By Antonio D. French
Filed Friday, June 08, 2007 at 2:51 PM
Mayor Francis Slay, Police Chief Joe Mokwa and State Rep. Rodney Hubbard are among the supporters listed today for Derio Gambaro, Governor Matt Blunt's latest appointment to the State Board of Education. Labels: Appointments, Governor, Schools
"Derio Gambaro has been a true civic leader in the City of St. Louis," Slay is quoted on press release passed out at today's announcement.
"Whether working at the neighborhood level, leading our Election Board, or serving as a State Representative, Derio has lead with conviction and compassion. I am pleased that he will be serving as St. Louis' representative on the State Board of Education. I am certain he will be a champion for Missouri's children and advocate for quality public education," said Slay.
Joining the praise for Gambaro was Chief Mokwa and State Rep. Hubbard.
"I support his appointment to the State Board of Education and believe he will be a strong advisory for Missouri's children and for public education in our state," said Mokwa.
"I think Governor Blunt has made an outstanding choice in Derio Gambaro for this very important board," Hubbard is quoted as saying.
"Derio has the respect and admiration of his community, and will act to ensure that Missouri's students receive the best education our state has to offer," said Hubbard.
Other statements of support came from two high ranking Republicans, Senate President Pro Tem Michael Gibbons (who also attended today's event along with State Rep. Jane Cunningham) and Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder.
Because it is a recess appointment, Gambaro will join the Board immediately. However, come January, his appointment is subject to Senate confirmation within 30 days for a term ending on July 1, 2012.
Check back later for video from today's announcement.
6 Comments:
This is the rest of the press release...
The following Missourians today voiced their support for Derio Gambaro, who Governor Blunt appointed to serve on the State Board of Education.
“I have known Derio Gambaro and his family for 15 years. He is an outstanding individual who uses his God given talents with the rest of the community at large. His ability to work with others makes him a perfect choice for the Board of Education. Hopefully he will help put the city school system back on track. Thank you governor for appointing Derio to the State Board of Education.”
Mike Claiborne
KTRS Radio, Sports Announcer
“We want to congratulate Mr. Derio Gambaro on his appointment to the State Board of Education. Derio Gambaro is married and has four children. Family, faith and community are very important to Derio. Among all of his active involvement with raising a family, commitment to his parish community, he also served as a State Representative. Derio Gambaro and his family are third generation parishioners of St. Ambrose Parish & School and we are very proud of his hard work and his commitment to educating all children.”
Reverend Vincent Bommarito
Pastor, Church of St. Ambrose
“I have known Derio since 1998 when we served together in the Missouri House. I know him to be a man of good character with passion to serve the people. I believe he will put the interests of Missouri’s school children first and will do an outstanding job in this new position.”
Michael Gibbons
State Senate, Senate President Pro Tem
“I think Governor Blunt has made an outstanding choice in Derio Gambaro for this very important board. Derio has the respect and admiration of his community, and will act to ensure that Missouri's students receive the best education our state has to offer.”
Rodney Hubbard
State Representative, District 58
“Derio is an excellent individual, an outstanding human being and he has the interest of all of the students at heart.”
Jerry Hunter
Partner, Bryan Cave
“I have known Derio Gambaro for many years and we have worked together in a bipartisan way. I know he will work to ensure that Missouri delivers a first class education to our students. I congratulate him on this important appointment.”
Peter Kinder
Missouri Lt. Governor
“Derio is an excellent choice for the State Board of Education, he has the ability to work with people as he has demonstrated at the Election Board and as a representative in the state legislature. He is a life long resident of St. Louis City, a family man, and a concerned citizen who recognizes the need to reform and elevate our school system so that young people have the opportunities they deserve. I congratulate Gov. Blunt on his choice.”
Mike Lueken
General Marine Services
“Over the past decade it has been a joy to know former Representative Derio Gambaro who has always impressed those around him as a man of sincere integrity. Those who have worked with him know of his consistent honesty and dedication to true public service. In Missouri’s treasury of extraordinary citizens Derio is a rare jewel.”
Kerry Messer
President, Missouri Family Network
“Derio has displayed true leadership in his work within the City of St. Louis. Derio’s involvement in the City neighborhoods, his work on the Election Board, and his service as a State Representative have all showcased his diligence and strong work ethic. He has exemplified strong moral convictions and lawfulness. I support his appointment to the State Board of Education and believe he will be a strong advisory for Missouri’s children and for public education in our state.”
Colonel Joseph Mokwa
Chief of Police, St. Louis City
“The Governor has made an outstanding selection in appointing Derio Gambaro to the State Board of Education. I have known Derio all his life. Derio has distinguished himself in both his public and private life as a man of conviction, passion, integrity, and professionalism. I am delighted that he has accepted this post and I know he will make us all proud.”
Reverend Monsignor Sal E. Polizzi
Pastor, Saint Roch Church
“Derio Gambaro has been a true civic leader in the City of St. Louis. Whether working at the neighborhood level, leading our Election Board, or serving as a State Representative, Derio has lead with conviction and compassion. I am pleased that he will be serving as St. Louis’ representative on the State Board of Education. I am certain he will be a champion for Missouri’s children and advocate for quality public education.”
Francis Slay
Mayor, City of St. Louis
“I highly recommend Derio Gambaro for the State Board of Education. Mr. Gambaro’s character and integrity cannot be questioned. He is a very charitable person who is sensitive to the needs and wants of others. Any board or commission would be very proud to have Derio Gambaro as a member.”
J. Kim Tucci
President, The Pasta House Co.
6/08/2007 3:24 PM
Wow! Derio has the support of the Pasta House guy and a sports announcer for KTRS?
He MUST be qualified then...
6/08/2007 6:51 PM
Please Claiborne we thought you were busy fighting for black men. Who paid you?
6/08/2007 8:06 PM
If Slay supports him,then he can't be good for SLPS!
6/08/2007 9:12 PM
Sorry folks, just a bit over the top and ho hum! Where is Jane Cunningham's statement in all of this? She is trying to tear down the SLPS and privatize. So her support spells trouble down the road.
He certainly has strong voucher support. What we have today are Demolicans.
Local 420 observer
6/08/2007 9:29 PM
Anonymous said...
Please Claiborne we thought you were busy fighting for black men. Who paid you?
6/08/2007 8:06 PM
I like Mike Claiborne a lot---I think he is articulate and incisive in what he does in sports.
On a lot of issues---like the so called school choice stuff---I disagree with him. Also, he likes ice hockey a lot more than I do. I thought it was fishy that he and Burwell now no longer work at kfns---it changed my perception of the station.
I do not think it is fair to expect all black men and women to be marching in lock-step on all issues, any more than it would be to expect that from any other part of society. A lot of the black people with whom I disagree on school issues are closer to what is going on, and are more directly affected by what is going on. That is also true of the ones with whom I tend to agree.
6/09/2007 11:29 AM
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