Jackson County Democratic Committee

Ira Anders and his wife Nina, have a long history of trying to do their part to make things better in their neighborhood and community. Since 1968 the area of northwest Independence and Sugar Creek has been their neighborhood and community.  They moved here in 1968 and they have stayed, living in the same duplex that they purchased when I began my teaching career with the Independence School District.  They have been active when and wherever possible to do things to improve their neighborhood. Someone coined a phrase some years ago that says, “You shouldn’t have to move in order to live in a better neighborhood.” Nina and Ira believe that and have tried to do what they can to make it true.

Ira has a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Education from Emporia State University, Emporia, Kansas. Nina is a graduate of William Chrisman High School and owns Scandinavia Place, a gift shop on the Independence Square. Their two children, Jon and Amy also graduated from William Chrisman. Jon is a radiation oncologist in Wichita.  His wife, Cindy, is a registered nurse but loves animals and presently loves being a volunteer at Wayside Waifs. Amy, who loves sports, is the Certified Athletic Trainer for a high school in Middletown, Ohio.

Ira’s activities with the Independence School District include:

• President of the Independence teachers – - two separate terms
• Contract negotiator for the Independence NEA (as a teacher)
• Contract negotiator for the Independence School District (as a board member)
• Elementary teacher – 28 years
• Computer technician – 6 years
• Board of Education member – 6 years

For a total of 40 years, as an active participant, in the Independence School District.

As a citizen of Independence, Ira has served in the following ways:

• Member and chairperson of the City of Independence Personnel Board
• Member of the City of Independence Parks Commission
• Member of the City of Independence Community Development Block Grant Committee
• Independence Board of Education representative on the Independence Council for Economic Development Board
• Independence Regional Hospital TIF Commission member
• Western Independence Enhanced Enterprise Zone Board member
• Eastern Jackson County Landlords Association member

Community awards:

• 2009 Truman Heartland Foundation Independence Citizens of the Year
• 2009 Brian & Sharon Snyder Historical Preservation Award (for restoration of 207-209 N Main on the Independence Square)

Civic organization memberships include:

• National Frontier Trails Museum, Bingham Waggoner Historical Society, Vaile Mansion Society, KCPT, Missouri and Jackson County Historical Societies, Chicago Alton Depot, National Wildlife Federation, Sierra Club, MADD, Truman Library Institute, Citizens for Effective Leadership, Missouri NEA-Retired

Public Service:

Ira has a long history of being active in politics.  He hasworked for and supported candidates at all levels of our political system.  Beyond that his involvement has been:

• Former member of the Jackson County Democrat Committee
• Former member of Eastern Jackson County Labor Coalition
• Recipient of Missouri NEA Lorna Bottger Award for Political Action
• Former National Education Association contact person for Congressman Alan Wheat and Congresswoman Karen McCarthy
• Member of the Democrat party

“Doing what is best for my community and neighborhood has been my goal for many years in Independence.  Doing my very best as a state representative will be my goal as I work for the citizens of Independence and Sugar Creek.” -Ira Anders