Missouri Governor Appoints Reid Forrester to the Industrial Commission

Here is the press release from the Governor’s office on Friday to fill the Employer’s Representative slot on the Industrial Commission:

Reid Forrester, of Jefferson City, was appointed to the Labor and Industrial Relations Committee.

Forrester served as Chief of Staff in the Office of the Missouri Lieutenant Governor from 2014 to 2017. Prior to working in the Lieutenant Governor’s office, he spent nearly a decade with the Missouri Department of Corrections. Forrester began his career in public service in Poplar Bluff, Mo., where he was a member of the Poplar Bluff City Council and served as Mayor for two years.

MY ANALYSIS

Reid will do a good job in the Employer’s Rep position. While I am still baffled as to why it took 15 months to make this appointment, I’m glad it is finally being made.

I’ve been told that hearings will be quickly scheduled so that this appointment can be affirmed by the Senate before the legislative session ends at the end of May.

Remaining issue…what will be done about the pending retirement of Commission Chairman John Larson whose terms ends on June 27. Commissioner Larson as stated that he was intending to stay on past June 27 in order to ensure a quorum. If the Commission has only 1 member, no decisions can be made. Now with Reid Forrester filling the open Employer’s Representation position, presumably this should pave the way for Commission Larson to step down after June 27.

I will keep you updated on the status of the Commission as things progress, and if you have any questions or wish to discuss this further, please let me know.

• Brad ( [email protected] )