2018 could be the year of the preacher for the Missouri Legislature Benjamin Peters

benjamin@themissouritimes.com

The next election could potentially bring a new caucus into the Missouri General Assembly. “It’s a big year for preachers,” Aaron Baker of Axiom Strategies said during an interview on the #MoLeg Podcast. “I think I’ve counted six.” With the 2018 election soon coming, a number of candidates from a religious background are looking to make a splash. At least three more preachers are debating whether to make a bid for an elected office, which would mean at least six potential new additions if they all succeed in their campaigns. Among the list are Brad Hudson, Ben Baker, and Doug Richey. “They’re mostly Southern Baptist or Assemblies of God, mostly based in Southwest Missouri, but we’re going to have a pretty big Preacher caucus coming in next year,” Baker said. Hudson is seeking the seat in Missouri’s 138th District, where the Republican is the pastor for to the congregation of Blessing Heights Worship Center. Neosho Mayor Ben Baker announced in July that he would seek to replace the term-limited Rep. Bill Reiboldt. Baker is the Dean of Students and a professor at Ozark Bible Institute and is also a lay minister who attends Bible Holiness Assembly of God. Doug Richey, the pastor of Pisgah Baptist Church in Excelsior Springs, is also seeking a House seat in District 38. And as Missouri continues leaning as a red state, the typically more conservative values continue to play well with voters, who showed up strong in the 2016 election to elect a completely red ticket of statewide officeholders. You can listen to more of the interview in last week’s episode of the #MoLeg Podcast by subscribing in iTunes.

The Missouri Times

2018 Right-to-work supporters Is Hawley reluctant to attack ‘union bosses’ run for U.S. Senate, with mailer or just reluctant to answer the question? Benjamin Peters

benjamin@themissouritimes.com

The battle over right-to-work continues in the Show-Me State, as both sides look to sway voters as the controversial law looks primed to head to the ballot in 2018.

Earlier this month, union organizers managed to turn in more than 300,000 signatures on initiative petitions to get a referendum on the ballot, but now right-to-work supporters are taking the next step. Americans for Prosperity, a pro-RTW group, launched the second in a series of mailers to Missourians this week, seeking to educate voters about the law. It’s part of the organization’s six-figure effort to spread their message, using digital video and display ads, direct mail, events, door-to-door canvassing, and phone banking. AFP-Foundation is sending this new right-to-work mailer to Missourians in an effort to educate voters on the new law. “Right-to-work is about workers, and we are proud to stand with the workers who now have the freedom to choose whether to pay union dues,” AFP-Foundation Missouri State Director Jeremy Cady said in a statement. “Missouri workers have joined their colleagues in 27 other states in gaining the freedom to work without being forced to join or pay a union fee. Our mailer is just the latest in our effort to keep Missourians aware of the law and how it increases worker freedom.”

Pro right-to-work group accused of armed intimidation

A pro-right-to-work group is catching some flak after it was reported that four armed men were handing out literature opposing the anti-RTW movement in Buchanan County. According to a report by the St. Joseph News-Press, the men were seen walking the grounds of the Buchanan County Courthouse on Thursday, Aug. 10 and openly carrying firearms while distributing brochures published by Liberty Alliance, a pro-RTW group.

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Benjamin Peters

benjamin@themissouritimes.com

Attorney General, and I think he’s doing a great job, but I also think the party and people within the party’s number one goal is to beat Sen. McCaskill, and they look at the playing field to see who has the potential to do that, and he sits at the top. I think he is running with reservation because he wants to be Attorney General.” Still others questioned Hawley’s motives, noting that the ad his campaign ran called out career politicians for using elections to “climb

