This is the 7th and last of my columns to be published before the August 7th Primary.   I've enjoyed writing.   I hope you enjoyed reading them.

On the Campaign Trail
(No. 7, Aug 1th)

          My mom told me once that I will never lose any friends in politics, I will just find out who my friends are.   In this campaign, I have been overwhelmed with many kind gestures from my friends. I realize now that I have more friends than I ever imagined.  They have gone out of their way to encourage me, to support me, and to defend me.   I will be forever grateful.
August 7th, is the primary election. There will be seven candidates on the Republican ballot. When the votes are counted, I may or may not find myself at the end of the campaign trail.  If I have enough friends to carry me through the primary, my campaign will continue to the general election in November where I will face the Democrat candidate.

We have one of the best chances of winning, but this is going to be a close race.    Please, make your vote count.    Thanks again for your friendship. You will not be forgotten.

Tuesday August 7^th is the primary election.  If I win, I promise that you and your family will always be welcome in the Capitol.

The 6th column

On the Campaign Trail

(No. 6, July 25^th)

Several years ago I was listening to a Paul Harvey radio broadcast and he made this statement. “ … the Bible is the very best guide book for organized living in a civilized society …”

While I could never find his quote in print, I found lots of other quotes that compliment Mr. Harvey’s. One of those is from Noah Webster, “The most perfect truths and examples for regulating your social conduct and domestic economy, as well as the best rules of morality, are to be found in the Bible. . . .” Our Founding Fathers shared the same beliefs.  So do I.

I consider myself a fairly well educated man. I have a broad collection of social and cultural experiences to draw from.  And if, at the end of this campaign trail, I find myself a member of the state legislature, I am confident that I have the resources I need to make the very best decisions.

My name is Bruce Sassmann and I will work for the common good of all men and pray for a healthy and prosperous future.

The fifth in a series

On the Campaign Trail
(No.5, July 18th)
 I wear a lot of hats in a variety of businesses and organizations, but I want to mention a couple that you probably didn’t know anything about.
 The Gasconade County Industrial Development Authority is an organization that I have been a member and officer of since its creation over a decade ago.   The Industrial Development Authority, IDA, was created by state legislation to be a special funding source used to attract and retain industry in the county.
 Another organization that provides financial assistance to business and industry in this area is the Meramec Regional Development Corporation.    I have also been involved with MRDC as an active member and officer for over a decade.   Our purpose is to provide funding for economic development.   As of May of 2012, we have administered over $23,500,000 in loans (not grants or gifts) to create or retain 2045 jobs in the Meramec region.
 I’d bet you didn’t know.
 My name is Bruce Sassmann, jobs have always been a priority, and I’ve been working for you for a long time. I will continue to work for the common good of all men and pray for a healthy and prosperous future.

On the Campaign Trail

(No. 4,  July 11^th)

            Why politics?     Our family has been in the funeral business for almost 100 years.  We are not elected, but we have always thought of what we do as a public service.   Much like government, we have a responsibility to care for every citizen, in a variety of situations, in full view of the public.   We are always on duty and always expected to respond.  We want the best for families and as friends we always wish we could do more.

For all of those 100 years we have also been involved in the community organizations.   My Dad was active in Church and on the school board.   My Brother was active in the Lions Club and community projects.   I got involved in city government.   I served as both Alderman and Mayor in my home town.   Most of the time it was a thankless job and I was an easy target.  But, there were a few seeds of progress sown.   The rewards are rarely immediate, but as time passes, a few of the projects I started eventually became a reality.   I know that I can make a difference.

My name is Bruce Sassmann, I have experience in local government, and I have always worked for the common good of all men.

www.brucesassmann@live.com   Paid for by “Friends of Bruce Sassmann”

My third column "On the Campaign Trail" is in this weeks paper.

On the Campaign Trail
(No. 3, July 4th)
 The expense of a campaign, even for a seat in the House of Representatives, is no small piece of change.    The race for the 62nd seat might even be more expense than most.   It is the most contested race in the state of Missouri.   There are seven republicans and two democrats campaigning for the same position.   Collectively, we will spend way too much money.   It seems like such a waste when there are so many other worthy causes.   Combine all of the political campaigns across the nation and I’m sure the figure would be staggering.
In my campaign there will be the cost for signs, cards, direct mail, newspaper ads, … I’m not sure where it will stop.
My wife and I talked about the expense of the campaign.   Jan compared it to a nice wedding.   There’s lots of preparation, plenty of stress, an expensive price tag, one day of extreme emotion, and then when it’s all over … you never know how long the marriage will last.
My name is Bruce Sassmann, I am prepared to make the commitment and the sacrifice.   It is my purpose to work for the common good of all men.

