Boards, commissions provide importance services to state

Dan Hegeman

During the 2015 legislative session, the Senate vetted approximately 100 individuals who had been appointed by the governor to serve on one of Missouri’s more than 200 public boards and commissions.

From advocating on behalf of Missouri’s children and seniors to managing our state’s universities to making tax policy determinations to overseeing numerous regulated professions, the citizens who serve on these boards and commissions are essential to the numerous functions of state government.

That is why it’s critical that Missouri citizens find opportunities to volunteer, the governor makes timely appointments, and the senate ensures those appointed individuals are qualified for the position before granting final approval.

For the most part, the men and women serving on these boards and commissions are there for no other reason than having a desire to improve the lives of Missourians and serve their state.

They are talented, intelligent, and experienced, and I’m very appreciative of their commitment to the Show-Me State.

But, the reality is that there are far too many boards and commission positions that are vacant, or are being filled by someone serving on an expired term.

In fact, a recent review of the Boards and Commissions website reveals an estimated 1,300 current vacancies and expired terms.

The number of vacancies and the failure to appoint replacements for members serving on expired terms prevents our government from functioning the way it was intended. There can be various reasons for why a vacancy exists, but it should never be from a lack of applicants.

Each of us has the ability to offer our service to the state in some capacity, but, too often, people just don’t know how.

If you are interested in serving our state, I encourage you to review the Missouri Boards and Commissions website at www.boards.mo.gov, find a board or position that you are interested in, and submit an application to the governor’s office and encourage those who you believe would provide valuable service to the state to do the same.

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 [email protected] and my mailing address is Room 332, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.