Recent news about Attorney General Josh Hawley’s potential run for U.S. Senate continues to leave voters with questions about the status of the Republican’s intentions. Just last week, it was announced that Hawley was forming an exploratory committee for a possible bid against U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill. “It’s really not official, he’s still playing around with an exploratory “I don’t think he necessarily wanted to run. committee. Either start a pot, or get out of the kitch- I actually believe him. I think he ran to be the en,” Sen. Jamilah Nasheed Attorney General, and I think he’s doing a great said. For some time now, job, but I also think the party and people within people have been asking if Hawley will run, and he has the party’s number one goal is to beat Sen. Mcseemed reluctant to answer Caskill, and they look at the playing field to see that question. But is he who has the potential to do that, and he sits at reluctant to run? the top. I think he is running with reservation That was the question put before the panel on This because he wants to be Attorney General.” Week in Missouri Politics, and the general consensus seems to be that Hawley, in truth, did not have the ladder”, which some people is hypocritical on Hawley’s part, as he has not yet served one any intentions of running for the U.S. Senate full year as the state’s Attorney General. seat, but may do so at the urging of his party. McCaskill’s camp was quick to respond to “I definitely think he’s the right guy for the that ad, saying that by reaching for another job. I think the whole party is kind of behind rung of the “political ladder” months after him,” Rep. Tom Hannegan said. “I think he’s winning his first elected office goes against his sincere that he’s like “I’m here for the people’ word. and he didn’t want to be that career politician, “I think he is genuinely conflicted in and I truly believe that. But I believe there’s a wanting to do this,” Garrett Webb of COE lot of pressure saying ‘you are the right man’ Strategies said. “But looking at the ad that he and sometimes people need that extra push, ran, telling him that this is what you said, this that convincing.” is what you’re looking at for the next year, do “I’ve been unbelievably impressed by him,” you really want to do that or do you want to Steve Tilley of Strategic Capitol Consulting make a difference with some of the initiatives said. “I’ve dealt with a lot of candidates comyou began as Attorney General? That’s it. Stay ing to you saying ‘I’m being urged to run, I’m as Attorney General because you’re not going being recruited’ and 99 percent of the time to beat Claire McCaskill. We took the experthat’s crap. It means they want to run. iment of electing people without experience, “I don’t think he necessarily wanted to run. and we see what that has brought us.” I actually believe him. I think he ran to be the

10 www.themissouritimes.com

TRUMP VISIT

Trump outlines goals for major tax reform, Missouri Republicans approve BENJAMIN PETERS THE MISSOURI TIMES JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – President Donald Trump on Wednesday, August 30 kicked off his tour to pitch his plan to bring heavy changes to America’s federal tax code, and while he discussed some of what he hopes to accomplish while making his first stop in Missouri, he didn’t spend much time going into the details of the plan. In a short speech given at a local ventilation and furnace company located in Springfield, Mo., the Republican president who secured a 19-point win in the Show-Me State just months before promised a mixture of corporate tax cuts and individual tax reductions that he said would boost the middles class. It’s projected to be one of the biggest tax overhauls in the nation’s history, and the U.S. hasn’t seen a major overhaul of the federal tax code since 1986. His plan centers around four main goals: • Simplify the tax code • Eliminate special interest loopholes • Provide tax relief for middle-class families • Cut the corporate tax rate “My administration has embraced a new economic model. It’s called, very simply, the American model,” Trump told those in attendance on Wednesday, saying the reforms would encourage companies to grow and hire in America, create more jobs, and raise wages. Trump’s plan is one that he has promised for months now, including the slashing of the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 15 percent. The President said that other countries with lower corporate tax rates are more attractive to American companies, and are “taking us, frankly, to the cleaners.” The president said the nation’s high business tax rates as the top reason companies based in the U.S. choose to do business abroad, saying they leave money and assets overseas because of “bureaucratic and difficult” tax regulations. Trump shared his hope that a tax overhaul will “bring back trillions of dollars in wealth that’s parked overseas,” while also creating a pro-growth job market and boost a “pro-American” economy. James P. Pinkerton is the co-chair of the RATE Coalition (Reducing America’s Taxes Equitably), a bipartisan group that aims to reduce the corporate income tax rate by broad-

ening the tax base. He says that the President’s plan would serve to level the playing field with other countries that enforce a corporate tax rate that can sometimes be nearly half of the current U.S. corporate tax rate. “As the President said, if you add in the average of state tax rates, then you get to a number somewhere in the 40s,” Pinkerton

brackets, consolidating the seven current brackets into three. The income tax brackets would be set at 10%, 25% and 35%, the latter for the wealthiest Americans, down from the current 39.6% rate. “Americans know better how to spend their money,” Trump said, telling the audience that the tax reform would allow citizens to

