Willow Springs woman runs for state rep.

After Representative David Evans’ announcement of his retirement last week, the field is open for candidates to fill the seat representing the 154th district. A Willow Springs woman is the first, and so far only, party to announce a run. Lisa Durnell filed as a Republican candidate on March 14. 

 

As a lifelong resident of the area, Durnell sees a need for true conservative representation for the district, according to her initial press release. 

 

“For too long, we have allowed the left to chip away at the values we hold dear. I have watched the political processes in our state the last few years and feel that we really need a change toward true conservatism before we lose any more ground,” stated Durnell. “I look at my children and my grandbaby and know – even at this point – they will not be able to experience a truly free country unless good people step up and try to ‘right’ the ship.”

 

Durnell worked as an appraiser for thirty-one years – twenty-three years as a private business owner and eight years as a staff appraiser for MoDOT. 

 

“I have exhibited leadership skills throughout my life, starting with organizations like 4-H and FFA in my younger years. As an adult, I have served as secretary and chairperson of the Howell-Oregon Electric nominating committee and as chairperson of MoDOT's Employee Advisory Committee. In 2010, I helped organize a community effort to get high school softball started at Willow Springs High School, for which I earned the Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award. I currently serve as a greeter and on the praise and worship team at CrossWay Fellowship Church, where I am an active member,” Durnell told Howell County News. 

 

“Since participating in the caucus a few weeks ago, I have joined the Howell County chapter of the United Federation of Republican Women, where I hope to be an actively engaged member,” she said. 

 

Her campaign announcement includes policy positions on the Second Amendment, social issues, initiative petition reform, school choice, and more. 

 

“A run for a state office is not necessarily anything I ever saw myself doing, but I know we can no longer sit back and be apathetic and disinterested in ‘politics’ or we are going to find ourselves in a very bad situation, very soon. It’s time for good people to step up and fight for Missouri and Howell County,” the release concluded. 

 

Durnell reports she is currently working on setting up her political committee and a webpage where supporters may donate to her campaign. Her Facebook page can be found at “Lisa Durnell for MO House Dist. 154”.