Our Mobile Office

Wow, after four years of using our Mobile Office in and around the District, have we ever got some attention! We are the third Member of Congress to serve the people of Missouri’s Fifth District to have a Mobile Office. Congressman Dick Bolling and Congressman Alan Wheat both leased Mobile Offices to help serve constituents.

I use the Mobile Office instead of renting another District office. It costs less than another office would.

It allows my staff to travel to nursing homes, senior centers, schools, fairs across the District. It is particularly helpful for those with disabilities because it has a wheel chair ramp.

It is outfitted with everything the staff needs to take care of constituents on the spot: printer, computer, Wi-Fi, scanner all inside.

Overall, our office spends less on operations than the surrounding Members, both Republicans and Democrats.

The Mobile Office is outfitted to run on recycled cooking grease and promotes alternative fuels as it tours the District.

It is an expensive lease compared to a personal vehicle, but this is not for personal use --- it is to help constituents and be accessible. It is unlike anything in the country.This is a unique approach which serves a unique need. A constituent suggested that we should have pictures of the Mobile Office serving people. I thought it was a great idea and we have put a link on our front page to a web page devoted to the Mobile Office. You can even request to have it come to your neighborhood from the page.

This is just a start, we have lots more pictures to add and we will keep updating the page. The Mobile Office webpage can be found here >>>

Check it out in person next week at our monthly "Coffee with Cleaver":
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Crossroads Coffeehouse
301 Southwest Blvd.
Kansas City, MO 64108
8-10 am

Coffee with Cleaver tomorrow

Tomorrow morning we will have our 52nd monthly Coffee with Cleaver in Lee’s Summit. The event, as always, is a chance for you to talk one-on-one with me about whatever issue is on your mind.

My understanding is that there will be folks at the Coffee representing views on both sides of the health care debate. Civil debate and vigorous dialogue are part of the fabric of our nation and I welcome all who will join me in Lee’s Summit tomorrow.

This coffee, like the ones before it, will be a chance for people to talk with me personally about whatever issue is concerning to them, whether that be health care or not. We have never had protestors at one of our Coffees, but I am sure they will be respectful. Civility is valued by the people of our District. I am confident that the importance we place on meaningful conversation is the reason our Coffees have been so successful all these years.

I hope to see you tomorrow for August’s Coffee with Cleaver:

Tomorrow, August 8, 2009
JP Coffee
3390 SW Fascination Dr.
Lee's Summit, MO
8-10 AM

Coffee with Cleaver

It is that time again. Tomorrow’s Coffee with Cleaver will be at the Plaza Branch of the Kansas City Public Library in the Truman Forum. The Plaza Library is at 4801 Main and there should be plenty of parking and, as always, coffee will be provided.

It has been a busy few weeks and I look forward to updating and seeing you tomorrow!

Coffee with Cleaver-TOMORROW
June 20, 2009
Kansas City Public Library-Plaza Branch
4801 Main, Kansas City, MO
8 a.m. – 10a.m.

Busy Weekend

Coffee with Cleaver tomorrow

After a snow storm last month that fell short of the hype, we are back in Grandview tomorrow for our rescheduled monthly Coffee with Cleaver. I always enjoy coming to Grandview and this is our fourth Coffee in town.

I hope to see you at Harry’s Mug, 12222 Blue Ridge Ext. in Grandview from 8-10 a.m. tomorrow morning. As always, looking forward to it.

Art contest tomorrow

Tomorrow afternoon please come help celebrate the talent of some of the District’s best young artists as we open the gallery at the beautiful Kansas City Public Library Central Branch in downtown Kansas City.

This year we have over one hundred entries in the Congressional Art Contest: A Voyage of Artistic Discovery. The judges have already selected those who will be honored tomorrow, and I am excited to announce the finalist and winner at tomorrow’s opening.

The winner will receive a plane ride for their family to Washington where they will be on-hand for the unveiling of their work of art in the U.S. Capitol. Every Member of Congress walks past the artwork representing each Congressional District every day, and I am always proud to point our winner out to visitors and colleagues.

The gallery viewing begins at 1:00 p.m. and the program will begin at 1:30 p.m. tomorrow, Saturday, April 18 at the Kansas City Public Library Central Branch, 14 West 10th Street in downtown Kansas City, Missouri. Hope to see you there!