Nevada native serves as spokesman for Fair Tax

He's been active throughout his life, and he has no plans to slow down now. He was a member of the Nevada High School basketball team, which in 1950-'51 earned a 25-2 record that stood for more than 40 years. He's been a state representative, lieutenant governor and spent years as senior vice president and general counsel for American General Corporation and a partner in the Morrison Hecker law firm in Kansas City, and much, much more.

Now Bill Phelps, one of Nevada's favorite sons, is hard at work as a volunteer promoting the FairTax grass roots effort to spawn change in the federal tax system.

The effort has even brought him back to the area -- spreading the word about FairTax at a Joplin radio station recently. But Phelps said his Nevada roots bring him back here often, and he credits the local influence on his early years with helping him to succeed.

"I am grateful for the foundation I received in life, not only from my parents, but from many adults in Vernon County, who instilled in me a strong desire to succeed to the full extent of my abilities." Phelps said.

Phelps returns to Nevada each year for Bushwhacker Days, and looks back with fondness on special events over the years, including Vernon County's bicentennial celebration (the country's bicentennial, that is, in 1976).

That's one of his favorite memories, although he's quick to add there are many. At that event, he was serving as Missouri's lieutenant governor and had been asked to speak. In introduction, Ken Postlewaite said, "In 1864, Abraham Lincoln received zero votes, but in 1972, Bill Phelps carried Vernon County on the Republican ticket." There have been other events -- and people -- that brought him back to Vernon County, even though family members once living in the area have all died.

He addressed the crowd at a re-dedication of the Stone Monument, on the south side of the courthouse in October 2003, and has been back to see old friends at various times throughout the years. During such visits, he frequently stops at the Bushwhacker Museum "to see friends and the exhibits."

It's home to him.

"I am proud to always say that Nevada is my home town and am pleased to see that it continues its emphasis on progress and economic growth," Phelps said.

For more information on the Fair Tax plan, visit the group's Web site at www.fairtax.org.