Though the Senate was not in session, this remained a busy week for me in the Capitol and throughout the district.
On Monday, it was my privilege to assist Marc Ellinger with the Rotary Club's Civics Day. I had the pleasure of talking with Missouri's future leaders and helping them better understand the role of the Senate in the grand scheme of state government, as well as some of the day-today activities of being a senator. These young men and women asked thorough and thoughtful questions and were a pleasure to interact with.
On Monday evening, I was pleased to join Rep. Jeanie Riddle to speak to residents of Callaway County about the Early Site Permit legislation. We had great dialogue with lots of very good questions and observations about the absolute need for expanded baseload electricity production, the viability and safety of nuclear power in Callaway County and across the nation, and the benefits that an additional nuclear power plant at the current Callaway site would have for the entire state. I want to extend a heart-felt thanks to the hosts, Tom Howard of Callaway Electric Cooperative and the Callaway Patriots Tea Party.
On Thursday morning, I joined Reps. Jay Barnes and Mike Bernskoetter, along with the Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce, Jefferson City elected officials, the Jefferson City Convention and Visitors Bureau, several folks from the state, and representatives from a variety of local civic groups to discuss redevelopment of the Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP) site. Each of the individuals, and the entities they represent, agree that the MSP site has the potential to be a jewel in the crown of not just Jefferson City, but the whole state of Missouri. This meeting was very productive in helping to ensure that all of our interests and perspectives are coordinated toward the ultimate goal of maximizing the productivity and use of the site, all while protecting and honoring its historic significance.
On Thursday afternoon, I toured the Fulton State Hospital with Chief Operating Officer Marty Ann Martin-Forman and Mark Stringer, also from the Department of Mental Health. I want to thank Marty and Mark for taking time out of their day to take me around the facility and helping me better understand the significance of the Fulton State Hospital, a significance that stretches far outside the city of Fulton.
The Friday morning coffee stop at the all-new Denise's Diner in Holts Summit was a resounding success. I was pleased by the crowd, but more pleased with the interaction that took place. As always, I appreciate your honest and candid observations and critiques of my performance as your senator, as well as the overall performance of state government.
My next coffee stop will be Friday, April 15 at the Coffee Zone in Jefferson City from 7-8 a.m. You will also see me at multiple fish frys over the next several weeks. In the last two weeks, I have attended Friday night dinners in St. Elizabeth and St. Thomas. I have left both thoroughly satisfied by the fish frying expertise of those who volunteer their time to cook, and I thank everyone involved with these events for letting me participate.
I am in this office to serve the constituents of the 6th Senatorial District. Please contact us at (573) 751-2076 if my office or I can be of any assistance to you or if you have questions.