Congressmen Jason Smith, Todd Graves, Vicky Hartzler, Blaine Leutkemeyer, and Ann Wagner; Lt. Gov. Mike Parson, Senate Majority Floor Leader Mike Kehoe PHOTO/TWITTER-MIKE KEHOE

said. “So, the rest of the world is, on the average, at 23 and we’re sitting at around 40 or 41. That’s counter-productive to the American economy and it’s bad for jobs. And one of the things that economists have demonstrated is that the cost of the corporate income tax is born in large measure by the workers. The workers are always the losers.” It also calls for a redistribution of the tax

take home as much of their money as possible and then spend it as they see fit. The President’s plan was applauded by many Missouri Republicans, including State Treasurer Eric Schmitt, the man behind some of the Show-Me State’s largest tax cuts in recent history. “Having worked to pass two of the largest tax cuts in Missouri history, I know the

importance of enacting tax reform that spurs economic growth and expands opportunity,” Schmitt said in a statement. “President Trump’s proposal to reduce the tax burden on businesses, simplify our overgrown tax code and provide relief for working families is a step in the right direction toward revitalizing Main Street and increasing take-home pay for hardworking taxpayers.” Though not in attendance at the event, Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley wrote an editorial that was published by Fox News just hours before the President’s arrival, in which he called for sweeping reforms of the tax code, not unlike those being pushed by President Trump. The Institution on Taxation and Economic Policy says that, based on Trump’s publicly stated tax principles, Missourians making more than $1 million per year would receive a tax cut equal to 7.9 percent of their income. The largest group of Missourians, those making less than $45,000 per year, would get a tax break equal to 1 percent of their income. But to enact those policy changes, the President will need the help of the U.S. Congress, which could mean some of those lofty ideas may have to be tempered before a proposal is fully laid out. And with what some might call drastic changes, there’s always room to exercise caution. “Is there a reason to be cautious? Well, you always have to consider other variables,

The Missouri Times

including the deficit or social equities and so on,” Pinkerton said. “So I think that the lesson of the Coolidge tax cuts, the Kennedy tax cuts or the Reagan tax cuts is that about the most important thing you can do for the economy is getting the tax code right. And if you get that right, the deficit and everything will take care of itself.” GOP congressional leaders and the White House have yet to reach an agreement on the details of the tax plan and proposals are expected to go through congressional committees before the plan takes its final shape, but that hasn’t stopped the President from calling on them to pass the reform he’s looking for. “Today, I’m calling on all members of congress to support pro-American tax reform,” Trump said. “They have to do it, it’s time.” He even targeted Missouri’s U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill in his speech. “She must do this for you, and if she doesn’t do it for you, you have to vote her out of office,” Trump declared. Still, Trump’s administration is enthusiastic about the plan, which they seem to think can be acted on rather quickly. “One thing you learn is that nothing happens in Washington as quickly as you would want it to, but we believe that the opportunity is in front of us to get this done before the end of the year,” Pinkerton said.

