About Theresa

Theresa Garza Ruiz is currently the Jackson County Legislator for the 1st District at-large. She was elected to serve a four year term in 2006 and will be running for re-election in 2010. The legislative powers related to County government are numerous and varied. Some of the decision-making responsibilities include: establishing general financial plans for the county including the county budget; developing personnel policies for the county; overseeing and issuing elections; construction and maintenance of public county buildings and county roads and bridges; granting licenses; setting tax levies and collection of taxes; authorizing payments owed by the county and auditing all offices having control of county monies; managing county property and funds; prosecuting and defending all actions for and against the county; making and enforcing police and sanitary regulations not in conflict with state law. Theresa is assigned to the Land Use committee and Intergovernmental Affairs committee, and is the Chair for the Health and Environment committee. For the past three years she was the Chairwoman of the Justice and Law committee.

Theresa was born and raised in the Kansas City area. After graduating from Raytown South High School, she enlisted in the United States Navy. During her five (5) years on active duty, Theresa received a National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and several Letters of Recognition. She was also very active in the communities where she was stationed and volunteered for organizations such as Meals on Wheels and Teach for America. Upon completion of her enlistment, she was awarded an Honorable Discharge.

Theresa grew up in a single-parent household, with a strong female figure that demonstrated resilience and independence. Her grandparents had a very active role in her upbringing and through her Grandpa Dan; she gained a strong pro-labor stance. As a longtime and retired IBEW member, Theresa can recall her grandpa always emphasizing the importance of his Union job when she complained about this or that. She is the first member in her family to graduate from college. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Missouri – Kansas City. Theresa is currently working on her Masters Degree in Public Administration through Park University with an emphasis on Government Business Relations and Public Management.

Her dedication to improving Jackson County has been illustrated over the years through her participation in a variety of community, civic, and political organizations - to numerous to list. Prior to taking office, Theresa held a board seat for Restart, Inc. – an interfaith ministry that provides services to the homeless population in the Kansas City metro area. She currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Rainbow Center in Blue Springs which provides services and programs to children and adults with disabilities. Theresa is also a member of the Sue Shear Institutes Advisory Board. The Sue Shear Institute is a non-partisan, non-profit entity that helps women to develop the interest and skills necessary to succeed as full participants within government by serving in elected, appointed, and employed policy makers.

Theresa resides in Blue Springs, Missouri with her husband, Genaro; her daughter, Miraha; and two spoiled dogs, Russell and Roger.