St. Louis Countian Will Lead Missouri House Committee

Missouri House Speaker Tim Jones, R-Eureka, Thursday announced that state Rep. Dwight Scharnhorst, R-St. Louis County, will lead the group responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Missouri House of Representatives:  the House Administration and Accounts Committee. 

Scharnhorst replaces state Rep. Mike McGhee, R-Odessa, who recently resigned from the position, as he is term-limited at the end of this cycle.

Jones said Scharnhorst’s common sense fiscal conservatism and experience as a member of the committee will serve him well as he leads his colleagues in making sound business decisions for the Missouri House.

“Dwight is someone I trust to make decisions for the House that will utilize taxpayer dollars in the most efficient and responsible way possible,” said Jones in a news statement. “He has proven himself as a successful businessman, an effective legislator, and an outstanding chairman. Having known Dwight for many years, I know he will utilize his knowledge and experience to make decisions that will cause Missourians to take pride in the way the House operates.”

The House Committee on Administration and Accounts is solely responsible for the financial obligations and business affairs of the House. The committee provides for the receipt and distribution of all supplies, equipment and furnishings purchased for the House. The committee also creates rules governing the expenditure of funds allotted to individual members for the operation of their offices. In addition, the committee provides the allotment of offices, chamber seats and parking spaces.

“I am honored and thrilled to have this opportunity to oversee the operation of the House. Having my own successful small business, I believe I have the experience and expertise necessary to make this great institution even more efficient in the way it does business,” said Scharnhorst in the release. 

“I hope to build on the accomplishments of Rep. McGhee and make Missouri taxpayers proud by ensuring their tax dollars are used only for purposes that improve the way their government serves them.”

Scharnhorst will begin chairing the House Administration and Accounts Committee immediately, and will hold the term for the remainder of the 96th General Assembly. 

Jones said he plans to also designate Scharnhorst as chairman of the committee for the 97th General Assembly, which will convene Jan. 9, 2013.