12 www.themissouritimes.com

Scott Faughn Publisher, The Missouri Times

Dear Mr. Danforth,

your self-righteous turkey call politics are their own brand of divisive

Well, it’s been about 24 months, and that means the Cardinals are due for a new closer and, of course, John Danforth is due for a sanctimonious diatribe on the Republican Party. It’s been about that long since Danforth teamed up with Tony Messenger at the Post-Dispatch to launch an unfair, vicious, and holier-than-thou personal slander of John Hancock. Right on schedule, this week, he partnered with another conservative bastion, The Washington Post, to attack the man who received more votes for President of the United States than anyone in the history of Missouri, President Donald J. Trump. Every Republican knows there are two tried and true ways for Republicans to gain the love and adoration of the mainstream media: 1) save children from a burning orphanage or 2) be a Republican who attacks other Republicans. I suppose Mr. Danforth wasn’t keen on fire school so here we go again. The op-ed was very eloquently written; you could almost hear the arrogance dripping from the Yale-isms. He followed up the attack with a predictable media tour of liberal outlets to lap up his praise, capped off by a love fest on MSNBC. He started off his piece, “Many have said that President Trump isn’t a Republican. They are correct.” You know he is far more of “a Republican” than most, he is a business owner. He is an employer, a job creator, a place in our society that we should honor and praise. If anyone has a claim on being “a Republican,” it’s the employer, it’s the business owner who must everyday fight off the tentacles gub’ment while giving people jobs. They are heroes and should be uplifted for their society-changing work, not looked down on by beneficiaries of trust funds. Maybe Mr. Danforth should try, instead of writing pious letters, to open up a business and employ someone. He might find that he will become more Republican every

quarter. (For the W-2 Republicans reading this, business owners pay taxes on a quarterly basis, tons, and tons of taxes… you can’t even imagine how awful the gub’ment is until you own a business). You see, Mr. Danforth inherited his position in life. Now he, of course, will take credit for the triple listed in the box score, but unlike most Missouri Trump supporters who built their businesses and have a chip on their shoulder about how the gub’ment is their worst enemy. Don’t let the Yale-isms fool you, he was born on third base, he didn’t hit the triple. On down he wrote, “Trump is always eager to tell people that they don’t belong here, whether it’s Mexicans, Muslims…” Granted Mr. Danforth is a big time Yale-educated United Nations bigwig and I’m just a simple, white trash West Butler County hillbilly, but didn’t Mr. Danforth vote for some of the very immigration laws while in the U.S. Senate that he is now attacking President Trump for enforcing? Reasonable people can debate whether the laws should be changed, but until then, you wonder if Mr. Danforth still believes in the rule of law or if he only believes in the rule of law until some East Coast Ivy Leaguer rules that a certain law is politically incorrect. In a stunning lack of self-awareness, Mr. Danfoth wrote, “Trump is not the first to promote self above party.” You wonder how his computer didn’t melt down from the sheer magnitude of the tonnage of hypocrisy in that line. Mr. Danforth also wrote, “Our party has been corrupted by this hateful man, and it is now in peril.” Good Lord, Donald Trump led a ticket, with John Hancock leading the state party, that had the best year in the history of the Missouri Republican Party. “Peril.” When Mr. Danforth led the state party, I suppose the Missouri Republicans were in utopia. I would suggest Mr. Danforth ask the folks in the Jefferson County Republican Party if they would rather live in their peril of electoral success, or the utopia of failure during the

The Missouri Times 70’s and 80’s when Mr. Danforth led the party. Hypocrisy is a trait common of the “upper class” however, this is impressive for even Mr. Danforth that he doesn’t even seem to put any stock in his own advice. Last fall, Congresswoman Ann Wagner un-endorsed Trump for his comments on groping women while his protege Mr. Hawley maintained his endorsement. However, come spring, Mr. Danforth was busy writing pretentious and haughty letters telling the regular folks to not support Congresswoman Wagner and instructing them to sit still and wait for Mr. Hawley to get his ladder out of the garage. Mr. Danforth told an eager audience at the Post-Dispatch about the President of the United States’ visit to Springfield: “I would not be there.” Well, I wasn’t aware the President invited Mr. Danforth and looking at U.S. Sen. Blunt, the entire republican congressional delegation, and all the statewide elected officials besides his protege, Mr. Danforth wasn’t missed. Maybe more concerning for Mr. Danforth could be if his protege wasn’t missed. I would predict that if Mr. Danforth and President Trump had a proxy fight in Missourah it would be the 1992 Attorney General Republican primary all over again. Finally, Mr. Danforth got to his real point in the Post-Dispatch: “I’m not singling out particular people. I’m making a broader point than that,” Danforth said. “I think it’s very

