Politics & Government
Mike Butler Canvasses With Youth Group Ahead Of Aug. 7 Election
"We've been hashing out the same issues for 30 years," Butler said. "We need some new policy solutions."
ST. LOUIS, MO — Democratic State Rep. Mike Butler spent some time with a local youth group from The Village Saturday afternoon, giving them a close-up view of his political operation and teaching them about the importance of canvassing to get out the vote. With his time in Jefferson City coming to an end, Butler is running for Recorder of Deeds in St. Louis, with an election on August 7.
"I feel like I can be more effective in City Hall than in Jefferson City," Butler said. "That office in City Hall needs a lot of help."
Butler said as the first millennial elected to citywide office, he'd work to make city services more accessible online.
Find out what's happening in St. Louisfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"I think in 2018, you shouldn't have to go to City Hall for your city records. I think you should be able to access your government from the comfort of your home like you do everything else. You can open a bank account online. You can register to vote online. You should be able to get your birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses online, and other things you need from the city."
Butler grew up in south St. Louis and moved to Columbia, Missouri after his parents divorced when he was 9 years old. His mother finished law school in three years while raising five children.
Find out what's happening in St. Louisfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
'That's had a major impact on my life," Butler said. "It let us know we could do anything we put our minds to."
As a teenager, Butler moved back to St. Louis and attended Parkway North High School. After he graduated, he got a bachelor's degree in business management and a masters in public administration, began interning in the state legislature, and eventually became a legislative aide. When a seat in his home district came open, he decided to run himself. The rest, he said, is history.
While in the state legislature, Butler said his focus has been on improving education, reducing crime and vacant housing. He hopes to continue to bring attention to those issues at the local level.
Butler will face 38-year incumbent Sharon Quigley Carpenter.
Find more information on this and other races at Vote411.org.
Photos by J. Ryne Danielson/Patch
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
