Around the District
It was a busy week in the district but it was also productive. I had the chance to visit with some of my most promising constituents. I spent time each day of the week, visiting nearly a dozen high school students in the Fifth District. I listened to students talk about their concerns about school safety and procedures in their schools. These were good discussions. I wanted them to speak openly about the changes they wanted to see. We cannot wait on their protection, on their safety. Congress must get to work for our children. We also celebrated and remembered the great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at some of those same schools.
While in the district, I had the opportunity to speak at the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and send off one of my longest and hardest working members of my staff, Geoff Jolley. As many of you know, Geoff has been my District Director and Counsel for 13 years, and has worked for me since my first congressional campaign. From working with me, to establishing my district offices, to implementing my vision for district projects, Geoff has served as a sounding board for many of my ideas, providing legal, practical, and political insight. He's leaving to pursue his own business in public service and will be sorely missed. He was presented with a congressional record of service at the KC Chamber.
I was given the pleasure of presenting a much deserved grant to the Benilde Hall Program in Kansas City. The organization received a $750,000 check to assists people with mental health and substance abuse problems from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines Bank to renovate their campus housing. This money will go a long way in repairing roofs, replacing appliances, floors and rebuilding units for more people trying to better their lives.
I also had the chance to meet with Sugar Creek Mayor Mike Larson and former mayor Stan Salva in Independence, MO. We had good conversations about the growth of Sugar Creek and how CDBG and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits can help with growth possibilities.
It was a delight to be able to break bread with the civil rights legend Dolores Huerta in the Westside of Kansas City. Her passion to fight for the least fortunate should be an inspiration to us all. If you aren't aware of her, I highly recommend "Dolores" on PBS, a documentary on her life.
What a remarkable month it has been in the district and here on Capitol Hill as we honor and remember the great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. May we always recall his courage and determination for a better nation.
Warmly,
Emanuel Cleaver, II Member of Congress