Representative Dottie Bailey (R-Eureka) is not pursuing another term in the Missouri House. Before the close of business on her last regular session in the chamber, she spoke to her colleagues and House staff.
“Being a voice for liberty, America, and all that she stands for has been my pure joy, greatest pleasure, and one of the best honors in my lifetime.”
The legislative term of Representative Bill Kidd (R-Buckner) is coming to a close. As his final session as a member of the House wound down, Kidd bid his colleagues farewell.
“You will be a picture on the wall, the desk will be given back to someone else, it will be time for you to give it all back. My time has arrived and now it’s time to give it back and go home … it’s been an honor.”
May 13 was the last day of the last regular session as a member of the House for Representative Allen Andrews (R-Grant City). He offered this farewell before the final gavel.
“We are given temporary platforms of influence … while on this platform, while eyes are watching your every move and ears are listening to your every word, I encourage you, I beg of you to examine your ways and look hard at your example.”
Representative Dan Shaul is leaving the Missouri House due to term limits. He said his goodbyes and reflected on his time in the Chamber, last Friday.
“When you leave here you leave here quickly.”
Representative Shamed Dogan (R-Ballwin) is on his way out of the House due to term limits. He addressed his colleagues last Friday before the end of the last regular session of his term.
“It was all worth it.”
Representative Chuck Basye (R-Rocheport) is leaving the House due to term limits. He spoke last week to his colleagues as his final regular session wound down.
“Thank you everybody for all the friendships that I’ve made here, and I wish everyone the very, very best as we go forward in life.”
Representative Martha Stevens (D-Columbia) is leaving the House after three terms. She spoke briefly to thank her husband, family, and colleagues, and was given this sendoff by Minority Floor Leader Crystal Quade (D-Springfield).
“[The] Representative from Boone is somebody who gets so much done but does it so quietly. I think you guys would be amazed to know the amount of legislation this woman has had her hands on.”
Representative Trish Gunby spoke to her colleagues in the House last week as her term draws to a close.
“Every time I drive across that bridge and I look at the Capitol building I get goosebumps. I am so proud to serve with those of you in this body. This is a special place and I thank you so much for the opportunity.”
Representative Randy Pietzman (R-Troy) bid farewell to the Missouri House and his colleagues on Thursday, as his time in the chamber ends due to term limits. He thanked many current and former members and his legislative assistant, and threw in a special recognition for a longtime and beloved House Chamber doorman, Charlie Hildebrand.
“I wish as a state we could get an agency put together that cares as much about children and the sex crimes against children as Missouri Conservation cares about feral hogs.”
Representative Wes Rogers (D-Kansas City) spoke to his colleagues on Friday as he prepares to leave the House after serving two sessions.
“The amount of respect I have for so many people in this body, how much I truly just enjoy your friendship and your kindness and your perspective, even when it’s a different perspective than mine, I’m really going to miss that.”