Term Limits Redux...

Here's a little info worth sharing about term limits. It was lifted from Debate.org and I'm giving it full citation so you know other, learned people and organizations have given the concept some extensive thought.

In the United States, term limits date back to the colonial period, when William Penn provided for triennial rotation of the upper house of the colonial legislature in his Pennsylvania Charter of Liberties. Currently, the President of the United States can only serve two terms as provided for in Amendment 22 to the Constitution, but there are no restrictions on terms for the Vice-President or for members of Congress. There have, however, been calls for the introduction of term limits for other national offices in an effort to prevent one person, such as William Byrd in West Virginia or Teddy Kennedy in Massachusetts, from virtually holding an elected position for life.

Within the United States, policies on term limits for officials elected to state or local offices vary, with some localities enforcing them and others having no such policy. Term limits are less common in countries that have a parliamentary republic rather than a presidential one, since the head of state often does not have a set term of office at all; instead, he or she can be taken out of power at any time upon losing the confidence and support of the parliament. However, even in a parliamentary system, some officials who serve a particular term may have the amount of time they can hold office limited.

Opponents of Term Limits

Critics in the term limit debate claim that they can be arbitrary and end up preventing the best person for a job from serving in it; at times, experience is more important than fresh perspectives. Constant transition in leadership can stall legislation and public works projects before anyone benefits from them. In fact, over the history of the United States, term limits have, at times, been relaxed in order to allow a particularly strong leader to stay in power in a crisis situation, as in the case of Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

Proponents of Term Limits

Proponents in the term limit debate argue that they ensure a wider range of perspectives in government and prevent power from being consolidated in one person, which could easily happen due to the popularity or privilege of a particular individual. Term limits offer an automatic check on consolidation of power.

So I'm assuming that my position on term limits is well known given the amount of writing and speaking I've done on the subject. Consequently, it should come to you as no surprise when I suggest that none of my competitors will promise, as I have, in serving only one term if elected Jasper County Commissioner. And yes, I do believe that the competition, each and every one, desires a longer stay in the Commissioners office, more than one term (four years). NOT ME! One term and I'm out! This proclamation I believe tells you that "I'll be doing the peoples business each and every day and NOT thinking about the next campaign." This my friends is the way our founding fathers intended officer holders to be, NOT professional politicians. 

VOTE FOR ME! AUGUST 2, 2016

Campaign Brochure - YES, it's black and white.

Campaign Brochure - The outside tri-fold with pic on right page one.

This is the inside, just as the brochure opens. 

People ask me, 'why is your brochure black and white, you too cheap for a color brochure?' "No!" It's just that you need to see me as having more 'substance over style', and this brochure will remind you of that. 

Check out my blurbs...

BLURBS ABOUT ME (comments about me from people who know me)

‎Amber Gibson‎ to Garry Graves - Garry Graves a natural born team player. He has never hesitated to provide someone immediate assistance. He is full of great ideas and will make a difference. Larry Griffith Í have always been of the opinión That Garry Graves is a Very direct and honest person, who speaks straightforwardly with integrity and respect for others. Joe Zendt Garry has always been quick to jump in and help get the job done, even when the burden wasn't his to carry. Hank EdneyHanging around your house as a teenager and now being a parent, could not have more respect for how you handled the position.The core values that guarantee success. Bill Parolin I knew Gary as an active participant in High School government and later in life as a talented writer and patriot. Jim Melody Gary stands for what he believes in . He doesn't settle for less . He is not a micro manager but pays attention to detail and encourages people to use their gifts . ‎Christy Selvidge‎ said... I have known Garry since school days...he was a leader in student government and athletics....a man of integrity and intelligence.....successful in the business world and talented writer ....his book "Character Happens" provides insight into the value he places on honesty, integrity, and courage... Sharon Hickman Powers I went to school with Garry in a small town in Missouri where the people taught us and expected us to be honest and trustworthy. Garry certainly has maintained that character. I would definitely entrust the county money, projects and appointments to such a person.

