30 September 2010
Judges honor legislators for advancing administration of justice in Missouri
COLUMBIA, Mo. – At an annual ceremony honoring service to Missouri and the state’s judiciary, Supreme Court of Missouri Chief Justice William Ray Price Jr. honored 26 individuals for their contributions to improving and protecting the administration of justice in Missouri. The ceremony was held this morning as part of the annual meeting of the Judicial Conference of Missouri, the organization of all state judges, which is being held in conjunction with the annual meeting of The Missouri Bar at the Holiday Inn Executive Center in Columbia.
“Although we face challenging times, Missouri is fortunate to have elected officials who understand the important role of the judicial branch in ensuring that every citizen has access to justice,” Price said. “The judges of the Judicial Conference look forward to collaborating with our partners in the legislative branch in finding solutions to whatever challenges lay ahead.”
The Judicial Conference honored 10 retiring legislators with Career Service Awards for their consistent contributions throughout their public service: Sen. Matt Bartle, R-Lee’s Summit, an attorney and chairman of the Senate Judiciary committee; Sen. Joan Bray, D-University City;
Sen. Rita Days, D-St. Louis; Rep. Rachel Bringer, D-Palmyra, and an attorney; Rep. John Burnett, D-Kansas City, and an attorney; Rep. Tim Flook, R-Liberty and an attorney; Rep. Scott Lipke, R-Jackson, and an attorney; Rep. Beth Low, D-Kansas City; Rep. Bryan Stevenson, R-Webb City, and an attorney and chairman of the House Judiciary Committee; and Rep. Michael Vogt, D-St. Louis, and an attorney.
The Judicial Conference also honored 16 additional legislators for their efforts during the 2010 legislative session: Sen. Kevin Engler, R-Farmington; Sen. Jack Goodman, R-Mt. Vernon, and an attorney; Sen. Tim Green, D-Spanish Lake; Sen. Jolie Justus, D-Kansas City, and an attorney; Sen. Rob Mayer, R-Dexter, and an attorney; Sen. Kurt Schaefer, R-Columbia, and an attorney; Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Kirkwood, and an attorney; Rep. Mike Colona, D-St. Louis, and an attorney; Rep. John Diehl, R-Town and Country, and an attorney; Rep. Jonas Hughes IV, D-Kansas City; Rep. Tim Jones, R-Eureka, and an attorney; Rep. Jeanie Riddle, R-Fulton; Rep. Martin Rucker, D-St. Joseph; Rep. Ryan Silvey, R-Kansas City; Rep. Jason Smith, R-Salem, and an attorney; and Rep. Jake Zimmerman, D-Olivette, and an attorney.
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