VETERAN LEGISLATOR WON'T RUN

SIKESTON -- After serving seven terms in the Missouri House of Representatives, state Rep. Dennis Ziegenhorn has decided not to seek re-election this year.

The Sikeston Democrat, whose 160th District also includes Benton, New Hamburg, Kelso and a part of Scott City, formally announced his decision Tuesday.

"I went to Jefferson City, not with an agenda for change, but rather with a hope that I could represent you. Nothing more, nothing less. I have never felt comfortable with the tag of legislator. I much prefer representative. That's what I've tried to do -- represent you and your views in Jefferson City," said Ziegenhorn.

"When I think back over the past 14 years, it's not the legislation I remember. No, instead I remember the people of this district and the many ways a representative can help to solve their problems or get them a straight answer when they ran into the red tape wall that surrounds state government. Those memories will never change."

Ziegenhorn, 46, said that during his career in the House he has tried to never lose sight of the people who elected him and his responsibility to carry their views to Jefferson City.

Ziegenhorn finalized his decision about 10 days ago. Last week, before leaving the Capitol for the General Assembly's annual spring break, he began telling colleagues, staff members in the House and other state officials he had worked with over the years of his decision. A letter went out this week to a group of longtime supporters advising them of his plans.

"The decision not to seek another term in the Missouri House was actually not a difficult one," observed the representative. "I hate to sacrifice the seniority that this district enjoys and I'll miss many of the friends and colleagues I have worked alongside. But after reflecting on my career as a representative and discussing the future with my family, we have concluded that this is the right time for Dennis Ziegenhorn to move on. There are other challenges and opportunities."

During his tenure, Ziegenhorn has served on a variety of committees in the House and currently chairs the House Insurance Committee, which handles some of the chamber's most important legislation. He has also chaired the Miscellaneous Resolutions Committee. Several groups have honored him for his service, including the Missouri Medical Association and the Missouri Hospital Association, who have named him "Outstanding Legislator."

Filing for offices opened Feb. 22 and will continue through March 29. One Democratic candidate has already filed, Joe Heckemeyer, the son of former state representative and now circuit judge Tony Heckemeyer. Sikeston City Councilman Josh Bill has announced his intention to file as a Republican candidate for the seat.

Ziegenhorn was first elected in 1980, defeating incumbent Clifford LaPlant in a primary and then defeating Republican Richard Powell in the general election.

Ziegenhorn had his toughest campaign in 1992 when re-districting put him in the same district as Democratic Rep. Ollie Amick of Scott City. Ziegenhorn won by 133 votes.

"I carried no laundry list to Jefferson City. My slate was clean," said Ziegenhorn. "But the people of this district had placed their faith in me and I was determined then, and remain today, willing and anxious to lend a hand. That's representative government in its most simple form."

Pointing out that he has always strived to help when asked, Ziegenhorn said: "I may not have always been successful, but I was always willing to return those phone calls, to listen and to try. My concern has always been genuine. Please believe me when I say my willingness to help was not `political' ... it was just the way I am."

Last year, to improve constituent access to his office in Jefferson City, Ziegenhorn installed a toll-free telephone number. He is one of only a handful of state legislators with such a line to his office.

Ziegenhorn's father, the late Eldon Ziegenhorn, was a longtime associate commissioner on the Scott County Commission.

Recalling his arrival as a newly elected representative to Jefferson City, Ziegenhorn said he did much listening and little talking. "And, you know for me, this was a major change. Talking is something I do best. But I realized then that this new world of Jefferson City was different.

"My father told me when I took that first trip that my new world would not be all black and white. There would be many shades of gray and many tough decisions. And, of course, he was right."

Ziegenhorn conceded that during his 14 years, he has made some mistakes. "No one enters this arena without making mistakes. The only way to avoid mistakes is to do nothing, and that's not what you elected me to do. I hope I have lived up to your expectations. Regardless, I can say I did my best."

Looking back, Ziegenhorn noted one of the things he is most proud of has been his ability to maintain the "delicate balance" between public service, his business and his family.

Said Ziegenhorn: "Too often, people in public office tend to put their families last. When I first filed for this office, I made the commitment that my family would always be a priority; public service is important to me, but certainly no more so than my family. While I realize that for 14 years Karen has been mother and father too many times, I have tried to focus on what is really important in life.

"I realize these are exciting times in the lives of Dez and Bart -- times that we will never be able to relive. During my career in the House we have struggled with many problems facing our society, problems that can only really be addressed by strong family units, not by government. That realization makes me appreciate my family even more and I thank my family publicly for their sacrifice and understanding during the past 14 years."

In announcing his decision not to seek re-election to the House, he left the door open to future public service.

"I am not through with public life. I'm one of those who takes the term `public servant' seriously. Were it only a job, I would have walked away in frustration years ago. But it's not been a job, it has been a service to my friends and fellow citizens of this district," said Ziegenhorn.