The Missouri House is losing another member. But this time, it has nothing to do with legal wrongdoing.
Dennis Wood, a state representative from the Branson area, will leave the Missouri House to fill a vacancy on the Stone County Commission. Gov. Jay Nixon announced the appointment today.
“Dennis Wood has been a strong
representative for his constituents in Stone and Taney counties, and I
appreciate how he has reached across the aisle on several issues important to
people he represents," Nixon said in a statement. “I know he will
bring a similar approach of hard work to his new position of presiding
commissioner.”
Wood was the chairman of the House Tourism Committee. He gained notoriety when he challenged then-House Speaker Rod Jetton on the so-called "Village Law," a measure that made it easier for property owners to go around county ordinances. The struggle over the issue caused tensions during the 2008 legislative session.
Wood and Nixon appear to have a cordial relationship. Wood praised Nixon profusely a press conference earlier this year signing a bill that placed regulations on travel clubs.
“I thank Gov. Nixon for this appointment, and for the work we have done together across party lines during my time in the House and his time as Governor and as Attorney General,” Wood said in a statement. “I appreciate the Governor continuing his bipartisanship with this appointment, and I pledge to serve the people of Stone County to the best of my ability as presiding commissioner.”
Nixon called for a special election in Wood's district. Since Stone and Taney County are typically Republican areas, it would stand to reason Wood's replacement will be from the GOP.
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