Friday, March 31, 2017
Time to Be Bold?
Scott Charton had an intriguing tweet the other day (see it here)… “Hank Foley's exit as @Mizzou interim chief is perfect timing to add MU chancellor to @umsystem president job…”
The idea would be to flatten the administrative structure with resulting costs savings while creating an organizational structure less likely to be consumed with rival turf wars.
It would be a bold move. However with a new governor looking to shake things up, and considerable budget pressures, boldness might have some rewards here.
Walsh Out of White House
Palmer Report says St. Louisian Katie Walsh is being shuffled out of the White House because she was a “leaker.” See it here.
Pull Quote: Earlier today, Donald Trump’s White House announced that Deputy Chief of Staff Katie Walsh is resigning in order to go work for a pro-Trump outside group. But this evening a Fox News / Fox Business reporter is telling a very different version of the story: that Trump fired Walsh for leaking information and had her escorted out of the building.
Greitens Announces New Labor Head
The press release: Governor Eric Greitens announced that Anna Hui, Acting Director of the Illinois Department of Labor, will become the new Director of the Missouri Department of Labor. Hui also previously served as the Chief of Staff to Elaine Chao, former U.S. Secretary of Labor and current U.S. Secretary of Transportation, during the Secretary's tenure at the Heritage Foundation. Governor Greitens released the following statement, "Anna Hui has proven herself to be a fearless change agent at the state and federal level. We are honored to have her join us to shake up Jefferson City and bring some much needed reforms to the Missouri Department of Labor."
Green Passes
Thomas Green, a Democratic donor and powerbroker for many years, died. See the Post-Dispatch article here.
Pull Quote: Mr. Green’s contributions as a lawyer, businessman and public servant inspired many and earned him numerous accolades. A philanthropist who co-founded the Holocaust Museum of St. Louis and once chaired the board of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, he died Monday (March 26, 2017) at a hospital of natural causes. He was 83.
Hudson for House 138
Brad Hudson, the Stone County Assessor, started a campaign committee to run for House 138 as a Republican. The current incumbent is termed Rep. Don Phillips.
Bits
Press release: “Governor Greitens will travel to Southeast Missouri to hold a ceremonial signing of HB 662, which increases penalties for the use of illegal herbicides.”
Senator Claire McCaskill weighs her Gorsuch vote. See it here.
Word is that Missouri Farmers Care has hired ARC Media (Gus Wagner and Andy Neidert) for its digital needs.
Help Wanted
The Missouri Department of Agriculture, Wine and Grape Board has a full-time benefited position located in Jefferson City… , Missouri. An employee in this position will perform administrative and secretarial duties requiring a high degree of independent judgment and discretion.… The employee may act as a representative in interacting with the public, board, Director's Office, Governor's Office, legislators, special interest groups and other state and federal agencies by responding to inquiries and complaints, explaining policies, procedures, and regulations, resolving problems and receiving and disseminating directives… Salary: $33,840 - $39708… See it here.
Lobbyists Registrations
Samuel Wright added Samuel F Wright.
$5K+ Contributions
Citizens Investing In J Plus C - $11,800 from Civic Progress Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce.
Give Missourians a Raise - $25,000 from UFCW Local 655.
Give Missourians a Raise - $25,000 from Jobs with Justice Voter Action.
Birthdays
Happy birthdays to Rep. Mark Ellebracht and former Rep. Allen Icet (the big 6-0).
Saturday: Mike Wolff .