State Rep. Rory Ellinger Announces Re-Election Bid

The following (with links included by Patch) was submitted by Rep. Rory Ellinger, a longtime University City resident who represents Pagedale, University City and Wellston in St. Louis County (District 72) in the Missouri House of Representatives.

All of my adult life, I have been dedicated to public service. People have come to know me as their neighbor, 12 year member of the University City School Board, a lawyer, a soccer coach and a member of numerous municipal and state commissions, particularly those dealing with health care and criminal justice.

After my election to State Representative, I have focused my energies on the values of creating jobs, protecting the taxpayers’ dollars and advocating for justice for those without a voice in Jefferson City.

Creating Jobs

As a member of the bipartisan special House Committee on Passenger Trains, I strongly support building of the Fast Rail system across Missouri. The Fast Rail Train is not a Democratic or Republican idea but a proven green idea. Fast Train rail projects will create thousands of construction jobs while putting Missourians to work at suppliers and assembly plants. The trains will run from St. Louis to Kansas City and from St. Louis to Springfield, Missouri. The Fast Train will reduce time stuck in traffic or on the tarmac and will save small businesses and families spending dollars at the gasoline pump. 

Here I am talking with Missourinet—a statewide radio network in Jefferson City—about the importance of Fast Speed Rail.

I am working with the Mayors of Pagedale, Wellston and University City to expand the number of members to the Economic Development Councils and will continue to push for passage of the bill in the next legislative session.

I am also protecting the brick and mortar retail stores that create jobs along our major business arteries of Delmar, Olive and Page avenues by supporting the collection of the streamline sales tax. The online businesses should be paying the sales tax which they are not collecting on their sales. We must even the retail business playing field for our local businesses.

Here I am on a public radio talking about the need to promote a streamline Internet sales tax to protect our retail stores in St. Louis County.

Protecting the Taxpayers’ Dollars

Having been an attorney for over 30 years, I have firsthand knowledge of the criminal justice system as I have represented thousands of clients. We must reduce the number of non violent criminals that are in prisons. It costs $80 per day to send someone to prison while it only costs $15 per day if we place them in a drug rehab or non prison treatment.

I am pleased to be one of two House Democrats serving on both the Pew Study Report on non violent offenders and special Commission on Corrections reform throughout Missouri. By releasing non violent criminals with ankle bracelets back into society, it strengthens our families and our communities while it places more money for our families via increased payments of child support. Furthermore, this reform will save millions of taxpayers’ dollars every year.

Advocating for Justice and Standing for Those Without a Voice

Being a personal injury attorney, I have seen too many car accidents and too many deaths. We must ensure our streets are safe. That is why I am supporting making it illegal to text while driving.

Pay Day Lending

We must stop charging our neighbors up to 1,950 percent interest for short term low dollar loans. We should cap interest rates at 36 percent. Earlier this year, I had a public hearing on the issue of capping interest rates on loans.

Due to my efforts, I am pleased the cities of Pagedale, Wellston and University City’s governments are seriously considering legislation to stop the expansion of payday lending in our community.

Nathan’s Law

I will continue to work to protect the safety of our infant children that are in home day care settings. We must strength the oversight to reduce the number of infant fatalities.

From 2007 through 2010, 45 children died in child care facilities. That is shocking and morally unacceptable.

Here I am at the Epworth Children and Family Services with the Missouri House Children and Families Committee discussing this issue.

I have announced my candidacy for re-election. I look forward to continue to serve you and your neighbors in the Missouri Legislature. You may reach me at Rory@EllingerforStateRep.com or 314-640-0095.