Committee fulfilled legal responsibility

To the Editor,

It is unfortunate when an elected office is vacated prematurely. In Butler County and in the 8th Congressional District, we have seen our share, from the 8th Congressional Seat in 2013 to the Butler County Collector in 2014. Thankfully, the Missouri Constitution tells us how these vacancies are to be filled and has for at least 35 years. Yes, I said the law of the Great State of Missouri spells out how elected citizens of the district can nominate a candidate to fill a position on the ballot for their party.

I have heard from those who say 'the political system is flawed' or 'the selection process is the wrong process'. I respect these opinions and do not debate that the process could be improved. However, the process we have is the law of the land and cannot be altered by the 8th Congressional Committee or the Butler County Committee. To lay the blame for any perceived ill on either committee is misdirected.

Any desire for this process to change should be directed to the Missouri General Assembly who has the authority to change it, not the committee that is fulfilling its legal and civic responsibility to carry out the law. Desire for change can make big differences. However, implying fault or unethical behavior on the committees or any other candidate for following the legal processes is not only irresponsible, but disingenuous.

Eddy Justice

Poplar Bluff, Mo.