Freebairn vying for 6th District Senate

Mollie Kristen Freebairn filed this week as a Democratic candidate for the 6th District state Senate seat currently held by Mike Kehoe, who is term limited and can't run again.

The seven-county district includes Cole, Moniteau, Morgan, Miller, Maries, Osage and Gasconade counties.

In a news release, Freebairn said: "The state of Missouri needs a big picture assessment and long range plan for the major sectors of our economy and education, health, as well as transportation and energy. This would be developed by a coalition of the stakeholders to revitalize the economy and raise the quality of life for all Missourians."

She would urge the Legislature "to meet with citizens, businesses, farmers, unions, industry, academia and government to identify and address the issues of common concern."

She points to a "wide range of experience as an energy and environmental scientist, strategic planner, project manager and consultant," and noted her work history includes 18 years at the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, working on "environmental issues involving power generation, transportation, industry and agriculture."

Freebairn also "participated on the development of a Comprehensive State Energy Plan (CSEP), led by the Division of Energy in the Missouri Department of Economic Development."

She also has worked as a petroleum chemist at the U.S. Customs Laboratory in Los Angeles; an analytical spectroscopist at Monsanto in St. Louis; a researcher at Washington University's School of Medicine; and as a business partner and solar consultant at Missouri Solar Applications in Jefferson City.

Freebairn currently is the executive director of Show Me Solar and "is working to help launch the solar industry, with Missouri Solar Energy Industries Association (MOSEIA) and solar businesses across the state," she reported, adding: "This experience provides detailed insights into the laws and financial incentives needed to make renewable energy affordable for home and business owners, farms, schools, government and institutions."

She is one of three Democrats seeking to challenge state Rep. Mike Bernskoetter, R-Jefferson City, who is the only Republican who filed to succeed Kehoe in the state Senate.

This is her second run for the Senate. She lost to Kehoe in the 2014 general election.