ENDORSEMENTS
Dave Griggs
Former Boone County Commissioner, longtime business owner, volunteer, and concerned Boone County citizen (self-described)
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“I believe the most qualified candidate for Northern District Commissioner is Janet Thompson. While Janet and I may not agree on all issues, I recognize that Janet reviews concerns and issues that cross her desk and votes accordingly. She is always respectful and willing to listen to constituent concerns. She does extensive research on issues and provides factual information to the public and her fellow commissioners. She has an extensive background in public service serving on numerous volunteer boards, county, state, and national organizations.”
“I have personally worked with Janet on numerous economic developments, workforce development and local issues and concerns facing our County and Central Missouri. Janet works diligently in the background to get things done.
“Janet’s abilities and performance justify your voting for Janet Thompson in the upcoming election.”
Elaine George
Hallsville resident and longtime youth leader
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“Janet and I met through her involvement in politics and support of youth programs. She is always looking for ways in which to improve the lives of our youth. As she would say, “The youth are our future, and we need to be committed to them in order to make a positive impact and work toward the betterment of our community, investing in education to make sure all students receive quality education and care! She fully supports and respects our educational institutions and both those employed in those institutions, those who lead, and the student populations.
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“Due to the rapid growth within our county, decisions being made daily, will affect us for years to come. Janet, an experienced public servant, has the wisdom and insight to make those decisions in the best interest of all as Boone County Northern District commissioner. Janet’s record speaks for itself.
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“We need her VOICE which is OUR voice!”
Don Bormann
Former County Commission opponent, surveyor, and Centralia business owner
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“I met Janet Thompson twelve years ago while running for county commissioner. She ultimately won the race, but we became friends. Getting to know each other, we realized that we were both interested in doing what was best for the county.
“The county commissioner’s job is NOT a partisan job. In fact, partisan politics actually get in the way of doing the job. Party affiliation and beliefs have almost nothing to do with the job of county commissioner.
“Janet is easy to talk to, knowledgeable about government affairs, and makes good, well thought out decisions. I believe she deserves another term as county commissioner. Her goal is to do what is best for the county.”
Bob Dixon (R) Statement of Support
Greene County Presiding Commissioner and Former Missouri Senator
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“Janet Thompson is a county leader at the state and national levels because she’s earned the trust and respect of her peers in Missouri and across the country.
“Her knowledge and commonsense approach to problem solving is invaluable and has undoubtedly saved taxpayer dollars and lives.
“She works hard, and she works with everyone to get things done for Missouri counties and our citizens! I appreciate her.
Steve Crosswhite
Sturgeon Board of Alderman
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“Janet has always been more than willing to visit our community by attending Board of Alderman meetings and Chamber of Commerce meetings. During those meetings she was organized, providing detailed information and offering assistance to the City. We have never had any difficulty reaching her through email correspondence, telephone calls, or just walking into her office.
“I cannot say enough about the leadership of Janet Thompson and what she brings to Boone County. Janet has always done what is best for Boone County during her time as Commissioner, and if reelected, will continue to serve its citizens in the future.
“I wholeheartedly offer this endorsement.”
Kena Elkin Forbis
Retired Hallsville teacher
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“In today’s world, I am looking for someone who will represent me as a constituent of Boone County in the Northern District II, with integrity, honesty and passionate ambition. I have found that in Janet Thompson who has proven her abilities and leadership skills for the interest of persons in our Northern District for the past 11 years!
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“She is very open minded and willing to listen to any views no matter what our party affiliation and will respect your individual rights and opinions. She welcomes your input in order to better problem solve solutions by working together.
“You can take her word as the honest truth. Her professionalism is evident in the time, effort and attention to detail in planning and transposing her thoughts into action. She “gets things done!
Commissioner Sally A Heyman (Ret.)
Miami-Dade, Florida, Board of County Commissioners
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“As a County Commissioner, Chair of Public Safety at the National Association of Counties and representing Counties on the Homeland Security Consortium (and) working with you for the past ten years, I witnessed your exceptional experience and knowledge in Criminal Justice, Mental Health and obtaining Grants, benefiting Boone County and Counties throughout our Country.
“Your service as Boone County Commissioner, being a team member and collaborator resulted in tremendous savings of lives and funds. You demonstrated leadership especially in the area of Mental Health policies, enhanced Emergency Management response to disasters and efficiencies in Public Safety. Your tireless efforts made a positive difference in the lives of many.”