The 'Donate' button...hit it!

Just wanted everybody to see what the 'Donate' button looked like, so I pasted this picture, below. The real 'Donate' button is located on the right side of page on far right column, you can't miss it...unless you've been trying real hard. July is the last month before the PRIMARY ELECTION, which is on AUGUST 2, 2016. FYI, the Commissioners seat will be decided on this day, NOT in November. So, I'll be spending some money in July, getting the word out, you know, about ME and the AUGUST 2, PRIMARY, and voting for me that day. Here's one more reminder, hit the DONATE button on the right side of page, it'll take you to PayPal where you can use your credit card. $5, $10, whatever, all donations are extremely appreciated. And no, you don't have to live in Jasper County to make a donation to my campaign, you can live anywhere. Thanks. 

                 

Sample Ballot - August 2, Primary Election

Here's a AUGUST 2, Primary Election Sample Ballot showing where my name is located on the ballot. FYI. Don't forget, August 2.

Anti-Establishment? Who's with me?

  It was hard finding an appropriate image to represent 'Anti-Establishment', am thinking this one will do nicely. Trump's not a politician, it's pretty obvious and it's darn refreshing too. No matter that he walks all over some of our conservative beliefs, some of our personal beliefs too, but, he has that boldness about him making me think he just might get some (not all) things done to our liking for the next four years. You have to love the way he answers question's with his 'businessman verbiage' like "and we'll make money too, profit, we'll profit from now on". When have you ever heard a presidential candidate talk in those terms using those kinds of expressions? Never, that's when. And I love it!

  Here's another image that pretty much describes anti-establishment, Cruz and Trump. That would be the dream team IMO.
  Seventy percent of voter population have disdain for incumbents and office holders who've overstayed their welcome in office. These kinds/types of individuals are more commonly known as ESTABLISHMENT politicians, regardless their political affiliation, Republican or Democrat, no matter. If you have been around awhile (in public office), most voters (7 out of 10), want to 'flush' you out of the system.

  AND THAT'S A GOOD THING, IMO.

  I bring this to your attention because, as I've mentioned before, this is my first attempt at running for public office (Jasper County Commissioner-Eastern District), so...no one can label me as 'establishment', as certainly one such candidate in the commissioners race is...(guess which one?). Identify the 'Establishment Candidate' and post his name on Facebook under this entry or come to the blog and post in comment section. Let's out this guy for what he is, so every Jasper County voter will know who's establishment and who's not.
  I'm distinctly ANTI-ESTABLISHMENT, and proud of it. So proud that I want everyone to know that should I win the Jasper County Commissioner seat, this AUGUST 2, it will only be for ONE TERM, (four years). There will be no second term for me. Four and out!
  Our founding fathers never intended public office holders to 'make a living' out of public office.

OK...so what qualities are important?

Having some campaign brochures done, using this picture for the front. It's difficult to know what to say when composing a campaign brochure; how you think you qualify for the position, what 'qualities' you 'think' you have which is always debatable, what might be some strength you bring to the position, yada, yada, yada. Don't think I'm not taking this campaign seriously, I most certainly am. Maybe too serious, if that can be. Linda and other family members are tired of me testing campaign speech phrases on them, my witty quips of iconic people who've said something funny about politicians which is easy to do, particularly this election season. I can't but help wonder if the citizenry realizes the commissioners position will be decided in the PRIMARY ELECTION, which is held August 2, 2016. The person who wins the PRIMARY ELECTION (August 2, 2016), will run unopposed (no Democrat running) in the general election, held in November. I'm running against four other candidates, so there are a lot of individual qualities and qualifications to consider. Why not post what you think a County Commissioner should possess in qualities and qualifications...I'm waiting!

Tweet! Tweet!

