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JEFFERSON CITY, MO. -- Sen. Wes Shoemyer issued the following statement as part of his Legislative Column:

Mark Twain once remarked, "Politicians are like diapers; they need to be changed often and for the same reason."  Having served as a state representative and a senator for the past decade, I have a slightly better opinion of my colleagues than Hannibal’s hometown hero, but Twain was right — the only constant in politics is change.

When the First Regular Session of the 96th Missouri General Assembly convenes in Jefferson City on Jan. 5, the new senator for the 18th Senate District will be sworn in.  I want to wish Senator-elect Brian Munzlinger all the best as he begins his new duties representing the interests of the fine folks of Adair, Audrain, Clark, Knox, Lewis, Marion, Monroe, Pike, Putnam, Ralls, Schuyler, Scotland and Shelby counties.

For the first time in 10 years, I will not be making the annual trip to our state Capitol for the five-month legislative session.  In November, the voters decided to pursue a new direction, and although I’m disappointed, I respect their decision. 

I would like to thank the citizens of northeast Missouri for giving me the opportunity to represent them, first in the Missouri House and then in the Senate.  I’ve put a lot of miles on my vehicle traveling the district over the years and getting to know the people who call northeast Missouri home, and I wouldn’t trade those experiences for all of the tea in China.

I could not have done this job effectively without the hard work and dedication of my staff, Ian Dunlap and Stacy Steen.  I owe them both an enormous debt of gratitude for answering the phones, greeting people who stopped by the office, helping me draft legislation, keeping me informed about people and events in the 18th Senate District, and putting up with my corny sense of humor.  I could write an entire column about all of the ways Ian and Stacy have helped me over the years, but rather than embarrass them, let me just say I have been blessed to have such wonderful people working for me on your behalf. 

I also want to thank my wife Cheryl and our four children, without whose support and love I could not have done this job; and I want to acknowledge the love and support of my parents, Robert and Dorothy Shoemyer, who have been and who continue to be my role models.

For now, I will return to my roots, running our family farm in Monroe County.  It has been an honor to serve the people of northeast Missouri. 

Thank you all for your support over the years and for your kind wishes as my family and I begin the next chapter in our lives.