important to make it clear to the public that Donald Trump is not like us.” Mr. Danforth made himself crystal clear, maybe even Crystal City clear. Don’t let Mr. Danforth’s holier-than-thou tone fool you, this is not the first time he has called out Republicans by name; a quote from the 70s reads: “Dorman Steelman is a cancer on the body politic of the Republican Party.” But we’ll get back to that later. I believe the urban liberals call it dog whistle politics. Well, outside 270 we’ll call it “turkey call politics.” What Mr. Danforth is really saying here is that the “educated” and “refined” Republicans are different than us hicks. He is saying that Trump was never the president of the “educated” republicans, and isn’t their fault, and we should follow Mr. Danforth’s lead because after all they know better than us “uneducated” and “unrefined” hicks who happen admire our President. Some of us may not have went to Yale, but we understand what you’re getting at, Mr. Danforth. You see, Mr. Danforth is mad because his side lost. For years, the Missouri refined and cultured Republicans fought against the conservative wing of the state party led by Dorman Steelman of Dent County in rural Missourah. It took an extra couple decades, but the Dorman Steelman-led conservative wing of the Missourah Republican Party soundly de-

feated the John Danforth-led moderate wing of the Missouri Republican Party. The proof is when politicians like Eric Greitens were deciding on positions to appeal to the electorate, he chose Dorman Steelman’s policies over those of Mr. Danforth, and won. Hell, salt in the eye, when he was deciding how he should dress to appeal to Missourians, he chose Scott Faughn’s wardrobe over that of John Danforth. Trump is of the same Dorman Steelman wing of the party, John Danforth’s wing of the party is on the outside looking in. While Dorman Steelman’s wing of the party would be respectful when moderates such as George H.W. Bush won, don’t expect the same from the Danforth wing when candidates like Trump win. Mr. Danforth lost bigly, and he ain’t happy bout it. Now it ain’t Christian to criticize someone without offering solutions. That’s why I propose that Mr. Danforth come spend a week with me down in West Butler County. He can sleep on the pull out in the front room and get to know some of these regular people he wants to boss around. But pardon me here; I need to give Mr. Danforth a few pieces of advice before he heads down Highway 67. First, if you hear the word ‘Vienna,’ don’t go into a story about your vacation to Austria last summer, we are likely talking about the sausages, ’cause it’s around lunch time.

We have to come up with a lie about what you were doing in 2004 and 2005. We can say you were in the pen, joined a biker gang, or were a roadie for Skynyrd, but we cannot under any circumstances tell anyone you worked at the United Nations – that will get both of us beat up at the Stringtown Grocery. It would probably help you instruct people in rural Missourah if you get out and do some of the actual work to elect the Republicans you want mean to instruct. It’ll be time to put up some signs for Todd Richardson before long, and I don’t know if your kind of folk up at Harvard know much about him, but let me tell you they love him in Howell County. More importantly, you’re gonna be amazed at the new technology in road signs cause they didn’t have t-posts back in the 80’s, and whee doggies you prolly ain’t never used a zip tie – they’re a game changer, you’re gonna love ’em. Lastly, if someone mentions Madrid, don’t go talking about some gub’ment U.S. Senate fact-finding trip mumbo jumbo. They’re prolly talkin’ about the coon hunters club over at New Madrid by the river. Well I hope Mr. Danforth takes me up on the offer. What he may learn is that while President Trump’s plain speaking may be divisive in his parts of Missouri or inside the newsroom at CNN, Mr. Danforth’s turkey call politics of self-righteous lectures are their own brand of divisive in many parts of Missourah.

