For New Melle Mayor Richard West, the campaign slogan and American pioneer motto “Go West” is soon to become literal, as West prepares to become part of the Missouri House of Representatives in Jefferson City.

West was the winner in the Aug. 4 Republican primary for Missouri House District 63, which represents Wentzville, Wright City, New Melle, Foristell and Innsbrook. He has no opponents in November, meaning West can now focus on preparing to be a state representative.

West will replace term-limited Rep. Bryan Spencer in the Legislature at the start of next year. West said he and Spencer plan to host a series of town hall meetings where West can be introduced to residents of his district, and listen to what they want from state government.

“It’s important to get out and see what people are really concerned about,” West commented.

West said he will also attend a summer caucus in Branson to become introduced to his fellow legislators. He hopes to be named to the House budget committee, and expects the state budget, education funding and COVID-19 response to be important issues in the first year of his term.

“People really want answers about what’s going on. I think it’s our job to get them answers,” he said.

As a retired law enforcement officer, addressing crime in cities is another of West’s priorities.

“The crime issues going on, especially on the east side of the state, are high concerns to me. The lack of respect for law enforcement and crimes not being prosecuted are issues,” West said.

The political district West will represent includes a diverse geographic area, with the suburban hub of Wentzville mixed in with the rural towns around it. That can make it challenging to represent the different needs and interests of people in different areas.

“A lot of values are different (between areas). New Melle and Wright City tend to be for less big government, while people in Wentzville tend to like more government involved in their issues,” West commented. Balancing those interests, he said, “is going to depend on the issues I’m dealing with, and how it comes back to individual areas.”

To stay on top of issues in each area of his district, West said he will follow the example of Bryan Spencer and stay in frequent contact with local city governments, as well as encouraging citizens to get in touch with him.

“It’s important for citizens to get involved in government,” West said. “I don’t pretend to know everything. If people don’t come across my doorstep to tell me what their issues are, I won’t know.”

Spencer, who helped recruit West to run for office, said he believes West will be a good representative.

“I knew his background as a retired police officer, a mom-and-pop business owner, his deployment in Iraq. He’s a mayor of a small town who is very involved in his community. You can tell he’s an active listener and a problem solver,” Spencer commented.

Ahead of the elections, Spencer said he has also been coaching West on legislative procedure and introducing him to officials in Jefferson City.

“I’m looking forward to the things he will accomplish for our district,” Spencer said.