Monday, January 5, 2014
Leara In 15
Rep. Mike Leara announced declared for Senate 15, bringing the number of declared candidates for that seat to three. Reps. Rick Stream and Andrew Koenig have also announced their intent to run. Sen. Eric Schmitt is termed.
From the statement: “As your State Senator, I will work each and every day to revive the job market in St. Louis County. We need to bring quality, full-time jobs to our workers. We need to protect our family businesses and end unnecessary government interference.”
“The Obama liberal agenda of more taxes, more regulation, and more government has failed. Our families and businesses are suffering. Our children’s future is under threat. We must fight against these destructive policies and safeguard our families, our businesses, and our communities during these tough times,” Leara said. “As a small business owner and lawmaker, I know what it is going to take to bring good jobs back to St. Louis County.”
Leara currently represents Sunset Hills, Fenton, and part of unincorporated St. Louis County in the Missouri House of Representatives. He serves as the Chairman of the House Committee on
Retirement as well as the House and Senate Joint Committee on Retirement. Leara also serves on the House Judiciary Committee, House Rules Committee and is a Trustee of the $9 billion Missouri State Employees Retirement System (MOSERS).
Leara, who was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives in 2008, owns a pension and retirement planning firm in St. Louis County.
New Player in Utility Wars?
According to a reliable source, Competitive Energy for Missouri (see their website here) has lassoed NRG as one of its financial backers.
The entrance of a new actor in the utility wars could shake up the status quo. CEMO is pushing for a transparent competitive bidding process for electrical utilities over 5 megawatts to help consumers. Some of their agenda was in SB878 last session.
We’ll see whether this change does anything to end what’s been a largely stalemated tug-of-war with two giants anchoring each side.
CEMO’s lobbyist is Liz Lauber.
Munzy Veeps
Over the weekend, Sen. Brian Munzlinger was elected 1st Vice President of the national organization State Agriculture and Rural Leaders. See their website here. The 1st Veep position means that when the current president’s term ends, Munzy will be the next president.
Meet Tactus
Brittany Burke, Nixon’s former Director of External Legislative and Policy Affairs and Deputy Press Secretary has started a public relations and government advocacy firm, Tactas. See the website here. See Burke’s bio here.
Tactas specializes in corporate, government, and non-profit organization communication that includes media relations, social media, and reputation management.
With almost a decade of experience in and around politics, Burke has established a network of public officials, special interest groups, community leaders, business organizations.
Auers Deregister
In the lobbyist registrations below, both Ron and Ann Auer have deleted their registration. Ron is a former state representative, and Ann has led the Missouri Growth Association during its recent years. Look for Megan Werner to take the reins of MGA
Lawrence to Nasheed
Sen. Jamilah Nasheed hired Blake M. Lawrence as chief counsel. According to the statement, “Mr. Lawrence has served as an Associate Counsel with The Ketcher Law Firm. He also completed his Legislative Practicum with the Missouri Senate in 2013.”
Schisler to Wieland
Josh Schisler is joining the staff of Sen. Paul Wieland. Schisler worked as a legislative assistant in the House for Rep. Eric Burlison.
Bits
Columbia Daily Tribune questions whether lobbyists are appropriately reporting the booze they buy for Missouri Times parties. See it here. MOTimes responds saying that the CDT reporter smokes pot? I don’t know. See it here.
NYTimes editorial on Ferguson and voting rights. See it here. “The bottom line is that while democratic elections will always favor majorities, they must also protect the interests of minority populations of all kinds — and give them an equal opportunity to elect the candidates they choose.”
AP reports on the possibility of ethics legislation passing the legislature this session. They count 28 bills pre-filed on the issue. Read it here.
New Committees
Mark Ellebracht started a committee to run for House 17 as a Democrat. Ellebracht lost to Rep-elect Nick King by just a whisker (72 votes). Looks like a rematch in 2016…
Lobbyist Registrations
Crystal Williams added Flotron & Mcintosh, LLC; and deleted ACLU of Eastern MO.
David Winton and Scott Penman added County Of Boone, and Missouri Association of Public Administrators.
Scott Penman added Dentaquest; and deleted Doral Dental USA.
Jeff Stack added Moratorium Now! Campaign
Denise Clemonds deleted LeadingAge Missouri, Coalition For Quality Senior Care.
Paul Lewis deleted D & L Rideout Service, Gary Elmestad & Associates.
Scott Rogers deleted Balanced Budget Amendment Inc
Janet Holcomb deleted Lilly USA LLC.
Ron Auer deleted St. Louis Police Officers Association/Fraternal Order Of Police Lodge #68, St. Louis Apartment Association, Auer Associates
Ann Auer deleted Auer Associates, St. Louis Apartment Association, and Missouri Growth Association.
Douglass Burnett deleted County of Boone, New Bloomfield Farms LLC, Burnett & Associates.
Steven Millikan deleted Missouri Employers Mutual Insurance Company.
William Shoehigh deleted Lockridge Grindal Nauen P.l.l.p.
Sam and Richard Wiles deleted Missouri Occupational Therapy Association
Birthdays
Happy birthdays to Rep-elect Joe Adams (71), and former Rep. Sara Lampe (66).
Congratulations
To Larry Pleus and Michelle Galloway on their marriage.