A willingness to help people is a major reason why Janet Ousley decided to run for Cole County Western District commissioner.
Ousley is challenging incumbent Kris Scheperle for the Western District seat on Aug. 2. Because there is no Democratic candidate, the candidate who wins on the August ballot will win the seat.
Janet Ousley
Why run? "I believe that the government that is closest to us should be the most responsive and accountable to the people."Ousley said she is a good listener with strong communication skills who takes pride in working with residents in the community.
"I will use these to attain the goals of my constituents," Ousley said of her attributes. "I believe my hardworking and fair-minded approach will make me an effective county commissioner."
Ousley is a graduate of Jefferson City High School and serves on the West Side Business Association, as well as president of the Apache Flats/St. Martins Business Association and president of the Jefferson City Area Crime Stoppers Board. She is an advertising sales representative for the Jefferson City News Tribune.
Ousley said she decided to run because she sees a need for a more approachable and accessible representation for western Cole County residents. She said the commission could send out quarterly mailers or ads listing issues, bids or policy changes, as well as more clearly listing phone numbers and email addresses for the county's elected officers.
"I am committed to making government more responsible to its citizens," Ousley said.
As she has been campaigning, the one question Ousley said she gets asked the most is what a commissioner actually does. She said her job would be to use her personal experience and common sense to provide quality services for the least amount of tax dollars.
"One thing I have learned that can really make a difference is making sure employees are properly trained and qualified for their position," Ousley said. "Putting someone in a place where they can excel and enjoy their job is key."
Ousley has been running on a platform of open communication, adding it can help solve smaller issues before they become large problems. One of Ousley's campaign platforms is a willingness to listen to and communicate with residents on a personal level.
"I'm encouraging people to contact me with issues, big or small."
In her spare time, Ousley said, she loves to listen to Elvis Presley, collect rabbits and go antique shopping.
Editor's note: Janet Ousley is employed by the News Tribune in the advertising department.
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See also:
Western District candidates weigh in on Cole County issues
Scheperle seeks re-election as commissioner