A retired teacher from Eldon has filed to run as a Democratic candidate in a local Missouri House of Representatives race.
Linda Greeson filed in the race for the 59th House District, which encompasses much of Cole County outside of Jefferson City limits, as well as northern Miller County.
The seat is currently held by Republican Mike Bernskoetter, who is seeking the 6th District state Senate seat now held by Mike Kehoe, who is term-limited.
In her filing statement, Greeson said her top priority is to "support, improve and protect public education in Missouri."
Greeson said she spent 30 years in public schools educating children and believes "the education system needs to provide an educated and skilled workforce so businesses can grow and prosper."
Greeson also said she wants to work to improve the salaries of Missouri state employees, which currently rank last in the nation.
"Our neighbor to the north, Iowa, ranks number one in the nation as far as state worker pay, and that's embarrassing," she said. "Along with better salaries, state employees deserve good benefits such as health insurance and a guarantee that they will have a decent pension."
Greeson worked as a teacher and counselor in the Eldon R-1 School District before her retirement, according to her filing statement. Her current roles include farm wife, mother, grandmother and volunteer, she said.
Greeson is unopposed for the Democratic nomination in the August primary. Republican candidates for the 59th House District include Rik Combs, Karen Leydens, Rudy Veit, Kendra Lane and Randy Dinwiddie.