Filling Missouri Boards and Commissions
As the Missouri General Assembly continues its work during the 2018 legislative session, the governor is in the process of filling open seats on many of the state’s various boards and commissions.
For many of these spots, the governor nominates a candidate whom the Senate can then vote to confirm or deny. Nominees normally appear before the Senate Gubernatorial Appointments Committee first. If approved, candidates are then voted on in the full chamber. Only with Senate affirmation — referred to as “advice and consent” in various sections of the state constitution and revised statutes — will these nominees assume their designated positions.
The Senate’s role in confirming nominees is crucial; by requiring the thoughtful review of the legislature’s upper chamber, the appointment process is emblematic of our American system of checks and balances. As with the federal government, authority at the state level is divided among three separate branches, legislative, judicial and executive, in order to counterbalance the potential misuse of power by any one governing body. Gubernatorial appointees require approval from two separate branches, thus ensuring they are carefully vetted.
Last week, I was proud to sponsor two gubernatorial appointees from the 12th Senatorial District. The governor nominated Terry L. Ecker, a Republican, to the State Highways and Transportation Commission and reappointed Jennifer L. Schoonover to the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board. The Senate confirmed both on Jan. 18. I wish them all the best in carrying on the important work of the great state of Missouri.
As always, please feel free to call, email or write with your ideas or concerns. My Capitol office number is (573) 751-1415, my email is dan.hegeman@senate.mo.gov and my mailing address is Room 332, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.