Tim Emert: Giving back is the most important thing
■ Running for a prize City Commission spot, hometown boy Emert wants to put Independence’s interests above all else.
Born in his grandmother’s living room in the heart of Independence, City Commissioner candidate Tim Emert has lived in Independence his entire life, and notes with pride that everything good that has ever happened to him, save for meeting his wife in Kansas City, is rooted in Independence.
Currently retired from his 55+ year stint at his law firm, Emert Chubb Reynolds, LLC in Independence, Tim is one of those people that most longtime Independence residents know and think highly of in most respects. He attended K-12 in Independence. His three children have all attended Independence schools. He served a whopping 15 years on the USD 446 School Board, is a current board member with Four County Mental Health, the Disability Rights Center of Kansas, the Independence Land Bank and the Independence Historical Museum and Arts Center and is an active member of St. Andrew’s Church. His list of accomplishments is long, which include an eight-year stint as our Kansas Senator and his stories are well-padded with laughter and a dry wit that are rarely appreciated these days.
When asked why he wanted to run for City Commission in the first place, Emert stated, “I reached the age of giving back.” Giving back to the community that has always helped him, either by helping him grow, voting for him for Senate or helping with various family needs, Emert feels that it is time for him to reciprocate and help the City out as much as he can. “I see Independence as a place where all, regardless of age, resources or talents, can pursue their ideas and dreams in a safe and nurturing community. I will work to make the community of Independence better,” he states in his commissioner campaign mission statement.
“I think I have the background and understanding of the people of Independence, the government and the makeup of the city government that gives me a lot to offer the position, and I promise I will listen,” he answered when asked why he thought he should be elected to the City Commission. He added, “I have no axe to grind, and I have no profit to make.”
[Note to Readers: Keep an eye out in tomorrow's edition for a Candidate Interview with City Commissioner candidate Joseph Housel.]