Here's the second of seven columns published in the local newspapers.

On the Campaign Trail
( No. 2 ,  June 27th)
I’ve been accused of being a tree hugger.   I wonder … I’m a member of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Quail Forever, Missouri Trappers Association, Conservation Federation of Missouri, NRA, and the Missouri Prairie Foundation.   Does that make me a tree hugger?
Maybe it’s because I am passionate about scientifically based conservation.  Maybe it’s because I believe we should be good stewards of the land and our land use practices should be ethical and renewable.  Missouri’s diverse resources should be considered an intricate part of our natural heritage to be shared with future generations.
Last year over 3000 people visited our 120 acre Prairie Star Restoration Farm.    If each of the visitors that witnessed our restoration efforts wanted to call me a tree hugger, I guess that would be OK.
Missouri is a diverse matrix of urban, rural, agricultural, industrial, and natural areas. We are all connected, every piece and part, and every individual in it … even the tree huggers.
My name is Bruce Sassmann, I care about our natural resources, I will work for the common good of all men, and I will pray for a healthy and prosperous future.

On the Campaign Trail

(Intro, June 2Oth)

Here the first of seven columns I mentioned.   They will be published each week between now the the Primary election.   This first column is an introduction.   Next week the title of my column is "Tree hugger".

My name is Bruce Sassmann.   I am a republican candidate for a seat in the Missouri House of Representative from the 62^nd Legislative District.   For the next seven weeks I’ll share a little about the process and myself as we prepare for the Primary Election on August 7^th.

Every 10 years, after the census, the State legislative boundaries are redrawn.  The 2012 election process marks the beginning of those new legislative districts.   District 62 now includes all of Maries County and a portion of Gasconade, Osage, Crawford, Phelps, Miller, and Cole.   The north and south boundaries stretch from Highway 50 in Linn to I-44 between St. James and Rolla.   The eastern edge is the county line between Gasconade and Franklin counties.   The far west takes us to a corner on Highway 54 between Jefferson City and Eldon.

Tom Loehner, the representative of this district has reached the end of his term in the House of Representatives.  Now nine others, including myself, are working to fill the void.

Follow me, in this column or on the web, friend me on Facebook, or check out my blog post.   It’s going to be an interesting ride.   It will be a campaign to find the common good for the 62^nd legislative district.

A couple of items worth mentioning.
First, during a funeral the other day, Fr. Jeremy mentioned in his message, "the common good of man"   I kept thinking about the common good and realize how important that message is to our government leaders.   The common good should be the barometer we use to measure the value of any government program, spending, action, etc.   If it's not for the common good of all men, then it must be pork barrel special interest legislation and spending.    I believe our government could be so much simplier, smaller, and less expensive if we simply avoided the trap of helping every special interest group that asked.   Mitt Romney said something about saying Yes wins votes, saying no ends in concession speeches.   Maybe I should start writing my concession speech, but if I'm elected as state representative, I'm only interested in serving the common good of all men.
Second, one of the many items on my bucket list is to be a syndicated column writer.   Another is to be involved in state government.   Well, I've married the two.   I have started a column that will appear weekly in the Unterrified Democrat, Belle, Bland, and Vienna papers, and the Gasconade County Republican.   The column is titled, "On the campaign trail"   Please tell me what you think

Mother's Day

Mother's Day.    My Mom spent the afternoon with us at the farm.   One of the highlights was a wagon ride.   Mom is in good physcial health but suffers from severe dementia.   Just getting out the nursing home, into the sun and fresh air is good medicine for her.

Another week passed and another week closer to the primary election.

The picture I've posted is from last summer.   The youngest of the frog masters is my great nephew Morgan McFadden, the lady killer is my second cousin Daniel Bruton.   They were at the farm during a Leffler family reunion.

Back to the week past.   I attended a few more meetings, meet and greets, and dinners on the campaign trail.   I've crossed paths with some really talented, hard working people in this district.   Many who voluntarily sacrifice themselves for a host of worthwhile causes.   This process reinforces my belief in our greatest asset, the people.  The government I want is one that serves the people, not the one that makes a slave of them.

