While lawmakers were in Jefferson City during the week of Sept. 9, we had the chance to discuss the latest appointments to several of Missouri’s boards and commissions. While these selections are made by the governor, each of these individuals must be approved by the Missouri Senate, where we offer our advice and consent. In other words, my colleagues and I review the appointments and determine if the person is qualified to serve on the board or commission to which they have been appointed. This also gave me the opportunity to sponsor an appointee.
Mel Tjeerdsma of Maryville is a member of the Northwest Missouri State University Board of Regents. He graduated from Northwest in 1977. The Missouri Senate Gubernatorial Appointments Committee discussed his appointment on Sept. 12 during the extraordinary legislative session. He was approved by the Missouri Senate just two days later.
It is people like Tjeerdsma who give back where they can. In this case, it is on the board of regents. Wherever you think your strong suit is, I encourage you to visit boards.mo.gov for the full list of our state’s boards and commissions. There are plenty of opportunities for you to give back to your community.
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 dan.hegeman@senate.mo.gov and my mailing address is Room 332, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.