Dr. Gena Ross, 49, divorced mother of three, has experience in education as an assistant professor of business at Kansas City Kansas Community College, substitute teaching for various school districts and as an adjunct instructor at Baker University. She was also a constituent services representative for former U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill.
The Minneapolis, Minn. native is the Platte County Democrat running for the U.S. House to represent Missouri’s 6th Congressional District. Other Dems in the race include Charles West, Henry Martin and Donald Sartain. The winner will face off against incumbent Rep. Sam Graves, who is expected to again win the Republican primary, in November.
“I am qualified because I am a leader,” Ross said. “I am a woman bold enough and brave enough to try to be the change I want to see. I am passionate about helping people and getting results. I know my power in my voice, not to be silent. I have people skills, communication skills, listening skills and I believe in unity. Where there is unity there is strength. I have a doctorate degree in public policy and administration and a masters in public administration, a bachelor’s in business administration and an associate’s degree in urban ministries. I’m transparent and non-biased. I will fight for the needs of the people. Talk is cheap, this is the ‘Show me State.’ I’m confident I’m qualified.”
Ross wants to be the change she wants to see by building a better tomorrow beginning today.
“This world is in trouble and I want to build a bridge, remove barriers to help the citizens of District 6 thrive instead of just surviving,” Ross said. “I want to represent them. I believe in social change and unlimited possibilities.”
She said she is not running just to get a seat in office while not doing anything and she wants to collaborate with the constituents and stakeholders and the communities so they can take ownership and participate in the sustainability of their county.
Issues important to Ross include access to affordable, quality health care, and infrastructure issues.
The bridges and highways are a mess and they need to be replaced,” Ross said. “Bridges are only good for about 45-50 years. The flooding is a horrible issue. There are still some areas suffering from 2019, which causes a problem for the farmers and agriculture. There is a need for an increase in federal minimum wage. Education needs to be top quality and now we are worried about COVID concerning children and adults returning to the classroom. There also is a need for broadband, internet expansion. Everyone should respect everyone no matter any differences. Remember the golden rule. We pick our needs over our wants and fight to get a bill on the floor of the House and get it passed.”
She would like to have town hall meetings with the district and hear their needs and concerns, then do research, write a bill and then go for it, pressing hard to try to obtain the results residents want to see.