National Bike Summit 2007 report: Ike Skelton

Karen Karabell and Lisa Marty, representing the St. Louis Bicycle Federation, and Brent Hugh, representing the Missouri Bicycle Federation, met with Missouri Congressman Ike Skelton's transportation aide, Betsy Vickers March 16th, 2007.

The meeting with Vickers was very cordial. She was knowledgeable, interested in our issues, and listened.

(One of the points made in our day-and-a-half of preparatory meetings at the summit that led up to the day of meetings with congress members and their staff, is that constituents are often disappointed if they cannot meet with the congress member in person. But often in terms of spend quality time, actually having your issues listened to and understood, and in getting concrete help to move issues forward, it is better to meet with the staff liaison who specializes in that particular issue.)

Skelton has been a congressman since 1977 and is currently chair of the House Armed Services Commmittee. He is quite a powerful congressman--and his office, which had a beautifull view of the Capitol Building, showed it.

We asked Skelton for help and support on three specific issues:

• Support the Bicycle Commuter Act
  
• Join the House Bike Caucus
  
• Work with Congressman Cleaver to build support for the Katy Trail connection to Kansas City

Vickers indicated that because of Skelton's chairmanship, he is not currently joining any caucuses. However, he would consider supporting our issues.

We had extensive discussion about the Katy Trail. The western end of the trail runs through Skelton's district, which takes in Jefferson City, Sedalia, Warrensburg, Windsor, and Clinton. We discussed the tourism potential of the Katy Trail, which is just beginning to be realized. Vickers indicated that Skelton would support the Katy Trail connection to Kansas City.

This connection would strongly impact Skelton's district. Vickers indicated that it would be most powerful if we coordinated with Congressman Cleaver's office, as the connecting link will run through both congressmen's districts.

With both congressmen working together to build support, it may help provide a quicker resolution to the Katy Trail connection issue.