On Monday of this week the Governor’s Inauguration and Ball was held at the State Capitol.  Governor Jay Nixon, Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder, Secretary of State Jason Kander, Attorney General Chris Koster, and Treasurer Clint Zweifel were all sworn into office to four year terms.  In keeping with recent years, the event was tasteful but low key.  While the Inaugural activities were open to the public, the crowd was considerably smaller than four years ago.  Cold weather probably contributed to the light turnout as well as the fact that Secretary of State Jason Kander was the only newly elected statewide official.

We had a nice crowd come up from the district for the Inaugural events.  It was nice to see so many familiar faces in the office.  Teresa and I had the immense pleasure of being introduced and walking down the Grand Staircase in the Capitol Rotunda with our granddaughters, Alicia and Michaela. 

This session there will be some new names and faces among my office staff.  Marylyn Shiver, my office receptionist, has been with me two years and will be continuing this year, but she is now Marylyn Luetkemeyer, having recently married.  She takes care of my schedule, correspondence, and can handle any job that comes up.  Marylyn has worked in the Missouri Senate ten years.  Prior to that she worked in the House of Representatives for thirteen years and also owned her own retail business. 

Bubs Hohulin has worked for me part time the past two years, mostly on constituent issues.  This year he will be in my office full time and handle a wide range of duties.  Bubs has worked in the Senate ten years.  Before that he was a State Representative for twelve years while owning and operating a row crop and livestock operation in Southwest Missouri. 

Finally, Alex Eaton joins my staff this year as Policy Director.  Alex grew up in Warsaw where his parents still live, so he is very familiar with the senatorial district.  Alex has worked several years on the consulting and campaign side of politics so he brings a wide range of experience to my office. 

We look forward to working for you and with you in the coming year.  Please don’t hesitate to contact us on issues you think are important or if we can be of any assistance to you.