Monday, September 01, 2008

Emery tops area representatives in July lobbyists' gifts


Rep. Ed Emery, R-Lamar, received more lobbyists' gifts, $292.53 worth, in July, than any representative in the Joplin area, according to documents posted today on the Missouri Ethics Commission website.

Emery, the chairman of the House Special Utilities Committee, received $142.53 in meals, food, and beverage, from John Kristan Jones, SprintNextel; and $125.62 combined in meals provided by Doug Galloway, Embarg, Charles Simino, Embarg, and Mary Scruggs, Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives.

So far this year, Emery has received $1,198.99 in lobbyists' gifts, already topping his total for 2007.

Ron Richard, R-Joplin, picked up $195.35 in gifts in July, including $89.23 for meals from Richard Brownlee, Travelers Company & Subsidiaries; and $93.72 from Greg Johnston, Holcim, Inc. Richard's gift total for 2008 is $1,933.20.

Marilyn Ruestman, R-Joplin, received one gift, $78 in sports tickets from St. Louis lobbyist John Bardgett, who, as usual, lists his lobbying firm as the interest he is representing. Ms. Ruestman has received $629.63 for the year.

Bryan Stevenson, R-Webb City, also had only one gift, $135 for continuing legal education from Catherine Barrie, lobbyist for the Missouri Bar. Stevenson's 2008 total is $928.15.

Kevin Wilson R-Neosho, also received an $89.23 meal from Brownlee representing Travelers Company & Subsidiaries. Wilson has received $491.48 in gifts, the smallest total among Joplin-area representatives.

Only one area representative, Steve Hunter, R-Joplin, did not report any lobbyists' gifts in July, but Hunter still is the leader for 2008 with $2,269.94.

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