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State Representative Don Rone ready to serve
SIKESTON -- Having served as a mayor and public administrator, Portageville resident Don Rone said he's ready to begin his next phase of service -- representing constituents of Missouri's 149th District.
The newly elected state representative will take oath of office when the first regular session of the 98th General Assembly convenes at noon Wednesday in Jefferson City.
As the representative of the 149th District, Rone represents portions of New Madrid, Pemiscot, Mississippi and Scott counties.
In December, Rone completed an orientation with fellow new state legislators.
"We just finished a two-week tour of the state, and it was very, very informative of what different segments of the economy were doing and how they're addressing different problems and areas of the state," Rone said.
The new legislators also learned about and visited almost every one of the state's higher education centers.
"It was very interesting what they were all trying to do and the direction they were taking," Rone said.
The legislators also spent three days in Jefferson City.
"We went through a mock session, and they were trying to teach us what to expect," Rone said. "It's become very obvious the first thing a newly elected official needs to do is learn the rules."
It is a steep learning curve, Rone said, but he's ready for the challenge.
"My first thing is listen a lot," Rone said. "I'm 70 years old, and I learned a long time ago if you know the rules, you can play the game."
However, Rone said one issue that he must address now is the financial situation of Pemiscot Memorial Hospital in Hayti.
"I'm going to propose something in the form of a bill or amendment to the state statute to help fix the problem at the hospital in Hayti," Rone said, adding he will visit the research department in the Capitol when he arrives in Jefferson City to determine which route he must go.
"I want to help the financial problems the hospital has at Hayti because it's the No. 1 employer in Pemiscot County other than the school system, and it's got to be addressed, and I have to address it first thing out of the chute," Rone said.
Rone, who lives in Portageville with his wife, Myra, served as mayor of Portageville for 10 years and as the New Madrid County public administrator. He was also in the Missouri National Guard and has farmed in New Madrid and Pemiscot counties over 40 years. He is a retired national accounts manager for FMC Corporation.
With this experience, Rone said he hopes to be put on the agriculture committee and education committee. Rone said legislators learn which committees they'll serve the first week of January.
Rone said he has sought advice from fellow legislators representing Southeast Missouri.
"I think you'll find a solid agreement between Southeast Missouri representatives that we're going to represent Southeast Missouri very well," Rone said. "From everyone I've talked to, the primary focus to make sure we are represented well in Jefferson City. I know that's mine."
Serving as a state representative was on his "to-do" list since he was a young man, Rone said. He expects challenges to come his way, and he's looking forward to them, he said.
"I'm looking forward to seeing how much better I could serve the constituents of the 149th District and make their lives better in this capacity than when I was mayor or public administrator," Rone said.
The new legislator encouraged constituents who need help with local and state matters to contact him.
"My door is always open and my phone number is listed," Rone said. "My No. 1 objective is to serve."