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.