Democrats select Barbara Brown for Special Election

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- It took the Stoddard County Democratic Central Committee a little longer to select its candidate for the 151st Special Election, but that doesn't mean they're any less confident that they've chosen the right person.

The 151st District Democratic Legislative Committee met in conjunction with the Central Committee Thursday night at the Stoddard County Justice Center to officially choose its candidate.

With a motion made by Tom Bischof and seconded by Ron Yersak, the committee completed the process, selecting Barbara Brown of Bell City/Painton to seek the Democratic nod from voters at the Aug. 5 Special Election.

Married to Fred Brown for 39 years, Brown is the mother of two and grandmother of three.

She attended school in Bell City, graduating high school in 1974.

Brown acknowledged that while she has not been very outspoken politically over the years, she is "big" on healthcare. A nurse since 1988, healthcare is a subject she identifies as being "near and dear to her heart."

Employed at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston as a nurse from 1988-1997, Brown took a brief period away from work when her children were young.

In October, she retired as Administrator of Pyramid Tri-County Home Health where she supervised approximately 40 employees.

"I really look forward to learning more and doing more in relation to healthcare reform for our district," Brown said. "I do everything to the best of my ability. I'll do my very best to represent the people in the district and to bring good things to the 151st."

Several members of the party spoke of how pleased they are with Brown's decision to run.

"I think we've got a really good candidate going to file, so that's pretty exciting," said Frances Moore, chairperson of the legislative committee.

Ron Yersak, former President of the Democratic Central Committee, also expressed his pleasure with Brown.

"I think were fortunate to have a candidate familiar with the health care industry, because that's something she'll be hearing about a lot," Yersak said. We need someone who can give knowledgeable responses for the people in our area."

Yersak also thanked Kenneth Minton for being the contact person between the party and Brown.

Brown said she is excited to start the campaigning process and plans to get to Jefferson City "right away" to take care of the filing process for the primary election as well.

"I believe when you do things, you should do them right," she said. "If you're not going to do it right, don't do it."

Brown will be speaking at the Annual St. Patrick's Day corned beef and cabbage dinner at the Puxico VFW on March 15. The dinner is sponsored by the Stoddard County Democratic Club and begins at 6:30 p.m.