Who, me twitter? Yeah, well, maybe.
Haven't done much tweeting since the days of writing books, but since I've jumped into the Jasper County MO. Commissioners race figured it was another vehicle in getting the word out plus making myself a little more transparent to the citizenry. So...you can find me, make that tweet me at
@garrymgraves
Thanks for coming and don't overlook that 'Donate' button at top right of page. Don't be bashful, donate whatever you want, it all add's up you know. Don't you just love how this bird's eyes are staring at you? HeHe!

More Facebook comments...

Here we go...here's another comment from my Facebook page, hope you find it informative. Dear People, you can comment here or on my Facebook page, doesn't matter, it's just that I like to display posts coming from citizens on both media. Particularly, the blog (what you're looking at now), cause it enables the readers to see my 'donate' button, top right. HeHe!

Anyway, here's one from ...

Larry G. Peters · Friends with Ron Woody and 2 others I don't care if you've ever built a bridge or not. What I want to know is this, is your only answer to the county's problems going to be more money and to buy every building in Carthage and Joplin?

gg - Okay, good question. I wish I knew what you're talking about in specifics. Did you have any particular building in mind or are you talking about all buildings? Are you thinking that the county is acquiring property (buildings) without any particular reason in mind? I did read an article a week or so ago about the acquisition of the Cave Springs building, is this of which you speak? The article mentioned if I remember that the thought was to turn the property into a park or something. I guess Larry you'll have to elaborate more about your 'building acquisition' concern here with a comment. I'm sure there are citizens who have similar concerns, so let all of us know what you're thinking. 

Now, here's another from an old school buddy in California! Yeah, I know. HeHe!

Steve Nichols I don't care if you have ever built a bridge either. What I want to know is will you buy me a steak dinner every Thursday night while my wife is watching Grey's Anatomy. You can post this to your blog.

gg - Wouldn't you know that at some point in the campaign that the subject of 'food', 'drinks' and me 'buying' would come up. Leave it to an old pal to get in the first dig and put me on the spot. HeHe Stevie!!

Seriously folks, your donations drive my campaign so don't be bashful. Any little helps, it adds up! Thanks, Garry

Who am I and why you might be interested...

   Most Jasper County citizens don't know me from Adam, and that's okay. For those who do know me I'm sure a few of them are not impressed, and that's okay too. But what you might think impressive about me is the fact that I've thrown my hat into the ring in running for Jasper County Commissioner, Eastern District. Is a person courageous or foolhardy in wanting to run for public office? I think courageous and maybe, just maybe, I'll convince you that stepping forward, in whatever capacity is always the good and courageous thing to do. Some might think that putting yourself up for criticism is not how they want to live their lives and that's completely understandable. Maybe you think there will be no criticisms...of you personally, of your decisions, of your viewpoints, etc., well, think again. You can't please all the people all the time. So, you get a nasty email, a distasteful 'letter to the editor', whatever, there are many methods to convey dissatisfaction and that's not the point. The point is...people have a right complain about their elected representatives, whether they voted for them or not. And that my friend is a good thing, IMO. (Hopefully, the above section of my post will impart the fact that I have broad shoulders). Hehe!

  Next, you might be wondering: What makes me qualified for County Commissioner? Why do I want to run for this office? What specifically would I do to create value in the position?

