December 8, 2005
ssharp@ink.org
Friends:
Thank you to all of you who let me know if you had "Greeking". This week hundreds of you received the newsletter with "strike-through" in the last half. We have NO idea what caused all of that, but many of you asked, and no, I wasn't being censored! That error was certainly a first, and it caused many to have bounced emails. So, hopefully, we have that problem fixed, and maybe the Greeking too. It seems to be most prevalent for Netscape users.
With the legislative session closing in (I'll be in Topeka full-time beginning January 9), I will be picking up the pace of the Sharp Record. Normally, I try to update you every Friday on that week's happenings and the upcoming hearings for the next week. If your friends, neighbors, or cubie-mates would like to be added to the list, or you've been forwarding them the newsletter and they want to join the list, just drop an email to vote@stephaniesharp.com.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Town Hall Meeting reminder! This Sunday, December 11, 2:00-3:00 pm, Lenexa HyVee Cafeteria, 87th & Pflumm. The past few Town Halls have been fun, but it's usually people I know (I'm not complaining, I definitely appreciate your support and participation, so don't stop coming!). I would love to see some new faces - it's great for me to put faces with the names I talk to on email all the time!
- Actually, instead of emailing me your bill ideas for this year, just drop by the Town Hall and let's talk about your ideas!
PAGES!!! The long awaited Page Recruiting email is here! If you would like your 12+ year old student to spend the day in Topeka, please reply to this email. I will receive my page dates soon and will email interested parents the dates to see which ones work for your family. Also, when your kid(s) are paging is a perfect "Sharp Shadow" opportunity, since you bring your kids to Topeka anyway!
Where's Waldo?
- Kansas Association of Insurance and Financial Agents - hello to Lee Thaete, constituent and President of the organization.
- Lenexa Chamber of Commerce luncheon
- Kansas League of Municipalities regional dinner
- House Republican legislative retreat
- Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner
- Shawnee Mission School District legislative dinner
- Johnson County Commission legislative breakfast
- Johnson County Community College legislative breakfast
Closing out 2005...
This has certainly been a banner year for me, both professionally and personally, and many thanks go out to each of you for your support and kindness. Recently, the Kansas City Star asked me to tell them my favorite things about KC (keep an eye out for my comments in an upcoming edition of the Star). But, they limited how much I could say! So, here's what I really wanted to tell them.
Stephanie's (17th District) Favorite Things:
- Each of you. Seriously! Some of you touch my heart, some of you keep me grounded, a few of you kick me in the teeth, but all of you add greater purpose and inspiration to each day.
- Shawnee and Lenexa. I couldn't be more fortunate to work with City Councils and Chambers of Commerce that work SO well together. A huge reason why both of my cities were in KC's Top Ten Suburbs!
- Christmas celebrations. Seems like this year it's politically unpopular (it wouldn't be the first time for me) but I admit, I'm a sucker for candles lit to "Silent Night" and the intentional irony of the manger scene. It reminds me of our purpose to Love Thy Neighbor - had those in Bethlehem only known who was knocking on their door!
- Those who celebrate other winter holidays - you add depth and beauty to our communities.
- Mi Ranchito. OK, well, technically this is in Huff's district, but this restaurant has been a setback in my Mexican food addiction recovery program.
- Tanner's on 87th. My favorite place to watch any game. It helps they also have Jalapeño Cheese Balls.
- Smoke-free cities. I applaud Fairway and Prairie Village
- Hardworking road crews who keep us safe and the carwashes in business when all this junk melts away!
- Elections. As grueling and emotionally draining as they can be, they remind us of the struggles to develop our democracy. Unfortunately, too many of us take voting for granted. In Iraq, people risk death to vote!
- Members of the military that risk their lives to protect our rights and freedoms.
- Last, but not least, my awesome husband and family who give me a place of unconditional love and support to share my joys, vent my frustrations, and assuage my sorrows. You are a constant blessing to me.
From my family to yours, we wish you a safe and happy holiday, surrounded by those you love. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,
At your service,
Rep. Stephanie Sharp
PO Box 19556
Lenexa, KS 66285
913-894-1201