MOScout Daily Update: Hall to AWEA - Dems Take House 99 - Notes from South STL City - State Seeks Director of Op Excel and more....
Hall to AWEA
The press release: The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) announced the hire of former Missouri Public Services Commissioner Daniel Hall to help facilitate the further expansion of wind power throughout the Midwest. In his new role of Central Region Director, Electricity and Transmission Policy, Hall will lead AWEA’s transmission and wholesale electricity markets work in the region…
Hall will be responsible for policy concerning the efficient and affordable integration of wind energy, including consideration of seams issues between Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs), RTOs and similar Independent System Operators (ISOs), are electric power transmission operators that coordinate, control, and monitor multi-state electric grids across much of North America…
AWEA defines the “Central Region” generally as states West of Ohio and East of the
Rocky Mountains. This area has been called the American “Wind Belt” because it is home
to some of the best wind energy resources and the largest share of U.S. installed wind
capacity…
And
Of course, this announcement will renew speculation about who Governor Mike Parson will appoint to replace Hall on the Public Service Commission.
As a refresher from my September 25 Update…
• [By tradition, not statute] the commission maintains a partisan balance (no more than 3 members from the same party). Therefore, Hall’s replacement will be a Democrat.
• Previous rumors had Sens. Jason Holsman and Kiki Curls as possible appointments.
• Hall is the only current member who did not serve in the state senate.
Special Elections
Dems rejoiced as they took House 99. Trish Gunby recorded a solid win (54%-46%).
It’s the consequence of the national mood, plus the changing suburban demographics, plus Republicans nominating a candidate who was not nearly as capable as their previous candidate, Jean Evans.
What It Means
· It should give Republicans concern that the current environment (Trump in the White House, HB 126’s no exemption language, Parson OK with bureaucrats poring over menstrual spreadsheets) is motivating Democratic turnout AND not motivating Republican turnout.
· But it’s not cause for alarm or hyperbole. Once Democrats have a presidential candidate, especially depending on who it is, that may provide a motivating instinct for the Republican base. And if state Republicans can find an issue other than abortion to focus on next session, that will help as well.
eMailbag on Last Night
Two sharp readers give their takes. Both see right on the mark to me…
· “Might be a little wake up call for [Sen. Andrew] Koenig – which isn’t a bad thing.”
· “Ultimately the biggest impact of tonight in MO is that Congresswoman Ann Wagner will now draw a strong challenge…”
Meanwhile in House 74
With no Republican candidate on the ballot, it looks like GOPers voted for the Libertarian, Nick Kasoff, who took 42.6% of the vote against Democrat Mike Person.
MO Winner of the Night?
One reader called out former Rep. Stephen Webber as last night’s big winner. “He ran the labor ground program for the last two months in Virginia. Just won both the House and the Senate. Dems now have the governor’s mansion and both branches in Virginia.”
And
For those who can’t help but look… Ed Martin, former chair of the Missouri Republican Party, was defeated in his quest to unseat an incumbent in the Dranesville District Board of Supervisors race in Fairfax County.
Dranesville District – 30 of 30 precincts reporting
Ed R. Martin Jr. — 1,055 (37.35%)
John W. Foust — 1,764 (62.44%)
Other — 6 (0.21%)
South City Bits
Over the weekend Rep. Steve Butz held a kick-off for his re-election in South St. Louis City. Butz played guitar and sang songs, as did a couple of his brothers. The festive event had a hootnanny feel. Mayor Lyda Krewson stepped up to the mic for a rendition of John Denver’s Country Road, Rep. Tommie Pierson took a turn at the bongos.
Among the talk… folks already speculating about the mayoral race sixteen months away.
· City Treasurer Tishaura Jones is expected to run again after narrowly losing. But there may be others like Recorder of Deeds Michael Butler. Or any number of aldermen. The city wards will be consolidated with the next census and many might just take a shot at sitting behind the desk in Room 200.
· The bigger the field the better for the incumbent. Folks think a straight one-on one duel with Jones would be a tough draw for Krewson, but in a five-way the math becomes more favorable for her.
· Next up in the south city kick off series is Rep. Donna Baringer. Last time she had to fend off a primary from former Rep. Fred Kratky. He may come at her again. He still has one term left in his term limits clock.
