LEGISLATORS KEEP IN TOUCH VIA HIGH TECH

To run a government of the people, state representatives need to stay in touch with the people.

To do this, state Reps. David Schwab and Mary Kasten and state Sen. Peter Kinder use methods that the Founding Fathers never could have foreseen, like e-mail, fax, the phone and radio talk shows. They also use a few methods that have been around for centuries, like surveys, letters and good old-fashioned face-to-face encounters.

Kinder said he tries to make himself as accessible as possible. To do this he has established a toll-free phone number in Jefferson City, a fax line, an e-mail address and takes phone calls during radio talk shows.

"I just try to get out and be accessible to people in all six counties; visiting with people at church functions, picnics and church suppers," he said.

Kinder was a guest twice during the first weekend of May on a local radio show. Because the shows are broadcast throughout Scott, Mississippi and Cape Girardeau counties, he said his appearances allow him to get a wide range of opinions from his constituents.

"You get a lot of interesting calls," Kinder said. "You get people who don't agree with you but they're not abusive."

Kinder said his e-mail has been increasing steadily since he established an address. His address is pkinder@services.state.mo.us

While he doesn't send out surveys like Reps. Schwab and Kasten do, he is able to share the information they receive from their surveys.

Schwab, R-Jackson, is well known for his surveys. Sent out twice a year to Cape Girardeau County and parts of Bollinger County, the questionaires change to reflect the business the House will be dealing with each year.

Schwab's latest survey asked his constituents' opinions on: sales tax for groceries, an increase in the state income tax dependent deduction, a tax credit for higher education expenses, welfare reform, driving while intoxicated laws, the Department of Corrections and education.

"It generally tries to deal with issues we'll be dealing with this year," Schwab said. "It's just one of many tools we use to try to get input."

Direct contact is Schwab's favorite was of gathering information. He said he prefers it when his constituents call and give their opinion on issues over the phone.

Schwab said he feels he understands the people of his district and votes according to their overall philosophy.

"Basically I have a very conservative district," he said. "It's pretty easy to for me to take the rule on the conservative part of that issue."

The surveys and phone calls also provide Schwab with possible bills for each session. Schwab introduced two bills, both from issues out of his district.

The first was on duplicate school bus inspections. He said the state requires two inspections on buses when one thorough inspection would work better.

The second bill was a way to establish grain moisture levels when farmers bring in loads for sale.

Because his job allows him to spend much of his time in his district, he said, he gets a lot of direct feedback. Schwab said he gets input throughout the year.

Kasten, R-Cape Girardeau, occasionally uses surveys. She said she has a problem wording her surveys so they don't lead her constituents to a certain answer. She also said that direct contact, or telephone conversations, are her best way of getting information.

Using a combination of sources is important for getting the most information and receiving the widest array of responses, she said.

Kasten said the Republican minority in the House does not introduce a large number of bills. She did not submit any this year. Instead, they work with the majority to ensure that the bills that are passed reflect some of the Republican issues.

She said her philosophy of government has developed through many conversations with her constituents.

"My philosophy is, We're better at solving our problems locally than having the state or federal government solve those problems," Kasten said.