House of Representatives new and returning electees at swear in ceremony | Photo courtesy of Clay Jarrett
House of Representatives new and returning electees at swear in ceremony | Photo courtesy of Clay Jarrett

Dorri Partain

Managing Editor

New and returning members of the Missouri House of Representatives were sworn in Jan. 8 during a ceremony in the House chambers at the Missouri State Capitol (201 W. Capitol Ave., Jefferson City, Mo). Among the electees, was Wick Thomas (D) — who was voted in to represent District 19 during this past November’s General Election.

Thomas was back in Kansas City on Saturday, Jan. 11 for an informal celebration at Sala De Arte (4848 E. Ninth St.). Postponed from the previous week due to weather conditions, Thomas welcomed friends, neighbors and community members to share their excitement and commitment to work with the community as their state representative.

House of Representatives District 19 Representative, Wick Thomas at Sala De Arte. | Photo by Dorri Partain

During this event, Thomas presented their first state proclamation, which marked the 90th birthday of Sheffield neighborhood resident, Virginia Morales. Sheffield Neighborhood Association President and Virginia’s son Mark Morales as well as her grandson Robert Morales accepted this proclamation in her absence.

Mark and Robert Morales accept first state proclamation for their mother and grandmother at Sala De Arte. | Photo by Dorri Partain

Thomas — a Scarritt Renaissance neighborhood resident — will be assisted at his state capitol office by Phyllis Hernandez, resident of Historic Northeast’s Sheffield neighborhood and owner of Sala De Arte gallery, as the House of Representatives District 19 Legislative Aide.

Thomas and House of Representatives District 19 Legislative Aide, Phyllis Hernandez. | Photo by Dorri Partain