Gov. Nixon to Speak at Lindenwood University

ST. CHARLES — Governor Jay Nixon will be the featured speaker at the inaugural meeting of the Bates-Kreckel Society hosted by on its St. Charles campus on March 29.

The Bates-Krekel Society is a new organization formed by County Executive Steve Ehlmann and Circuit Court Judge Ted House. Ehlmann, a Republican, and House, a Democrat, were colleagues in the Missouri Senate representing separate districts in .

“Today we are going through an economically and politically difficult period,” said House. “The Bates-Krekel Society hopes to encourage a rational and civil dialogue and debate on the issues that divide us, while trying to find common cause on others.”

The society was named in honor of Barton Bates and Arnold Krekel, both of St. Charles County, who were influential leaders during the Civil War. Krekel, an active Democrat, was a German immigrant serving as commander of the local regiment of the Missouri State Militia. Bates was a member of the Whig Party, a colonel in the Missouri Enrolled Militia, and later served as a justice of the Supreme Court.

“Bates and Krekel put aside their disagreements and left their respective political parties to support President Lincoln’s election and the preservation of the Union during the rebellion,” said Ehlmann. “Even though they later parted company on the issue of the immediate emancipation of slaves, and ran against each other for a seat on the Supreme Court, the careers of these gentlemen are evidence that people of different beliefs and political loyalties can work together for the common good.”

The Bates-Krekel Society plans to sponsor two meetings each year at which guest speakers will present their views on timely issues. Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder has agreed to speak at a second meeting later in the year.