As I sit down at my computer at the beginning contemplating the last four years as your First District County Commissioner, I think of how the last four years have been the fastest years of my life. It has been an honor to serve as your First District County Commissioner. There have been many challenges and rewarding experiences, but I have no regrets running for this position four years ago. I have grown both professionally and personally and have met so many people that without serving in this position I would never have met.
Conversing with our state and federal legislators, other County Commissioners, Missouri Association of Counties staff, SEMO Regional Planning Staff, and a host of other people was both educational and informative to help administer running a County. Being a public servant is a tough job, and there is no way to make everyone happy and I knew that before running for this position. The decisions I made I believe were in the best interest of the county and its tax payers. We have an excellent group of elected officials and county employees who truly have the best interests of the county at heart. They work tirelessly to make our county government work while following the law and watching the county tax payor dollars. When you see them out in our community please thank them for their service, because they do not hear that very often at all.
I am personally proud of the accomplishments of the past four years with our county roads and bridges. The miles of roads that have been paved and the box culverts and bridges that were put into place. Also, the improvements to our county properties with the Arpa funds that we received. The completed improvements to the county courthouse, community center complex, fairgrounds, and the jail to preserve these buildings for many years to come.
The elected officials you have in place genuinely care about our county and the people that reside in it. There have been many sleepless nights with our current financial situation, but they are proceeding in the correct manner by taking a legal stand on this current situation. We must fight for what is right here concerning the exemption of some companies not paying our local sales tax that was voted in by the people. It has been a pleasure collaborating with Randy Ruzicka, Presiding Commissioner, Mark Marberry Associate Commissioner, Michele Gatzemeyer, Administrative Assistant for the Commissioners, Sue Wolk, County Clerk, the entire staff in the County Clerk’s office and all the other officer holders and their staff. It is time for me not to say goodbye but so long for now as I take on a new adventure, but I wish nothing but the best for Ste. Genevieve County and its residents. Happy New year everyone and wishing all of you a happy, healthy, and blessed 2025.
Sincerely,
Karen Stuppy,
First District Commissioner, Ste. Genevieve County