Godbee: Candidacy reflects desire to give back to community

Renee Godbee

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

There was no one particular reason for Renee Godbee to decide she would run for Jefferson City prosecutor.

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“I was asked by several different people — people I respect — who felt I was qualified,” she said. “I’m a believer in giving in back to the community. I want to raise my children here and have them live in a safe environment. I truly believe it’s an honor to serve your community so when I was approached I decided to go for it.”

As she’s been out campaigning the past few months, Godbee said there have been up sides and down sides.

“I love meeting new people, and it’s reaffirmed my belief that the town is a good one to raise a family in,” she said. “There is a lot of stress and in particular a huge time commitment to get things done, but everyone who runs for office has that. You need the support of your family.”

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bndyvcky 2 years, 2 months ago

Where is she from? Doesn't sound as though she knows this community, so how can she give back?

rodinman 2 years, 2 months ago

Using your logic-- I'm not from here and don't know the town or townies all that well. So I should not have donated time and money to various causes in the local community as I can't give back. Take your blinders off and welcome "outsiders", their talents, community involvement and different perspective on issues..

JCLifer 2 years, 2 months ago

Nope, if you didn't go to the right high school or are a member of the right church, or live in the right neighborhood, or hang out with the right good-ol-boys, you are not welcome in this town.

usmc00 2 years, 2 months ago

Boy is that the truth. Could only add one thing to it. Have to have the right last name too.

usmc00 2 years, 2 months ago

She looks very pretty. I wonder how she is in person. I don't know anyhting about her or the person running against her.

jctownee 2 years, 2 months ago

First, the article-which is why we are having this discussion-didn't address the candidates qualifications at all. It is quite clear that Godbee is more qualified. She has practiced law for over a decade in Jefferson City, as a county prosecutor under Callahan, legal counsel for the juvenile office and city prosecutor. At what point does that make her "from around here?" Second, there has been no negative campaigning( flyers, ads, not even a comparison ad)-so I'm at a loss as to "these" rumors-the only negative issues are facts that were discussed by Stumpe himself in the article! So,please reread the article.

golife 2 years, 2 months ago

Just as a resident, voter and observer, I have not seen or heard any false claims regarding Stumpe on the part of Godbee or anyone else. It appears to me that both candidates have run an open, honest campaign. Thank goodness! We have had enough of that stuff in elections these past several years! I agree with jctownee,the only negatives are facts that were discussed by Stumpe and I admit that not showing up for court for his client or clients more than once has me a little concerned about his stability for this office....

CMNI_Webmaster 2 years, 2 months ago

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billsmith 2 years, 2 months ago

Isn't it odd that she says she is working hard to follow all of the ordinances when she herself is violating the sign ordinance (ordinance 3-6)!

The sign ordinance says you cannot have a sign in a residential area that is in excess of 5 square feet. Yet Ms. Godbee has signs all over town in residential areas that exceed that limit! Look on West Main, Boonville Road, Stadium and Edgewood, Greenberry, Seven Hills, Moreau Drive.

The City prosecutor is the one who enforces the sign ordinance. How can we trust a person to enforce ordinances that they themselves flaunt?

wcywing 2 years, 2 months ago

5 square feet? thats not very big. then again i don't like city laws that don't make sense. i am more curious is what kind of prosecutor she will be or Stumpe will be. they both seem qualified. the last thing JC needs is an overzealous prosecutor.

billsmith 2 years, 2 months ago

I agree that JC does not need an overzealous prosecutor. But JC does need a prosecutor who will respect the law--especially the laws the prosecutor is charged with enforcing. The fact that Ms. Godbee can't even do that while she is campaigning is very, very troubling,

JCLifer 2 years, 2 months ago

Most of these ordinances are just for fund-raising needs of the city. The fact that most of them are never enforced, especially in the building codes areas means they are just on the books in case the coffers get too low. As soon as Blair Oaks pays up their share of the tax revenue, things will probably be OK.

jctownee 2 years, 2 months ago

It is my understanding that the signs that complains have been made about are only 4 square feet. So, those signs don't violate anything including the law! I have been on West Main and apparently, those signs have been moved even though they didn't need to be. There is one sign at Mel's Diner. If you can read a tape measure-please go measure it! Now, to me that shows Renee is running an extremely clean campaign. I'm sorry but all of this has absolutely nothing to do with the qualifications of either candidate. The bottom line is that when you look at the qualifications Godbee is the better candidate and make a fine city prosecutor.

rodinman 2 years, 2 months ago

Did she place the signs herself? Did the propertyu owner place the signs? Did a supporter place the signs? Is she aware these signs are placed such that they are in violation of the city code? I don't know the lady but is seems these answers to these questions would clear the mud.

3blindmice 2 years, 2 months ago

we don't take kindly to outsiders in jefferson city. spreading their education and knowledge of foreign places like columbia. if my great great grandfather hershel finkeldirker was against it I certainly am.

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