• How qualified? -- people rate qualifications dissimilarly, but, let me just say that I'm married to my high school sweetheart 49 years in May, have three children and eight grandchildren, have nine years of college but didn't finish dissertation on doctoral degree with a business management specialty. I've written and self-published three books, two nonfiction and one fiction. Have taught statistics, finance and economics at a local community college in Michigan. I've owned my own business for last 25 years and have been in private business (no governmental employment) my entire life. Oh yes, I'm a veteran of the Viet Nam era (was a MP). Nevertheless, I feel my best/most relevant qualifications are...I'm honest (wrote a book on subject), I'm objective (making no decisions of self-interest) and I'm empathetic (particularly with the old and disenfranchised). There you have it. 
• Why run? -- Candidly, I want to finish out my time in life 'doing for other people'. And yes, I believe the commissioner’s office is aiding our community and specifically our citizens. The diligent stewardship of the tax payers’ money is paramount and, the studied/researched decisions on the many issues confronting the office are of no less significant. My business background, my formal education, my character quotient and my energy, all suggest the commissioner’s position is right for me and YOU.
• How create value? -- Specifically by being in better contact with Jasper County citizens. Take my presence to them...with town hall meetings (in their city), work closely with businesses, churches, community organizations in querying out what concerns and issues the citizens have. Everyone has a busy life...so any method that I could employ to be a better listener, then that's what I intend to do.    

  This blog is another attempt at my desire to communicate with the citizens and taxpayers of Jasper County. I invite you to comment below or even send me an email (link at bottom of page) for those who want a more private communication. Thanks for coming and please come again. Always welcome suggestions on how to improve the blog or whatever. Let's hear from you! Thanks Again, Garry  

(P.S. I am the anti-establishment candidate)

Comments from my Facebook page...

While we're waiting for other blog features to develop I thought I'd plug in a couple comments from visitors to my Facebook page . Naturally, I asked the people making the comments for their permission to post the comment here on my blog. (They said yes)

Here's one...

Brent Alan Erwin · 16 mutual friends

So what makes you qualified if I may ask?? have you ever built a road or a bridge?

gg - I love that people take the time to post or comment about my running for Jasper County Commissioner...makes me think their really interested and not just wanting to make conversation for the sake of conversation...and here's a real/good question that I bet many others are asking the same thing. So...'what makes me qualified' Well, that's hard to say...I could defer to my biographic blog post (soon included here) where you might be able to determine for yourself if I'm indeed 'qualified' to be County Commissioner. And no, I've never built a road or bridge, if that's what you think qualifies or disqualifies me for running for this office. Reminds me of a story where a cancer patient asks his doctor if he's ever had cancer as a 'qualifier' for the doctor treating him, the doctor said no, but I've treated many cancer patients in my life and some are living today. So...maybe my not having built a road or bridge will automatically disqualify me out of hand. Stay tuned folks...read more and learn more about me before you disqualify me. 

Here's another from Brent...

Brent Alan Erwin · 16 mutual friends

Will you be available each day or will you be like the rest and only be available to the "GOOD OL BOY?: NETWORK??

gg - This is a good one and a little testy, I love that Mr. Erwin. #1. 'will I be available each day', well, in my mind, if the county commissioner is not available to the citizens he represents, then what good is he. I plan on listening to the citizens from where their at, in their city, not the Carthage Courthouse office. Seems more user-friendly to me. #2. 'will I only be available to the GOOD OL BOY NETWORK?' Hardly, it seems that 'network' you're talking about shut me out a long time ago. I'm anti-establishment, (an outsider) so...NO, I won't be shutting anyone out. Everyone, I mean everyone, will be heard. Here's another story...well, not a story but a adage about a proclamation. It has always been my way...to let the 'soup simmer', so to speak, before I believe or totally support someone's proclamation. I like to see if the persons actions support what they are saying. So I'm advising the citizenry to read about me, listen to what I say and determine for yourself if what I do matches what I say. 
  Thanks for your time folks and thanks for reading along. Keep in touch with me by typing in your email in the box below, where it says...'Follow this Blog' 
  And, pleeeease comment here on the blog for others to agree or disagree about what's said. For those who want to send me an email privately, then click on my address below where it says...'Have a question...'

Later, Garry Graves
P.S. Don't overlook that 'Donate' button, top right!

Sorry for the delay...

Yes, I know. Sorry for those who have clicked through to this page...and saw nothing! Soon, I will post my 'biographic' post so that you can read a little about me and the reason I'm running for Jasper County Commissioner.

Thanks for your patience.
Garry