Having spent most of my adult life working in or alongside the military, I never had much opportunity to become involved in the local political life of the communities where we lived. Recently, however, I have felt prompted to learn more about how Springfield, Greene County, and Missouri are governed — and about the people asking for our votes.
That interest led me to a gathering on the Mission University campus where I could meet candidates running for office. As I entered the building, a woman greeted me. I assumed she was helping welcome people to the event. I quickly discovered she was one of the candidates herself: Melanie Stinnett, who is running for the Missouri State Senate.
We began talking, and several things impressed me almost immediately.
Although a good-sized group was gathering nearby, Melanie gave me her full attention. I asked a lot of questions, and she did not appear rushed or distracted. She was calm, thoughtful, and well-spoken. When I asked why she wanted to move from the Missouri House to the Senate, she talked about problems Missouri families face and her desire to help solve them.
We had only seven or eight minutes that day, so I asked whether she would meet with my wife, Judy, and me to talk further. She agreed. A couple of days later, the three of us met at Panera Bread and talked for nearly 90 minutes. Judy and I came away impressed — not simply by Melanie's positions, but by the experience and values behind them.
Her concern for children and families is rooted in years of experience. As a healthcare provider and speech-language professional, Melanie saw families encounter barriers that often made little sense. She responded by starting TheraCare, a clinic that served thousands of local families. Her campaign also highlights her sponsorship of HB 970, designed to help individuals with disabilities work, earn more, and build greater independence without losing needed healthcare services.
That subject resonated strongly with both Judy and me. Judy was a school teacher for many years and became well-versed in the needs and challenges of children with disabilities. Children in our extended family have also benefited enormously from speech therapy. We have seen how disabilities and communication difficulties can affect children academically, socially, and emotionally. Melanie understands these challenges from years of working directly with children and families.
We also talked about government and the economy. Melanie believes government has legitimate responsibilities, but she does not believe more government automatically produces better results. She emphasizes fiscal responsibility, lower taxes, restrained spending, emergency reserves, and avoiding state debt. She believes taxpayers should keep more of what they earn and government should spend wisely. She also supports job training, apprenticeships, technical education, infrastructure, and a healthy business climate to expand opportunity.
Public safety is another priority. Melanie strongly supports law enforcement and first responders and believes safe communities require officers who are properly trained, equipped, and supported. Judy and I agree that safe neighborhoods are fundamental to strong families and communities. Our local law enforcement officers also agree they have a friend in Melanie, which is why they have given her their sole endorsement in the race.
Education naturally became an important part of our conversation. Melanie supports public education while believing parents deserve a strong voice in what and where their children learn. She favors curriculum transparency, school choice, safe learning environments, and needed student support. We appreciate her emphasis on good schools, parental involvement, and ensuring that children — including those with disabilities — receive the support they need.
Melanie is also willing to take clear positions on matters of principle. Whether one agrees with every candidate’s position or not, Judy and I believe candidates should tell voters plainly what they believe and be willing to stand by those convictions.
Perhaps the most revealing part of our conversation came near the end. Melanie did not strike either of us as someone desperate to hold office. She would be honored to serve Missouri in the state Senate and believes she can make a meaningful contribution there. But she also conveyed something we consider an important mark of character: her commitment to Missouri does not depend upon winning an election.
If voters elect her, Melanie is ready and willing to serve as a state senator. If they do not, she intends to continue serving Missouri and its people in every way she can. That distinction matters to us. We have all witnessed the difference between politicians who simply want to hold office and those who genuinely want to serve. Elected office is one avenue of service, not its source.
After my initial conversation with Melanie and, especially, the 90 minutes Judy and I spent with her a few days later, we came away with a strong impression of Melanie Stinnett: a wife, a mother, healthcare advocate, small-business owner, community leader, experienced legislator, and woman of integrity.
For these reasons, Judy and I support Melanie Stinnett for the Missouri State Senate. We believe she brings the experience, values, temperament, and servant's heart needed to represent our community well. Just as important, we believe her commitment to Missouri will remain the same on the morning after the election — whether she wins or loses.
Scott McChrystal is a retired U.S. Army colonel and Vietnam veteran living in Springfield.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: A model of public service, Melanie Stinnett earns my vote | Opinion
