Family life steered Mary Still toward politics

Supporters say the candidate is an advocate for students.

By Erin Gregory

Published Oct. 20, 2008

Mary Still's goal has always been to help MU however she can. This January, she hopes that goal will take her to Jefferson City.

Still, the Democratic candidate for the 25th District House seat, was born in Fordyce, Ark., to a family well-versed in politics. Her father served as a district attorney throughout her childhood, eventually retiring after serving various counties in the state for 24 years. Still's mother was the first woman to serve on the local school board and helped to integrate schools.

Still credits her upbringing for her interest in politics.

"I was surrounded by politics," Still said. "My mother in particular demonstrated a great deal of courage and dedication as she worked to integrate schools in Arkansas."

After graduating from high school, Still moved to Columbia to attend MU, where she was a journalism major. She graduated in 1976 and worked for several newspapers throughout the Midwest and the South before moving back to Columbia.

After settling here with husband Russell, Still began to work for the state of Missouri as communications director for the Department of Natural Resources. This position helped Still get her foot in the door at the Capitol. During this time, she developed a relationship with Attorney General Jay Nixon, which would eventually bring her to Jefferson City full time.

Still accepted a position as Nixon's communications director and held that position for a decade. She also served as director of communications for Gov. Bob Holden for two years and as a policy adviser for Nixon until her campaign began.

"My career in public service has taught me to stand up for change," Still said. "I understand how the legislative process works, and I know how to get things done. I know what a career in politics demands."

Still also spent eight years as the director of communications at MU, an experience she feels has prepared her to be a "champion of the university."

"What this university needs now more than anything is resources," she said. "It is the premier university in the state, but the state funding it receives is not comparable to other universities in the U.S. It prevents the university from moving forward."

Still also wants to make tuition more affordable for students who are qualified to attend MU.

"Rising tuition prevents those students who are qualified to attend the university but who cannot afford it from getting an education," Still said. "We need to ensure that all students who deserve to come to the university are able to come."

MU College Democrats President Caitlin Ellis said she believes Still is the best candidate to represent students because of her consideration for MU.

"Mary understands what matters to students," Ellis said. "At the beginning of the year, I saw her at the Student Activities Mart. She was there to talk to involved students to find out what really matters to students. She truly wants to represent MU students."

Sociology professor Wayne Brekhus, who donated to Still's campaign, echoes Ellis' sentiments.

"Mary is a great advocate for students and professors and for the research and teaching missions of the university," Brekhus said.

Still also plans to focus on health care reform, particularly reversing recent Medicaid cuts and increasing funding for Columbia's hospitals to ensure quality care. Still also wants to protect women's rights to reproductive health services, including abortion rights and access to birth control.

Most importantly, though, Still hopes that voters, particularly young voters at MU, realize one thing about the upcoming election.

"Vote," she said. "When you vote in this election, you are voting for your future. If you want to have a say on legislative decisions that will affect you over the next years, then vote."