Senate to Begin Confirmation Process
One of the responsibilities of the Missouri Senate is to confirm the gubernatorial appointments made when there is a transition in power or a vacancy in a department position. With the change in leadership we have been tasked with several new appointments to head state departments and I’m encouraged by the governor’s picks for these positions.
Since the election of our new governor I’ve been impressed with the cabinet he has put together so far. I’m encouraged by our new leadership and our governor’s ability to attract the highest caliber talent to Missouri. After meeting with some of these appointees, I’ve learned they are here because they truly believe in the governor’s mission for our state and want to be an important part of it.
It’s no secret that some of our state agencies have gone through some turbulent times over the past few years. The Department of Corrections alone has had to pay out $8 million to settle lawsuits. This is unacceptable. Our departments must adhere to the highest standards moving forward.
Further, the Department of Natural Resources has been sitting on permits for five years without approval and holding on to applications for reasons unknown to the Legislature. The purchase of property in the 33rd Senate District and the quiet, last-minute purchases of parks before the previous governor’s departure raise questions about leadership and the management of that department. We need good strong leaders to head our state departments and I’m excited about the well qualified individuals the governor has given us to consider.
I’ve had the privilege of meeting with the acting directors of Agriculture, Chris Chinn; Office of Administration, Sarah Steelman; Corrections, Anne Precythe; Natural Resources, Carol Comer; and, Director of Public Safety, Charles (Drew) Juden.
Chris Chinn is a fifth-generation Missouri farmer and brings a wealth of experience to the Department of Agriculture. Chinn recognizes the importance of agriculture to the state of Missouri and she will fight for our farmers and ranchers. She knows that family farms are key to the state’s future, and she knows the hardships and challenges that farmers face each day. I look forward to confirming her appointment.
Sarah Steelman also brings a wealth of knowledge to her position at the Office of Administration. Steelman holds a Masters of Arts in economics from the University of Missouri and has worked as an adjunct professor of economics at Lincoln University. A former state treasurer and state senator, Steelman brings high-level expertise to the office responsible for budgeting, hiring and purchasing within state government. I am confident she will lead the department in the best direction for the state of Missouri.
Anne Precythe has been chosen to lead the Department of Corrections. Precythe comes to us from North Carolina where she served as director of community corrections. Under Precythe, North Carolina lowered its incarceration rate through parole reform and she has promised to end the corruption that was previously dominating the Missouri Department of Corrections. I have high hopes for Precythe and believe that our correctional institutions will be in good hands once she is formally confirmed.
Carol Comer has been tapped to lead the Department of Natural Resources. Comer has an extensive background as an environmental lawyer and previously served as commissioner of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Under her leadership Indiana was able to make it easier for businesses to get permits and the state saw improved air quality and protection of wildlife and natural resources. And all of this took place while the state saw job growth. I look forward to seeing our natural resources flourish under her leadership.
Rounding out the nominations is the acting Director of Public Safety, Drew Juden. Juden comes to the department after serving as director of the Sikeston Department of Public Safety for 15 years. Juden began his time with the department in 1978 and also served on the board of directors for the SEMO Major Case Squad and the SEMO Drug Task Force. He was named President of the Missouri Police Chiefs Association in December of 2014. Public safety is vitally important and I’m encouraged by the leadership shown by Juden in the past and what he will bring to the department.
Confirmation hearings for these department heads will be taking place over the next few weeks and I encourage you to attend a hearing if you are able.
As always, I appreciate it when groups from around Missouri and from our community back home come to visit me at the Capitol. If you would like to arrange a time to come and visit me in Jefferson City, or if you ever have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact my Capitol office at (573) 751-1882.