Kennett resident Pat Allen will be running as an Independent candidate for the 163rd District state representative in the upcoming November election. Staff photo by George Anderson [Click to enlarge]

Allen, who needed 187 signatures, managed to secure more than 700 signatures on a petition in order to be certified as a candidate.

551 of the signatures were officially recognized by the state.

The other 150 signatures were people whom Allen managed to get registered to vote, however, those people aren't yet recognized by the state.

On Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2008, Allen received a phone call from Secretary of State Robin Carnahan, who officially recognized her candidacy for district representative.

Allen, who ran for district representative two years ago as a Democrat, said that her goal, "is to represent this district."

"Although I lost two years ago, it didn't change my aspirations," Allen continued.

"I believe that I would be the best person for the job to represent people from this district; from this area. I know their needs."

This time around, Allen chose to run as an Independent for two reasons - the first, the democrat party already had an incumbent candidate, the second, she felt that she could better be referred to as an independent.

"I don't believe that the Democrats OR the Republicans have all the answers," Allen explained.

"I believe that people should vote, not along party lines, but for what is best for this district.

"My plan is to get out more and meet the people. To let the people in the Malden, Clarkton, and Bernie area know that this is the former Pat Wilson - a name they can make a connection with and say 'this is a person [that I] know.'

"I am truly a fighter for the interests of the people in this area. I believe it is time they have a representative from the 163rd District that is seen. Representatives need to be seen and heard from. I am going to be visible; meaning I am going to go to the people to see what things [they believe] I need to bring to the legislature.

"More than likely, I'll be the most educated representative [on the topics], because since I do not have a party affiliation, the people will have to give me more reasons to support a bill," Allen continued.

A Bootheel native, Allen was born in Bernie, Mo., where she attended elementary school until her mother passed away. She then relocated to Clarkton, Mo., and continued her education.

A 2003 graduate of Three Rivers Community College with a degree in general studies and an Associate Arts degree in English, Allen worked as an assistant guidance counselor at Holcomb Elementary School. She is currently a counselor at Family Counseling Center, Inc. in Kennett.