Its been a week since my last blog.   I wonder if blogging should be more like a diary of the day(s) past?   So ...   I'm trying to think back from last Monday.   John McKinney's funeral this week was my first priority.  John's son Greg was my classmate for 12 years.   And in the last 44 years, this is only the second time our paths have crossed.   It was good to see Greg again.
I've been working on some campaign printing.   Frustrating.  I know this will sound prejudice but I don't enjoy talking to some computer tech guy on the phone and he speaks in an accent that I can barely understand.   In this country, why can't I speak to someone that speaks English.
Wednesday noon was a working lunch at Meramec Regional Development Corporation in St. James.
Friday evening Amanda offered her turkey for a carry in dinner for friends at the farm.   Saturday morning Bryan Littrell arrived at the farm at 5:30 am for a turkey hunt.    Cooper Seaton celebrated his 4th birthday at the farm Saturday afternoon.    Saturday evening Jan and I joined our friends from Springfield for a crayfish boil.   Sunday begins with Church, then the Archery in Schools spaghetti fundraiser, a visit with my Mom, Jan attended a bridle shower, and finally leftovers.   Will Amanda hunt in the morning?

Amanda's spring gobbler weighed 26 pounds and had three beards.   But the best part is we got to hunt together.   It was a beautiful morning, there were turkeys everywhere.   Turkey season last for three weeks and we can go again next week and maybe harvest another.
We took Amanda's bird to a taxidermist.   The pose will match one of the turkeys on the cover of my campaign cards.

Sunday, April 15th was my Mother's 92rd Birthday. She has been living at Frene Valley Nursing Home in Owensville for the past 16 months. My mom is in great physical health but, she suffers from dementia. I have some great pictures of her working in the garden when she was 90.
On her birthday we took a drive through the country. Back to her own home place south of Belle, to Travis cemetery, to the Gasconade River, the road between Paydown and Summerfield, to the Prairie Star farm, and finally to Wal-mart. Traveling with her now is living with history. She remembers the distant past and not much else.
She was happy today. I wish she could be back in her garden.

Self introduction

Last night the candidates for state representative in the 62nd Legislative District were invited to the Osage County Farm Bureau meet and greet.    Each of the nine candidates were given two minutes to tell a little about themselves.    Unfortuneately, few told about what really matters.   No one tried to discribe how they think or what motivates them into action.   I went home and reflected on the self introductions and wrote this:

"I have always considered myself to be open minded. I explore ideas from several different points of view. I am respectful of other people’s opinion.

            My background is science based. My approach to life’s decisions are based on fact. They are not driven by raw emotion. I am not afraid to make a decision. I will not walk away from a problem.

I am future oriented. I am willing to sacrifice the here and now for the benefits of a prosperous future.

My weaknesses are impatience and obsession. I have a hard time waiting for someone else to find a solution to our basic problems. I want it done now. And, I don’t give up easily. If an issue is important, I will devote my time and energy to it.

The new 62^nd Legislative District is my back yard. It is where I grew up, where I live and work, where I invest my time and money. It is my past, my present, and my legacy.    My name is Bruce Sassmann, director of a 94 year old family funeral business. My family and I have been in your service for four generations and I am prepared to do more. It would be an honor to serve the citizens of this district your next state representative."

week past

Last week we directed the funeral for Lillian Hassler.   Lillian was a great lady with a personality that made everyone she met feel good.   The Church was full.   That's not always the way it is for our elderly citizens, but for Lillian .... a church full of family and friends is just the way it should have been.   I will be one of the many that will miss her.

Saturday was our 4th annual Quail Forever Seedling Tree and Shrub distribution at the farm.   In less than an hour we gave away over 700 bareroot seedlings.    Preparation begins Friday evening with our small volunteer group of conservationist seperating and labeling each of the trees and shrubs.   Oh, we did break out the work session for some fried fish, french fries, slaw, and cheese cake from the annual 4H pie sale.  Interested in volunteering for the next activity?


Sunday.   Easter services and family.    My mom joined us at the farm for a ride in the Polaris Ranger.   She pointed out the dogwood, may apples, and phlox.    For a time she was happy.    But life isn't always that way for those suffering with dementia.    There were moments of frustration, anxiety, and tears.   It hurts me to see my Mother cry

Think Big

Several quotes have attracted my attention, and a few have been rewritten on scraps of paper and stuck on the wall by my desk.   This is one of them.

Make no little plans.   They have no magic to stir men's blood .....

