Ensuring Qualified Citizens Serve Our Great State
Aside from its critical role in the legislative process, the Missouri Senate also plays an important role in vetting the governor’s appointments to the state’s numerous boards and commissions. During session, the governor’s appointments session must receive approval from the Missouri Senate before they can fully begin their term on the appointed board or commission.
Once the governor makes an appointment, the individual must then travel to the State Capitol to appear before the Missouri Senate’s Gubernatorial Appointments Committee. During the committee hearing, senators have the opportunity to meet with the appointee and discuss their qualifications to serve on the appointed board or commission. Before the appointment can become official, the entire Missouri Senate must give its “advice and consent” before the individual can begin their term on the appointed board or commission. As you can see, while the governor has the ability to make appointments, the Missouri Senate has the final say in ensuring that those appointments are qualified and will serve in the best interest of the people of Missouri.
This week, the Missouri Senate spent some time fulfilling this important duty. While I do not serve on the Senate’s Gubernatorial Appointments Committee, I did have the opportunity to sponsor several appointees. They include:
- Carol S. Comer, as a member of the Interstate Mining Commission;
- Carol S. Comer, as a member of the Midwest Low-Level Radioactive Waste Compact Commission;
- Tiffany Drake, as an alternate member of the Midwest Low-Level Radioactive Waste Compact Commission;
- Jon M. Kempker, as a member of the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board;
- Larry J. Lehman, as a member of the Interstate Mining Commission; and
- Julie A. Miller, as a member of the Missouri State Board of Nursing.
I believe these individuals are capable and qualified to serve on their respective boards and commissions. I look forward to seeing the good work they do for the people of Missouri.
Please feel free to contact my office at (573)751-2076. For information about my committee assignments or sponsored legislation, please visit my official Missouri Senate website at senate.mo.gov/Bernskoetter.