Press "Enter" to skip to content
LTG Mike Parson

This Week in the Governor’s Office: Week of Aug. 27

By Benjamin Peters on August 31, 2018

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Gov. Mike Parson kicked off the week by making his first pick for a department head, announcing Col. Sandra Karsten of the Missouri State Highway Patrol as the next director for the Department of Public Safety.

“Colonel Karsten is an exemplary public servant, and throughout her 33-year law enforcement career, she’s demonstrated the professionalism and integrity for which the Missouri State Highway Patrol is known. She’s a strong, focused leader who has never shied away from tough decisions, and understands the importance of teamwork. The Missouri State Highway Patrol is better, thanks to her service,” said Governor Parson. “We are excited and have great confidence in her to lead the Department of Public Safety.”

Karsten takes over effective Sept. 1.

On Tuesday, Parson met with some of Missouri’s legislators to discuss the next steps of tax reform in the Show-Me State, as well as other members to discuss education, infrastructure and workforce development.

On Wednesday, the Governor kicked off his morning with the Missouri Association of Electric Coops 2018 Lineman’s Rodeo.

He also spoke at the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys Conference.

Parson also met with the state’s HR departments and the Office of Administration’s Division of Personnel as the new law bringing reform to the merit system took effect.

Thursday proved to be one of the busiest days for announcements from the Governor’s Office, as Parson first announced his pick to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District.

“I am proud to name Judge Tom Chapman as a member of the Western District Court of Appeals in Missouri. Judge Chapman is a distinguished jurist whose rural perspective, I believe, will add additional balance to the court. I have high confidence that he will continue to be a fair arbiter of the law, faithfully interpret the law as written, and reasonably consider decisions made at the trial level in his own evaluation,” said Governor Mike Parson. “Additionally, I greatly appreciate the work of the appellate judicial commission in submitting such a strong panel of qualified candidates, which made choosing especially difficult.”

He also hosted a luncheon with his Faith Council that afternoon.

Parson also made eight other appointments to various boards and commissions:

  • Kim Bailey, of Raymore, was appointed to the State Board of Education.
  • Todd Boland, of Villa Ridge, was appointed as the Franklin County First District Commissioner.
  • Don Claycomb, of Linn, was appointed to the State Board of Education.
  • Gwendolyn Grant, of Kansas City, was appointed to the Coordinating Board for Higher Education.
  • John Modest Miles, of Kansas City, was reappointed to the Jackson County Sports Complex Authority.
  • Gary Nodler, of Joplin, was appointed to the Coordinating Board for Higher Education.
  • Allen Rowland, of Dexter, was appointed to the Clean Water Commission.
  • Pat Thomas, of Jefferson City, was reappointed to the Clean Water Commission.

Among various appointments, Parson names two to SBOE

News also leaked that Parson would be calling a special session, which he confirmed that evening.

Gov. Parson calls legislature back for special session on STEM education and drug treatment courts

On Friday, Gov. Parson spoke at Delta Days (Fisher Delta Research Center Field Day) in the bootheel.

He also announced the appointment of Jessica Kruse as the Associate Circuit Judge for Christian County and Associate Circuit Judge John N. Borbonus III, as circuit judge for the 21st Judicial Circuit in St. Louis County, to take effect September 21, 2018.

More from GovernorMore posts in Governor »
More from motimesblog.comMore posts in motimesblog.com »