Views
Opinion column
by Murrel Bland
Sharice Davids is learning about her new job—being the congresswoman from the Third District of Kansas. She told of her experiences in her district and in Washington, D.C., at the monthly meeting Friday, July 19, of the Congressional Forum. The Kansas City, Kansas, Area Chamber of Commerce sponsors the forum. About 100 persons attended.
Rep. Davids is working with constituents in her district. Recently she spent time as a “tag along” with a United Parcel Service employee as he ran his route. She learned, as part of “Sharice’s Shift,” that the delivery man works hard and that he appreciates having a good health insurance plan.
Rep. Davids also recently visited the Kansas City Air Route Traffic Control Center in Olathe. She humorously said not to worry however—she didn’t do any work that would control aircraft.
She’s not afraid to get her hands dirty. She helped residents of Strawberry Hill with a recent neighborhood cleanup. And she visited the former St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, also on Strawberry Hill, where the Police Athletic League sponsors youth boxing lessons. Rep. Davids, a former mixed-martial arts fighter, donned a pair of boxing gloves and worked out.
She has formed an alliance with a fellow Democrat, U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II, who represents Kansas City, Missouri. She said Rep. Cleaver has been concerned about her personal matters such as finding an apartment in Washington, D.C.
Rep. Davids serves on the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She said she has found that assignment as very valuable in her relationship with the Kansas Department of Transportation.
A major concern of Rep. Davids’ is the private sector colleges who have closed their doors and left its students with no degree and huge debt.
Rep. Davids doesn’t always agree with fellow Democrats who favor “Medicare for all.” She agrees with Republicans in supporting visas for those with critical skills.
A new addition to Rep. Davids’ staff is a military veteran, who is a wounded warrior.
Murrel Bland is a former editor of The Wyandotte West and The Piper Press. He is executive director of Business West.