Crow announces for Dist. 35 Rep.

July 28, 2011

For Starkville Daily News

In announcing his candidacy for District 35 Representative, Shannon Crow made the following statement:
“I am Shannon Crow, a Republican candidate for the Mississippi House of Representatives, District 35. I am a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, with 24 years of service and would be honored to serve you as your representative.
“The citizens of District 35 deserve a representative that is in touch with their desires and concerns. When the seat became open, I felt it was my duty to step up and take a leadership role to ensure that we had the best representation available. I have the leadership skills, experience and maturity to function well in the legislature. I am confident in my abilities and know that I would serve the citizens of District 35 as they deserve.
“In my military career I worked at many levels, from small units all the way to the Pentagon. I never forgot what it was like to be on the receiving end of decisions made ‘up there.’ As a senior staff officer, I helped develop policies, plans and worked through the budget process. But, I always remembered the impact on those who had to live with our decisions. In my current job as a benefits advisor, I work on a daily basis with business owners and employees throughout the district and listen to their concerns.
“If elected, I promise to represent you fairly, without prejudice or bias. I understand the decision-making process. I have proven my leadership and management skills and have shown that I know how to succeed. I am an independent thinker with the maturity, self-confidence, moral courage and professional standards to succeed. I know how to analyze issues, determine their impact and explain it to others. I can form coalitions and work with others for a common goal and manage the process, but also know how and when to stand up for what is right. If necessary, I can be the lone voice that can, perhaps, give others the courage to also stand up.
“I grew up on a farm in the Self Creek community of Oktibbeha County, attended Maben High School and earned a bacherlor’s degree in engineering technology, from Mississippi State University. After graduation I served for 24 years as a Signal Corps officer and Force Structure Specialist. I am self-employed and live near Eupora in Choctaw County’s LaGrange community. My wife, Beth, is the Laboratory Director for a local hospital and we have two children, Cathy (22) and Jake (19).
“I am a Christian, conservative Mason and belong to the National Rifle Association, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Reserve Officers Association. I have been actively involved with Hebron Christian School, working with the football team and, for the past four years, serving as the Parent-Teacher Fellowship President. My priorities will be to protect our Constitutional rights, quality education and small business. Please vote in the Aug. 2 Republican primary and allow me the opportunity to serve you as your representative in the Mississippi legislature. Thank you.”