RICHARDSON TO SEEK THIRD TERM IN MISSOURI HOUSE

JEFFERSON CITY -- Stressing a desire to use his experience to better serve the people of the 154th district, State Rep. Mark Richardson, R-Poplar Bluff, has filed for a third term in the Missouri House of Representatives.

Richardson said he is looking forward to the opportunity to serve a third term. "My first two terms have certainly been an educational experience. Having gained the seniority of two terms, I believe I will be able to be even more effective in the legislative process as well as in responding to constituents' needs," he said.

"There is always unfinished business in the legislature and I am pleased with the progress we have made in some areas, but there must be radical changes in the way government does business if we are to restore confidence and trust in the system."

Richardson pointed out that many of the problems must be dealt with at the federal level and are beyond control of the State Legislature. But, "there are things which we can do in Jefferson City that will help our people."

Priorities he has been working on include a massive overhaul of the state's welfare system, restructuring of government services to families and children, and the crisis in workers' compensation.

"After serving in the General Assembly for three years, I believe I have a good understanding of the direction in which government needs to move," Richardson observed. "I am anxious to be a part of the efforts to implement legislation to move us in that direction."

Presently, Richardson serves on the appropriations committee for public safety and economic development; economic development and professional registration; workers' compensation; labor; judiciary; and mines and mining. He also serves as a member of the Republican Caucus Committee for Statewide Policy Development.

Richardson, 41, is a lifelong resident of Butler County. His wife, Kathy, is the director of computer services at Three Rivers Community College. They have two sons, Todd, 17, and Chris, 12, and one daughter, Megan, age 1. He is a member of First Christian Church, the Lions Club, and is scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 166.