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14 www.themissouritimes.com

THINGS THAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK

1. Greitens visits Kansas City, St. Louis to announce 856 new jobs 2. CenturyLink announces it will expand broadband in 61k rural Missouri homes 3. UMKC halts cheerleading program amongst budget cuts 4. Columbia Councilman hopes to add marijuana reform to lobbying agenda 5. Missouri activates Blue Alert System 6. Former Rep. Mike Lair passed Read these and more online at www.missouritimes.com. Email your news to pressreleases@themissouritimes.com

The Missouri Times

LOBBYIST CHANGES

Changes on: 09/06/2017 Zachary Brunnert Added SOUTHERN FOOD SYSTEMS Tom Dempsey Added GROW MISSOURI Tom Dempsey Added FIRST RULE MEDIA Cheryl Dozier Added 4ME4WE LLC Kathryn Gamble Added MAXIM HEALTHCARE SERVICES INC Cynthia Gamble Added MAXIM HEALTHCARE SERVICES INC Richard A Mcintosh Added SOUTHERN FOOD SYSTEMS Bridget Sharpe Deleted PROFESSIONAL BEAUTY ASSOCIATION Changes on: 09/05/2017 Zachary Brunnert Added 4ME4WE LLC Francis E Flotron Added 4ME4WE LLC David Mccracken Added 4ME4WE LLC Richard A Mcintosh Added 4ME4WE LLC Mark Schwartz Added MISSOURI COALITION FOR COMMUNITY BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE Shantel Smith Added 4ME4WE LLC Bill Stouffer Added 4ME4WE LLC Michael T White Added COUTRY CLUB PLAZA JV LLC Keith Antone Willis Sr Added 4ME4WE LLC Brett Dinkins Deleted MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Kenneth J Rothman Deleted MCKNIGHT PLACE ASSISTED LIVING LLC Kenneth J Rothman Deleted THE GATESWORTH Kenneth J Rothman Deleted PHYSICIANS ADVANTAGE HEALTH CARE GROUP Kenneth J Rothman Deleted DEUTSCH FAMILY INVESTMENTS LLC Kenneth J Rothman Deleted ONE MCKNIGHT PLACE Kenneth J Rothman Deleted DELMAR GARDENS Kenneth J Rothman Deleted LARUS CORPORATION Kenneth J Rothman Deleted DEUTSCH FAMILY LLC Kenneth J Rothman Deleted BJC HEALTH SYSTEM Kenneth J Rothman Deleted MCKNIGHT PLACE EXTENDED CARE LLC Kenneth J Rothman Deleted GARDENVIEW CARE CENTER Karen Strange Deleted KAREN STRANGE ASSOCIATES Changes on: 09/04/2017 Kerry K Messer Deleted AMERICANS UNITED FOR LIFE Changes on: 09/01/2017

Irl L Scissors Added NATIONAL STRATEGIES ON BEHALF OF AXON Jason Zamkus Added SILVER DOLLAR CITY Jason Zamkus Added CITY OF MOBERLY John A Benske Deleted AMGEN Robert Boone Deleted MISSOURI PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION Margaret A Brueggemann Deleted MISSOURI NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION Nancie D Hawke Deleted THE CURATORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI Steve Robino Deleted AETNA INC Russell Schomberger Deleted SALESFORCECOM INC Carol Smith Deleted UNITED WAY OF GREATER KANSAS CITY Changes on: 08/31/2017 William A Gamble Added MAXIM HEALTHCARE SERVICES INC James Harris Added OPPORTUNITY SOLUTIONS PROJECT Loree Anne Paradise Added MISSOURI ATTORNEY GENERALS OFFICE Nicholas Jc Pistor Added MACQUARIE INFRASTRUCTURE AND REAL ASSETS INC Sarah Topp Added MAXIM HEALTHCARE SERVICES INC Changes on: 08/30/2017 Jeffery N Brooks Added MAXIM HEALTHCARE SERVICES INC Deanna L Hemphill Added AMERICAN CONCRETE PAVING ASSOCIATION David Michael Jackson Added MAXIM HEALTHCARE SERVICES INC Aaron Baker Deleted HEAVYVEHICLE ELECTRONIC LICENSE PLATE INC HELP INC Jeffery N Brooks Deleted MISSOURI MOTION MEDIA ASSOCIATION Kristian Starner Deleted HEAVYVEHICLE ELECTRONIC LICENSE PLATE INC HELP INC Changes on: 08/29/2017 Dave Berry Added AMERICAN CONCRETE PAVING ASSOCIATION Jorgen Schlemeier Added MAXIM HEALTHCARE SERVICES INC Jorgen Schlemeier Deleted MISSOURI MOTION MEDIA ASSOCIATION Changes on: 08/28/2017 Brian Bernskoetter Added OREILLY AUTO PARTS Josh Schisler Added MISSOURI CONSERVATIVES CONCERNED ABOUT THE DEATH PENALTY Sarah Gentry Deleted MISSOURI HEALTH CARE FOR ALL Josh Schisler Deleted MISSOURI CONSERVATIVES CONCERNED ABOUT THE DEALTH

