This week, I had the distinct honor to be a part of two historic events that took place in Jefferson City. With the help of a group of dedicated constituents, portraits of Missouri’s first governor and first lady, Alexander and Margaret McNair are now proudly displayed in the governor’s mansion. The McNair’s served our state almost 200 years ago.
During a kickoff to the Bicentennial Celebration of Missouri, a nonprofit called Friends of the Governor’s Mansion presented them for the first time since receiving them from Jim Gamble. For more than 27 years, Gamble had the portraits in his possession before donating them to an auction, but was determined to help the century old portraits find the perfect home. With the help of 11 family donors, these men and women made it possible for these artifacts to be displayed in the Governor’s Mansion among others who have served our great state.
“I wanted them to be given to the right organization and at the right time,” Gamble said. “When Rebecca Gordon called and said the kickoff to the bicentennial celebration would be taking place, I knew this would be the perfect opportunity.”
There were approximately 90 people in attendance on the evening of Jan. 8 − including Missouri’s First Lady, and leaders from across the state.
Rebecca Gordon, Executive Director of Friends of the Missouri Governor’s Mansion, said their group was honored to be able to accept and show these paintings to the public, which includes over 50,000 visitors each year.
The second event took place in the Missouri House of Representatives, where I had the pleasure of witnessing the State of the State address presented by the governor. In his address, he reiterated his call to reform Missouri’s tax policies to benefit working-class citizens. With your best interest in mind, he pledged to continue to cut taxes and increase jobs by lowering taxes for Missouri businesses across the state. I am excited to work with the governor’s office and my fellow lawmakers to ensure what Missourians keep more of their hard-earned dollars.
Please feel free to contact my office in Jefferson City at (573)751-1464. For information about committees or sponsored legislation for the 2018 session, please visit my official Missouri Senate website at senate.mo.gov/Cierpiot.
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