JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — During the last week of session, the General Assembly agreed on compromise legislation dealing with education standards in response to the adoption of the sometimes controversial “common core.” The bill had a long journey to Gov. Nixon’s desk, starting with rising concerns from parents demanding a legislative response. The biggest concerns Rep. Kurt Bahr, R-St. Charles, had with common core lied in state sovereignty, privacy, and education quality, which he sought to specifically address in his legislation. Bahr sponsored HB1490, which originally was less than a page. The largely discussed compromise for standards sits on the Governor’s desk at only 14 pages and seeks to establish various working committees across the state to mold new standards
- May 25,
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – State lawmakers have wrapped up their work at the Capitol for the year and, as they now head back to their home districts, analysts say this is the time for Missourians to make sure their voices are heard about the session.
May 23,At the beginning of the new year, the city shot down the opportunity to put their meeting videos online. But part of the "New Direction" includes more open and transparent meetings. What seems so simple, is such a HUGE step. Thank you council for voting 6-0 to post your meetings online!
May 21,For weeks both Topix and Facebook have had a frenzy of posts regarding how citizens "should go down to City Hall and support Doug Bagby at the next meeting!" But at last night's City Council meeting only Dan Coffman spoke during the citizen input. For the most part Mr. Coffman parroted the DAR's talking points and challenged the council regarding their recent actions. The council respectfully answered all of the inquiries and the meeting moved on without incident. It has been rumored for over a month that those claiming to have been marginalized or disenfranchised by the actions of the current council are attempting a recall of Mayor Pearson and Johnny Brannum. I assume that the group attempting the recall has chosen the political committee
May 20,Many questions are swirling about Doug Bagby's City Manager contract since KFVS-TV reported that "Bagby's Remaining Contract" was $270,000. The Daily American Republic regurgitated the same information; quoting David Silverberg in today's paper "The decision by the new coalition on the Poplar Bluff City Council to fire City Manager Doug Bagby will cost the city nearly $278,000 in salary he still must be paid under his contract." Here's the problem: Missouri has laws and a constitution. But before we get to that, let's look at the contract Mr. Bagby is quoting from dated August 26, 2003: 2. Term. The initial term of this agreement shall be for a period of three (3) years, and shall begin on September 1, 2003
May 07,