Who is Jeffrey Altmann? MICHAEL LAYER THE MISSOURI TIMES

Jeffrey Altmann is a Missouri-man: He’s the three piece suit wearing, deer and turkey hunting, grandma loving, rugby playing, lobbyist-in-charge of Viceroy Government Relations. He started the company earlier this year. Among his clients are tech startups, developers, and municipalities. One his biggest clients is Anchor, a boat ride-sharing tech startup – which some are calling “Uber for boats.” He is also representing the City of Ellisville against the St. Louis’ proposed City/County merger. While Altmann is personally professional, really he is professionally personal. In his conversation with The Missouri Times, he briefly mentioned his six-year involvement in Missouri politics where he would come to the Capitol “as organic friendships grew with other Representatives, I’d come up for fundraisers… it was purely making new friends and learning about issues. I think people valued that authenticity.” While in Jefferson City, he would build relationships in order to create a network for his true passion: lobbying. “The simple truth is that I am a lobbyist,” Altmann said. Altmann is a brand-oriented, background operator. When Anchor, which exclusively works out of the Lake of the Ozarks, ran into an issue with the Ozarks’ Captains Association, CEO Zach Hatraf was grateful for Altmann and Viceroy’s support. “There were some folks who raised some concerns and Viceroy did a good job helping us with those relationships. [Viceroy] got us through a successful summer. I can’t say it’s 100% because of them, but they definitely pitched in and carried their weight… he helped reduce tensions,” Hatraf mentioned.

Altmann is a relationships guy. He spoke about Hatraf and Anchor in his meeting with the Times and fittingly wore a shirt with anchors on them. Altmann and Hatraf were fraternity brothers at Missouri State University. They also play on the same St. Louis’ Hornets rugby club team together. Around Anchor’s inception in 2016, Altmann proposed representing Achor’s interest at the local level and when Hatraf agreed, the two friends and teammates became business associates. His relationships with his parents have a role in shaping Jeffrey Altmann. His father is an attorney and Director of Intellectual Property at Emerson Climate Technologies and his mother is an administrative assistant of Mehlville school district. “I think I have my dad’s brains, but my mom’s personal skills,” he said. He spoke very highly of his mother, jokingly crediting her for his “award-winning personality and five-star charm.” Her biggest influence was imparting her listening skills, which he uses each day at Viceroy. “You have to listen to what people are telling you. You have to listen to what your clients’ needs are… [you have to listen to] what they want to see. How can the government help them out without reaching too far?” He plans on growing Viceroy into a lobbying group based on both personal and professional relationships. For Jeffrey Altmann, his best strategy is to listen and understand how his clients are and where they want to be. “Everyone deserves to have their voices heard, and I enjoy the opportunity to [educate] people on behalf of my clients,” he said. “Everyone deserves to have their voices heard, and I enjoy the opportunity to [educate] people on behalf of my clients,” he said.

16 www.themissouritimes.com

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