KINDER TAKES OATH OF OFFICE

JEFFERSON CITY - Just over two months after winning his seat in the November general election, Peter Kinder was sworn in Wednesday as the new state senator for the 27th District.

In a day devoted mainly to ceremonial functions, Kinder received the oath in front of the dais of the Senate chambers along with 16 others who won seats on Nov. 3.

As is custom in the Senate, members elected to new terms are escorted to the front of the chamber and introduced by a senator who is in the middle of their term. Kinder was escorted by Sen. Steve Danner, D-Kirksville, who represents the 28th District.

"It's exciting to get on the floor and realize the responsibility you have to the hopes and dreams of the people you met over the year while campaigning," Kinder said shortly after his first session of the Senate ended.

"It certainly feels good to be here, and while it is exciting, it is not overwhelming to me."

Kinder was unable to move into his office located on the third floor of the Capitol - until Tuesday, so walls and shelves in his two-room office are not yet filled with pictures, certificates and other decorations typical of legislative offices.

Kinder's swearing-in officially brought to a close the 16-year Senate career of John Dennis, who did not seek re-election this year. During his tenure, the Benton Democrat was highly respected by his colleagues and was one of the most influential members of the Senate.

Kinder said he was not going to try to replace Dennis. "No one can replace someone of the stature of John Dennis," he declared. "I plan to work hard and hope to earn the respect and trust of my colleagues as he did."

Family members on hand to witness the official start of Kinder's Senate career included his mother, Mary Francis Kinder of Cape Girardeau; his aunt, Mabel Louise Hunter of Sikeston; and his brother Mark and niece Hannah from Columbia.

Stephanie Pelts, who served on Kinder's campaign staff, also attended the ceremonies.

Flying up for the day to view the opening session were Southeast Missouri State University President Kala Stroup and Peter Bergerson, chairman of the political science department. They were joined by Marvin Proffer, a lobbyist for the University.

Kinder greeted a large number of people who stopped by his office during his first day. Visitors included lobbyists, Senate staff and other legislators and friends.

There was also plenty of mail coming in, including a letter from Sikeston Superintendent of Schools Bob Buchanan asking him to fight efforts to allow collective bargaining for teachers.

During the past year, Kinder has made several visits to the state capital and has learned his way around the massive Capitol building. He is spending this week trying to meet all of his new colleagues.

"People are warm on both sides of the aisle; it's kind of one big family in the Senate," he observed. On Tuesday evening, Senate President Pro Tem James Mathewson hosted a gathering for senators of both parties.

Kinder said he looked forward to the challenge facing him and to working with fellow senators on the problems facing the state.

In his opening speech to the Senate, Mathewson welcomed the newly-elected members by stressing, "the people of your districts have sent you to Jefferson City to represent their wishes and hopes for the future."

Mathewson also added a word of caution and advice by telling the new senators: "Walk softly in this chamber because you may be treading on another's dreams."

Mathewson's address fixed on three subject areas: education, worker's compensation and welfare reform. Kinder said Mathewson's focus on those issues means they will be priorities for the session - something which pleases him.

Overall, Kinder praised Mathewson's opening address and said it reflects a strong desire on the part of the Senate leader to work in harmony with the House and the governor to tackle major problems.

"It is very gratifying to see Gov.-elect Carnahan and Sen. Mathewson reaching out in a spirit of cooperation."

Kinder said he appreciated having the university officials on hand for his first day, and stressed that he recognizes the importance of Southeast Missouri State to his district and the responsibility he has as the senator.

"I look forward to working with university officials any way that I can," said Kinder.

The Senate won't hit full stride until later this month after committees are organized and bills assigned. Kinder will serve on seven committees, but does not have any meetings scheduled until next week.

Today, senators will gather for a joint session with the House to hear a speech from Supreme Court Chief Justice Chip Robertson on the state of the judiciary. The chief justice is required to make the report to the General Assembly each January.

Also sworn in Tuesday was Sen. Jerry Howard, D-Dexter, who was elected to a full four-year term from the 25th District.

Members of the Senate were sworn in by Petis County Associate Circuit Judge Gary Fleming.

As the Senate was getting organized at one end of the Capitol, all 163 members of the Missouri House were sworn in for new two-year terms at the other end.

Kinder's office in the Capitol is in Room 328 and his telephone number is 751-2455 - the same one Sen. Dennis had. Kinder's district office is in Cape Girardeau at 307 Broadway, and the telephone number is 335-8838.

Kinder's secretary in Jefferson City is Susan Patterson, who has been secretary to Rich McClure, chief of staff to retiring Gov. John Ashcroft. Also working as an aide is John L. "Jack" Oliver III of Cape Girardeau.