Shown above, Sen. Pearce, left, sponsors the appointment of Tom Waters to the State Highways and Transportation Commission. His wife, Karla, is standing behind Mr. Waters.

On Wednesday, I had the pleasure of sponsoring Tom Waters’ appointment to the State Highways and Transportation Commission before the Gubernatorial Appointment Committee. Mr. Waters, a constituent from our area, is a seventh-generation farmer who has served as a national spokesman for agricultural issues, including presenting testimony before Congress.

I was proud to sponsor his nomination, and happy to see him confirmed by the full Senate the following day. I know he’ll be a wonderful asset to the commission and will serve our area and the people of Missouri well. Mr. Water’s appointment also highlights another way citizens can be involved in state government.

There are more than 200 public boards and commissions in Missouri which oversee and regulate everything from how elections are conducted to what schools receive accreditation. Others can authorize utility rates, or decide what standards a certain professional, such as an electrician or nurse, must meet to practice in Missouri. Many Missourians don’t realize that a large portion of our state’s statutory rules are never voted on by their elected representatives, but are instead developed by boards and commissions.

Rules that range from how large an advertising billboard can be to the sanitation standards restaurants must follow are often written by unelected state employees directly appointed by the governor. The authority of some of these boards is immense. Decisions can have far-reaching consequences for citizens and our state.

Because of this, one of the governor’s biggest—yet least talked about—executive powers is appointing members to vacant seats on state boards. Most are chosen for their experience in whatever field the board oversees. The citizens selected often serve past the term-limits of the governor who appointed them. This gives a former governor lasting influence in public policy, even when they’re no longer in office.

Thankfully, our political system is built around a series of checks and balances, including state boards and commissions appointments. While the governor chooses his appointments, the Missouri Senate must give final approval, first through committee, and then a vote by the full Senate.

One of the Senate’s most significant duties is guaranteeing individuals chosen for appointed positions possess the necessary qualifications and are suitable for the job. We make sure appointees are up to the task of serving the citizens of Missouri.

Members of the Senate understand the incredible responsibility of confirming gubernatorial appointments, and take every step to properly, and extensively, vet these individuals. The vast majority of appointed board members are upstanding citizens who want to be involved in the decisions we make as a state. That is a worthy goal, and lawmakers are heartened to see so many engaged.

A great way to become involved in our state’s public policy process is to serve on one of these boards or commissions. For more information, visit boards.mo.gov. You can find instructions on how to apply, an online application and answers to frequently asked questions. I strongly encourage constituents in our area to consider taking the leap into civic involvement by serving on one of these boards or commissions.

As always, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 866-277-0882 (toll-free) or (573) 751-2272, or by fax at (573) 526-7381.