St. Charles County Dems host Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway at First Capitol Day banquet

By MARY ANN HOLLEY

Correspondent

The St. Charles County Democratic Central Committee hosted its 35th annual “First Capitol Day” banquet recently, drawing more than 200 guests, the largest crowd ever according to event chairman Larry Laughlin.

The event, the Committee’s largest fundraiser of the year, helps raise funds to support worker-friendly candidates who will do their best for Labor and for St. Charles County residents.

JAMES C. KIRKPATRICK AWARD

The club presented this year’s James C. Kirkpatrick award to Carl Peterson, a former member of the Florissant-Ferguson School Board. Laughlin said Peterson was selected for his strong support of Democratic politics, his visits to our State Capitol and his work on education issues. Peterson also maintains the club website.

MISSOURI’S INDEPENDENT WATCHDOG

This year’s keynote speaker was State Auditor Nicole Galloway, Missouri’s independent watchdog. A native Missourian, Nicole is a CPA, a Certified Fraud Examiner and a working mother of three. She has years of experience in the private sector, as well as a commitment to public service.

“As a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Fraud Examiner, I hold public officials accountable, shining a light on problems and inefficiencies throughout the state and bringing innovation to the forefront,” Galloway said. “When I see fraud, I will expose it. When I see waste, I will bring it to light. And when I see opportunity, I will seize it to ensure a bright future for all Missourians.”

Since Galloway was elected in 2015, she has gotten results from every level of government – from city councils to state offices. She has uncovered millions of dollars of waste, fraud, abuse and mismanagement, saving Missouri taxpayers millions of dollars.

“When Missouri becomes more efficient, we save money, increase our productivity and make our state a better place to live and work,” Galloway said.

Laughlin, who organized the dinner with his wife, Mary Kay, said the annual event is not only an opportunity to network with fellow Democrats, it’s a recruitment tool.

“We’re building a great Democratic base here in St. Charles County,” Laughlin said. “And we thank the area unions who supported us by attending or buying ads for the club’s ad book.”