Boards and commissions are designed to give citizens a voice in their government and provide a means of influencing decisions that shape the quality of life for the residents of Missouri. Participation on a board or commission is one of the most effective steps a citizen can take in becoming an active voice in our state’s government.
Missouri has more than 200 boards and commissions in which our governor appoints citizen members. Appointees are responsible for advising the governor, lawmakers in the Senate and House of Representatives, and state agencies. In some instances, a commission or board member may be responsible for important issues, such as establishing state standards, maintaining our valuable resources, and helping protect the general welfare of the citizens in our state.
You can find a complete list of boards and commissions on the governor’s Web site (http://governor.mo.gov/boards/boards.htm). Here you can access information about each board and commission, including its description, members, governing statute, along with its Web site.
The process of becoming a member on a state board or commission begins with filling out an application (http://governor.mo.gov/boards/boardsapp.htm). Upon approval of the governor, appointees then work with their state senator, who serves as a sponsor in the confirmation process. This process begins before the Senate’s Gubernatorial Appointments Committee and concludes with a consenting vote by the full Senate.
I take great joy and pride in sponsoring qualified, responsible members who reflect the diverse lifestyles found in Missouri and who possess a strong belief in the public process. This year, I sponsored five citizens of the 28th Senate District who now serve on a state board or commission.
Please explore the Missouri Boards and Commissions Web site. If you wish to apply, simply complete the appointment application and return it to the designated office address. You may apply at any time, regardless of whether there is a current opening, as resignations occur throughout the year. I encourage you to apply for a position where you can help serve our great state.
If you have questions or comments about our state’s boards and commissions or would like more information on how you can help serve, please feel free to contact me at 573-751-8793 or by e-mail at: delbertscott@senate.mo.gov.
Senator Delbert Scott represents the people of Barton, Benton, Cedar, Dallas,
Henry, Hickory, Pettis, Polk and St. Clair counties in the Missouri Senate.