President's Review
by Chuck Caverly, Council Member, Maryland Heights, and MML President
Hats Off To Municipal Advocates This was a tough year in Jefferson City. Legislators and lobbyists began the session this year with many restrictions in place, while the pandemic still had a huge hold on the state. MML interim executive director Richard Sheets could be found listening in to many committee meetings via Zoom, and testifying from remote locations. The challenges did not keep your MML advocates from putting cities first. In fact, far from it. MML continued their usual strong pattern of continued relationships and negotiations with lawmakers and worked closely with the lobbyists employed directly by municipalities. A coordinated strategy resulted in some of the best legislative outcomes for cities in years.
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Five of the six priorities directly affecting your community were achieved. Through hard work and bold action, MML is now a stronger and more respected force at the Capitol, and the results this year are testament to that.
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Five of the six priorities directly affecting your community were achieved. This included Wayfair legislation, a fuel tax increase, COVID-19 liability protections, important Sunshine Law provisions and prescription drug monitoring, This happened because MML is willing to negotiate. They lead the way to advocate for principles that benefit our communities, and no longer have a reputation of merely arguing against harmful bills. The extra work, determination and relationship-building is worth the time and effort. Through hard work and bold action, MML is now a stronger and more respected force at the Capitol, and the results this year are testament to that. As a local official, you have one of the hardest jobs, but also one of the greatest opportunities for service. Your hard work and bold action also mean great developments in your own community, and I salute the work you do. Let MML help you with the challenges you face by serving as a dependable resource. I invite you to join us in September at the MML Annual Conference in St. Louis and bring home the expert knowledge you will find there. The conference will have special meaning this year as we are able to gather together face to face. We have had a tremendous response so far from attendees and exhibitors – it is clear many of you are excited to meet again! Be a part of the discussions regarding resiliency, cybersecurity, leadership and so much more. Find the agenda and special events planned on pages 20-23 of this publication. Thank you for your continued work and dedication serving your community!
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theReview July/August 2021
