Inside an Infant Government

When I decided to run for Jefferson County’s first Charter government last year, I knew that if elected, I would experience a life-changing, history-making experience. Last November, I was given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, an opportunity that surpassed my wildest dreams.  In January, I was trusted with the position of the first chair of the Jefferson County Council. 

In college, I studied history and political science and focused specifically on political movements in the history of the United States. I read about, researched and wrote papers on the lives and theories of people brave enough to challenge the status quo, people who made real changes in their communities. I am pleased and honored to have the opportunity to do the same now. 

For the past six months, my challenge, and the challenge of six other council members, is to put meat on the bones of the charter document. We have been handed the baton to run the next leg of a race that started with the drafters of the charter. The seven members of the council are all new to elected office, and we each work full-time jobs in addition to serving as representatives of our districts.  Each member is highly motivated, idealistic and hard working. We are learning as we go within this infant government. 

So far, I have enjoyed this opportunity immensely. Every day I learn something new. Every day I meet someone new. This project is a labor of love--love for the county that is my home, love for the people who live and work here and love of the American political process. 

This blog entry is the first of several I hope to share with you, dear reader.  My desire is to serve you and the residents of Jefferson County generally and District 2 specifically to the best of my ability. District 2 covers Ward 4 of Arnold, part of each of these areas: House Springs, Fenton, High Ridge, Imperial and Meramec Heights.

I bring to Jefferson County government a desire to serve others, to make positive changes, to provide a new voice in leadership and new opportunities to people who have so often been overlooked in the past.  I want to craft a local government that is efficient, effective, responsive, fair and transparent.  Each of these aspects will be addressed in future entries as concerns and issues are described.

Should you have questions or concerns about county government, or issues that I may be able to help resolve, please do not hesitate to contact me.  I am at your service.

I can be reached at rreuter@jeffcomo.org or at 314-323-9527.