Richard Brown: I’d be Missouri lieutenant governor to serve the people, not politics | Opinion
My name is Richard Brown, and I am running to be your Missouri lieutenant governor for one simple reason: I want to do the job. It is a position that demands experience, responsibility and accountability. I have demonstrated all three.
I am a retired public school teacher. I am not a politician. I am a public servant who took my passion to Jefferson City and served eight meaningful years in the Missouri House of Representatives. I am not just another member of the legislature. I serve as the assistant minority leader and ex-officio of all state House committees. I work across the aisle to bridge gaps and foster unity with my Republican colleagues.
I stand for fairness, trust and transparency, which has earned respect from legislators and Missourians alike in my role as vice chair of the House Ethics Committee. I also serve as a Missouri tourism commissioner. My leadership does not stop at titles. It is about action, integrity, common sense and real Missouri values.
This election is an opportunity for Missourians to choose real leadership for our state’s future. Missouri needs leadership that is focused on the betterment of our state. I have demonstrated such leadership.
I would be focused on the statutory obligations of the job and being an ambassador for Missouri. The statutory provisions for the lieutenant governor include serving as a member of several state boards. I am currently a member on one of the boards in which the lieutenant governor serves — the tourism commission.
A primary function of the Missouri lieutenant governor is to serve as the official advocate for older adults in our state. This is a vital role because seniors rely on and trust that someone in our state government is paying attention to their current and future needs. My wife and I are both seniors.
As a retired teacher, the Parents as Teachers program is a natural fit as I am a strong proponent of early childhood programs. I am a supporter of the Missouri Arts Council, as I am a certified speech and drama teacher. The lieutenant governor also appoints one member of the work groups of the state board of education to develop learning standards in English and language arts, mathematics, science, history, governments and personal finance. I hold five Missouri teaching certifications. Wouldn’t it be great to know that a Missouri-certified teacher sat on those boards and made the work group appointment? It makes sense.
My dad, U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Odis Brown, served our nation in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. I was born later in my father’s military career at Fort Riley, Kansas. A few months after my birth, my family was transferred to Kansas City, where Dad was stationed as a recruiter.
After Dad retired, he got a government job like many veterans. He worked at the post office. Growing up in a military family with a retiree gives me a unique perspective to the needs of veterans. The Missouri lieutenant governor collaborates closely with our veterans and serves on the Missouri Veterans Commission. I watched my parents struggle with health care issues. My dad rarely used the Veterans Administration, and depended on medical services at Munson Army Health Center in Fort Leavenworth. This is where my mother and I also received our health care. That is the same hospital where my father died. Mom and Dad are both buried down the road in Leavenworth National Cemetery. When it comes to veterans and their benefits, I get it.
I am just a guy from the neighborhood who came to Jefferson City to do a job. I am someone who cares. I did not enter government service to become self-important. I have demonstrated the leadership qualities that Missourians demand. Now I am ready to go to the next level. I am prepared to lead Missouri into the future with common sense and Missouri values.
If you want to learn more about me or my candidacy, please visit my website at RichardBrown2024.com
I am Richard Brown, Missouri’s best choice for lieutenant governor. I am asking for your vote and your support. Thank you for your time and consideration.