And
A little farther south, Rep. Bob Burns announced that he will seek a seat on the St. Louis County Council. He’s term limited.
$5M for Rural Broadband
Governor Mike Parson announced “the launch of the state’s broadband grant program, which will award $5 million to bring high speed internet to Missourians across the state.” See it here.
ROMO (Reminder of the Obvious)
This is peanuts for an elephant of a problem.
Revenue Remains Solid
It looks like October’s state revenue numbers were once again solid. Individual income tax receipts were up 7.58%, bringing the month total revenue over 10% higher than October 2018.
Fiscal-year-to-date, state revenues are 7.33% ahead of last year.
Court News
The Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District’s clerk’s office conducted an election for the Southern District attorney member of the Appellate Judicial Commission on Saturday, November 2, 2019… The results are as follows: Neil Chanter, 559 votes; Bryan Wade, 286 votes… As the recipient of a majority of all valid votes cast, Neil Chanter is deemed elected to the Appellate Judicial Commission for a six-year term beginning January 1, 2020… The Appellate Judicial Commission is charged with selecting panels of three candidates for judicial vacancies on the Missouri Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of Missouri.
The 21st Circuit Judicial Commission releases the names of applicants for the two circuit judge vacancies created by the impending retirements of Judge Michael T. Jamison and Judge Gloria Clark Reno…
Monique D. Abby, Seth A. Albin, Thomas C. Albus, David L. Bryant, Bonnie L. Clair, Jason D. Dodson, Ellen W. Dunne, Mondonna L. Ghasedi, Joseph L. Green, Peter W. Gullborg, Shevon L. Harris, Terri J. Johnson, Peter J. Krane, John R. Lasater, Jeffrey P. Medler, Diane M. Monahan, Susan M. Petersen, Krista S. Peyton, Justin W. Ruth, Ian C. Simmons, Thomas L. Sandifer, Dean A. Stark, Richard Vannoy III, D. Kimberly Whittle, Gregory N. Wittner, and Nicole S. Zellweger.
What’s That Smell?
News Tribune reports on a new ordinance proposed in Jefferson City that “states smells or noxious odors from the consumption, smoking or cultivation of marijuana by someone with a valid state-issued license will be treated as a public nuisance.”
Help Wanted
The Missouri Bar seeks Executive Director. “The Missouri Bar is a statewide nonprofit legal organization created by the Supreme Court of Missouri which improves the profession, the law and administration of justice on behalf of all Missourians. The Missouri Bar seeks an Executive Director to serve as the chief executive officer, responsible for leading, managing and executing the activities of the state bar and implementing its policies to benefit the organization, the 30,000 licensed Missouri lawyers which it serves, and the people of Missouri… Position located in Jefferson City. Travel averages approximately 60-75 nights a year away from home. Compensation will be commensurate with experience…” See ad here.
State seeks Director of Operational Excellence. “The Office of Administration is seeking a professional with experience in business process redesign and continuous improvement to serve as the state’s Director for Operational Excellence based in the Office of Administration. The position will be responsible for developing and executing a statewide continuous improvement and performance management program. Responsibilities will include planning and coordinating ongoing business process improvement initiatives as well as overseeing training initiatives inside the Office of Administration and across other executive departments. The Director of Operational Excellence will report to the Commissioner of Administration. The Director will also work closely with the Chief Operating Officer in the Office of the Governor. In addition, the Director will work closely with senior level leaders in executive agencies to develop strategies that drive execution across state government.” See it here.
New Committees
Brandt Vircks formed a candidate committee (Vircks Election Committee) to run for House 17 as a Republican. The current incumbent, Democratic Rep. Mark Ellebracht, is running for re-election.
$5K+ Contributions
Uniting Missouri PAC - $10,000 from Missouri Beer Wholesalers Assn PAC.
Lobbyists Registrations
Kathryn Gamble, William Gamble, and David Jackson added Fortinet.
William “Will” Ashley Rearden added RGA Enterprise Services Company, and RGA Reinsurance Company.
Birthdays
Happy birthday to Rep. Joe Runions, and Keith Frederick.