JEFFERSON CITY— State Sen. Bob Dixon, R-Springfield, today issued a statement relating to censure actions taken by the Missouri Senate:
“A sitting member of the Missouri Senate has never been censured before this week’s action. The act of censure is serious and extremely rare. Even so, it is a fitting and commensurable response to the reprehensible conduct and online speech of Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal from earlier this year. Prior to veto session, in defense of the integrity of the Senate, I had privately indicated to my colleagues my support for a censure of Sen. Chappelle-Nadal. I supported and would have voted for Senate Resolution 3. I hope in the months and years ahead this will serve as a turning point for Sen. Chappelle-Nadal. I hope it will also serve as a reminder to all Missouri legislators and other elected office holders that our citizens deserve not just temperate language, but mature, wise and honorable behavior in all that we do. My hope is we will all learn to conduct ourselves in public and private in such a way that citizens once again respect the institutions and those elected who govern and serve our great state. The unprecedented disciplinary measures pursued by the Senate in response to unbecoming conduct should serve as a reminder to all of us that the vast majority of men and women who serve in elected positions are principled public servants.”
Due to a family matter, Senator Dixon was absent with leave from the Senate.