The rest of the quote goes like this,  ... and probably themselves will not be realized.   Make big plans; aim high in hope and work, remembering that a noble, logical diagram once recorded will never die, but long after we are gone will be a living thing, asserting itself with ever-growing insistency.  Remember that our sons and grandsons are going to do things that would stagger us.   Let your watchword be order and your beacon beauty.   Think big.     Daniel Burnham 1893

Monday and Tuesday of this week I'm participating in a Forestry workshop.  Topics include forest and woodlot management, timber stand improvements, prescribed fires, and more.   The workshop is being held at the Whetstone Conservation Area near Williamsburg.   Ironically, this is the week our Quail Forever group will distribute more than 600 seedling trees and shrubs.   Our 4th annual tree and shrub distribution will be held Saturday morning, 9:00am sharp, at the Prairie Star Restoration Farm.   Participation is free and open to the public.

Governors Spring Youth Turkey Season

My eleven year old great nephew and his first wild turkey.   I wonder what he was thinking at the moment we snapped the picture.   He sat for a long time with his trophy.   I hope he will learn to live in harmony with nature, to appreciate the natural world, and to respect the greatness of the great outdoors.   It causes me to stop and think.   What I love of nature was passed on to me by my elders.   Now I am the one to pass it on to our youth.   Come back to the farm my young friend and we will go out into the wild together again.

great office space

Meet Cori Basham, editor of the Mules and More Magazine.   Cori is my IT, social networking, blogger, website, go to friend.   She’s a great gal from a great family and another friend that I’ll be indebted to for their help with my campaign for state representative.   If you’re not part of the mule family already, check out the magazine at www.mulesandmore.com

empty office chair

Cori's dad, Loren Basham

campaign treasurer

I would like to introduce you to Byron Baker. He is the treasurer for the Friends of Bruce Sassmann Campaign Committee. My most sincere thanks to Byron for his help with this campaign and my bid for State Respresentative of the 62 Legislative District.

Byron and I first met in a committee created by the Meramec Regional Planning Commission. He has always been an active member in the Linn community, in many regional projects, and on several state and national orgainizations. I am most thankful that Bryon and I crossed paths again in the Four Rivers Chapter of Quail Forever with the mutual interest of sharing a portion of our landscape with wildlife.

Byron's address is: 736 Hwy U, Linn, MO 65051. His cell is 573-680-2645

Tuesday, March27 th, 2012

Some folks know

and some are still learning

We've been trying to convert our cool season pastures to more wildlife friendly native warm season grasses.   I think the exotic cool season grasses like fescue will always be a management problem.  Today we sprayed with a herbicide that targets grasses.   Timing is critical.   We wanted to spray while the cool were actively growing and the warm season grasses were not.   The spray we used was called Select Plus.   It is not supposed to kill broadleaf plants.   If the spray works the way we hope it does, we should have an incredible bloom of wild flowers.   Diversity of flora and fauna is key to creating a healthy environment.

Sunday March 25th, 2012

Sunday, March 25, 2012.   Yesterday’s high tech group of titanium pedallers were displaced with today’s canine care givers.    The first member of the Red Oak Beagle Club arrived at 6:00 AM.    Pickup trucks, dog boxes, and beagles filled the gravel parking area around the barn.    No protein bars for this group.   Old fashioned biscuits and sausage gravy started the day.   The pictures tell it best.

Saturday March 24th, 2012

Saturday, March 24, 2012.   Spring is the beginning of variety of activities at the farm.   Today we hosted a group of back roads bike riders.    The farm was the pivotal point for several options of back road loops.   The original plan consisted of a marathon distance loop beginning and ending at the farm.   The spring rains and flooding added some detours and most of the riders exceeded the planned 26 mile distance.   The roads traveled were mostly gravel.    I was impressed at the athletic ability and the spirit of both men and women.   Most folks wouldn’t know that these back road dare devils, lock their feet into the bike pedals.   This gives the riders the advantage of pulling the petals up as well as pushing them down.   The disadvantage is, when the riders lose their balance, they can’t easily detach their feet from the petals.   Crashes, scratches, and blood are common.   Luckily, today there were no broken bones and only a little bloodshed.

Jan and I stopped by the nursing home this evening to see my mom.   She will be 92 in April and is in great physical health.   Sadly she suffers from dementia.   It’s hard to describe how I feel, ……. sad, helpless ….   I know she is well cared for ….  I don’t like to see her cry.

We finished the day, late night shopping at Walmart.

Welcome

Welcome to my Blog.   This blog is intended to give you a glimpse into my life and the things that I think are important.   Maybe it will help describe my views about all things political, philosophical, moral, ethical, social, and up till now, personal.  Regardless of the direction this blog takes us, I hope it is an adventure, exciting, and worthwhile.