Rep. Lipke is a man of conviction

To the editor:State Rep. Scott Lipke of Jackson recently lost his position as chairman of the House Committee on Crime Prevention and Public Safety. House Speaker Rod Jetton from Marble Hill refused to reappoint Lipke, although he was urged to do so by many. This is Jetton's decision, and it is a bad one.

Lipke won the Republican primary by defeating my wife by 25 votes. I have always respected his character and his ability. He developed an interest in the criminal justice system and worked for Morley Swingle, Cape Girardeau County prosecuting attorney, after law school. Lipke devoted, at considerable expense to his family, his time and energy as an assistant prosecuting attorney.

Lipke has been a persuasive, effective legislator and committee chairman. Law enforcement officials and agencies have nothing but praise for him. He has written major provisions and revisions of the Missouri criminal code providing sheriffs and prosecutors with the tools they need to be more effective. Missourians are safer today because of Lipke. He has publicly stated the loss of his chairmanship will not deter him from his agenda of crime-prevention legislation.

It is fair to say that Lipke is probably the most qualified representative in the House to chair the Committee on Crime Prevention and Public Safety.

Lipke is a team player, but he does not hesitate to express his opinions. He listens to his constituents and was born knowing right from wrong. I can only encourage Lipke to continue to pursue his crime-prevention agenda and his excellent service to Missouri.

JOHN LICHTENEGGER, Jackson