Perspective: Barnes saying farewell to statehouse

Jay Barnes
Jay Barnes

It has been a great honor to serve as your state representative for the past seven years. With term limits, I have just one session left to serve - and with those term limits comes the question of what's next. Over the past few months, I've been asked many times whether I will run for the Missouri state Senate. After a long time thinking about it and discussions with Jane, the answer we have reached is no.

I believe that, all too often, people choose the path expected of them without ever pausing to ask whether it's the right path for them. In making this decision, we thought back to our first campaign, when we were just a family of three and our toddler would cry every time I left the house to knock on doors. Today, we are a family of six - and all of our children are in their formative years.

At this time in our lives, the sacrifices required for a campaign and continued service are more than I wish to bear. Being a good parent requires actually being there and not being distracted. I'd much rather be coaching or watching pre-K to third-grade basketball or soccer than doing anything else. For that matter, I much prefer time spent doing anything with my family over anything related to politics.

Fifteen months remain in my term of office. I've always believed (and now teach my kids) that you sprint all the way to the finish line, and that, no matter what the score, you hustle every second you're on the field. That's exactly what I intend to do over the next 15 months. I will continue to do my best to make our state a better place to live - with the same diligence, vim and vigor with which I have approached the job over the past seven years.

State Rep. Jay Barnes, R-Jefferson City, represents Missouri's 60th District.