Lorry Myers
Writer, Missouri Life Magazine/Tribune/Fireside Guard, lives in Centralia
“We are Northern Boone County… We are Hallsville and Sturgeon and Centralia. We are farmland and factories, new businesses and old businesses and people who believe in what they do and where they live.
“We are Northern Boone County. Our problems are different, and our needs are different. We need a Boone County Commissioner who knows that.
“Someone who knows us.
“In Northern Boone County, it is Janet Thompson you see at our Chamber events, our City meetings, and our community celebrations. Janet is a familiar figure in her work boots and open smile, speaking and listening to those she represents. Janet is not driven by party politics. She is plain spoken, levelheaded, and asks the questions that need to be asked. She not only shows up, she stands up for Northern Boone County.
“Janet Thompson is the only choice for Northern Boone County Commissioner.”
Dr. Peter Stiepelman
Former Superintendent, Columbia Public Schools
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“As someone who has served in leadership roles within Columbia Public Schools for 15 years, I am proud to give my full and enthusiastic endorsement to Commissioner Janet Thompson for re-election.
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“During my seven years as Columbia’s superintendent, I rarely encountered a more dedicated public servant when it came to addressing the needs of children. Through her involvement in the county-wide Cradle to Career initiative, Janet invested her time, talent, and resources to ensure that kindergarteners throughout Boone County started school ready to learn, and that high school seniors graduated prepared for life.
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“…and thanks to Janet’s active support, we recently celebrated the opening of the Boone County Nature School…I vividly remember walking the property with Janet two years ago; her deep care for Boone County and the physical and mental health of its people was truly inspiring.
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“Janet has been a steadfast advocate for mental health, working tirelessly to ensure that county jails and state prisons do not become the default mental health facilities. As the Missouri Association of Counties Chair of the Policing, Justice and Mental Health Committee for the 2024-25 term, Janet has championed initiatives to help those who have lost their way and joining them in their pursuit of recovery.
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“Janet Thompson’s ideas, ideals, character, and proven track record make her the clear choice in this election. Re-electing Commissioner Janet Thompson means continued progress for all in Boone County.”
Bill Clark
Columbia journalist, gym owner, and online author of News and Views of Mid-Missouri
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“I have long been of the opinion that county commissions should not be political positions, but professionals hired or appointed to manage the affairs of the county without the always-present problem of politics and re-election hovering in the shadows.
“The best commissioners are those steeped in management—be it farms or businesses—and a solid knowledge of how local and state governments work—regardless of politics.
“Janet is the most qualified person in the county to serve on the commission. She is the sole operator of a farm and saddlebred horse business north of Columbia, an attorney who spent more than two decades as a public defender, a leader in the Episcopal Church, manages no less than a dozen state-backed programs in our county, is fluent in Spanish (she has a master’s degree in the language), trains and shows two horses on weekends when her government schedule allows…and has set almost 50 national weightlifting records in her bodyweight and age groups.
“She has a certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution and knows how to use it. As a public defender, she argued 17 death sentence cases––several before the Missouri Supreme Court. There is no problem too large and no detail too small for Janet Thompson.
“She is up before dawn to feed horses and livestock and is often still in meetings into late evening. It was she who headed up the Boone County Centennial Celebration in her “spare time.
“I have often inquired: ‘When do you sleep.’ She didn’t bother to answer.
Columbia Board of REALTORS
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"The Board of Directors of the Columbia Board of REALTORS® (CBOR) moved to endorse Janet Thompson for Northern District Commissioner and Sam Turner for Southern Boone County Commissioner. The Board concluded that both candidates’ policy ideas align with the Columbia Board of REALTORS® goals to encourage real property ownership and protecting property rights.
"Shawna Neuner, 2024 Government Affairs Committee Chair, commented, “With the release of the housing study, Boone County has the opportunity to make strides towards improving the local housing crisis the community is facing. These two candidates are the best choice to help alleviate our home inventory problem during their terms as County Commissioners.”
"Both Candidates acknowledged the endorsement, with Thompson stating, "I am honored by the support of the Board of Realtors. Boone County government has worked in partnership with the Board of Realtors to expand opportunities for affordable, safe, and accessible housing across the county. Together, we can better serve the needs of our community. I look forward to continuing that partnership as we implement the ideas generated in the Housing Study and in our revised Master Plan.”