Mo. Senate Delays Confirmation Of Nixon's O.A. Chief Over Airplane Purchase
Governor Jay Nixons (D) choice to head up his Office of Administration will have to wait a bit longer before permanently taking over.
Acting Commissioner Doug Nelsons confirmation is being delayed in the Missouri Senate after news broke that the State Highway Patrol spent around $5.6 million on a new airplane, which has been designated for use by the Governor and other statewide officials. State Senator Kurt Schaefer (R, Columbia), who sponsored Nelsons nomination, first wants to know who made the decision to buy the plane, and why.
At this point its being portrayed both by OA and the (Highway) Patrol as the Patrols decision," Schaefer said. "I dont know if thats true or not ultimately it was the Patrols decision, but I think we need to start with the Patrol and find out what their purpose was.
Senate Republicans say lawmakers should have played a role in deciding whether the purchase of the King Air 250 was necessary. Meanwhile, MSHP Colonel Ron Replogle says the plane was bought to upgrade the Patrol's fleet and that he would answer senators' questions.