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CONTACT MELISSA

In Topeka: 
State Capitol Room 168-B
Topeka, KS 66612
melissa.rooker@house.ks.gov
785-296-7686

At home in Fairway
4124 Brookridge Drive
Fairway, KS 66205
melissa@melissarooker.com
913-961-1555

 

Dear Friend:

There is so much to say as the session that some predicted would be “quiet since it is an election year” heats up. The magnitude of our problems is staggering; moreso because they are manufactured by legislative choices and political gamesmanship. The reality that there is very little to be done to fix the situation with the current political makeup of the legislature is sobering.

A colleague received death threats last Thursday evening after the budget vote. I’ve been on the receiving end of similar threats on three occasions in my working life – there is no justification for it. None. We will sometimes disagree with each other - indeed, the only person I agree with 100% of the time looks at me from the mirror. The challenge is to remain respectful while conveying your thoughts. I would like to share a few of mine.

Emotions are running high all the way around, no question. For some, their livelihood is at stake, for others it is their health or the well being of their family. People are feeling helpless, and wondering if there is a way out for the state.  I remain optimistic about our prospects, but I – and my colleagues across the state who seek to renew Kansas – need your help.

In this country, our revolutions take place at the ballot box. We have peaceful transitions of power, and WE, the people, are in control. It takes effort, involvement, and it takes a little time on your part. In the end, I guarantee you, the results will be worth it.
Promise to tune out groups trying to scare you. You will recognize the tactic when you see it…ugly mailers spreading fear, photo-shopped to look dark and forbidding, tying people to national politicians they have never met, using hyperbole to stretch the truth, and robocalls or polls trying to challenge your common sense and divide people against each other. Many candidates intentionally make their races nasty because they know it turns you off and energizes their base – they will vote and you won’t. Pay attention to the byline in the fine print to find out who sends the mail.

Is it worth it to continue fighting for a Kansas 80% of us want, but only 6% are willing to get out and vote for? You tell me – we get the government we vote for – or in the case of most Kansans, that which we don’t vote for. This is the year for change and those who don’t vote double the power of those who do. Those who seek to destroy government aren’t afraid of talking about it and getting their supporters to the polls. Yet, most of us were taught it’s not polite to talk politics or religion, and as a result, our quality of life is under attack.
 
Beware, rumor mongering as a method of assassinating the character of the people choosing to serve is an age-old tactic that works if you let it. Be a conscientious consumer of information.  Here is a link to an article from the Topeka Capital Journal that reveals the contents of an internal memo circulating among certain Senate Republicans. It is worth your time to read it and become familiar with the tactics the memo reveals.
 
The solutions to the severe fiscal crisis we are in involve decisions you are conditioned to oppose, but are going to ultimately be necessary to get Kansas back on track. It’s up to you – are your schools, roads, safety, access to quality healthcare, security of your data, and so much more, worth supporting the public servants working to protect them? We will need your vote, your time, and your confidence in us come election season. I hope Kansas can count on you when the time comes.
 
I am taking a brief “time out” to be with my family – my uncle passed away Tuesday, leaving my dad as the sole surviving member of his family. I have been fortunate to never miss a day of session or a single vote, until now. I trust you will understand where my priorities are over the next few days, and know that I will be back at work on your behalf on Monday.
 
How can you help? Talk to a friend about the importance of voting, apply for a mail ballot to ensure your voice is heard. Help them learn a bit more about what is going on in Topeka. At the end of the day, the negative tricks work because we allow them to. Stand up, and help me fight for the future of this state.
I encourage you to stay tuned for more details in future updates, and please connect with me if you have questions or concerns. I am honored to serve.

Sincerely,

Rep. Melissa Rooker
Kansas State Representative, District 25
Serving Northeast Johnson County
Copyright © 2016 Melissa Rooker, All rights reserved.


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