Jackson tree represents us well

There are lots of ways this area is represented in our state capital. We elect representatives and senators. Honored individuals are introduced on the floor of the House or Senate. Several of our friends and neighbors serve in important positions of state government. We send delegations of interested citizens to represent us when legislators are considering important bills.

This holiday season, we have another notable representative in Jefferson City. It is a 28-foot-tall spruce tree that has the honor of being the official tree in the front yard of the Governor's Mansion, a stately mansion on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River where Gov. Bob Holden and his family reside.

The first lady, Lori Hauser Holden, chose the tree after Dorothy Meier of rural Jackson offered it to Missouri's first family. Department of Conservation workers recently cut the tree from in front of the Meier home and hauled it to Jefferson City.

The beautiful tree had grown too large and faced an untimely end last year when Mrs. Holden chose another tree to grace the governor's residence. But this year the shape and size of the spruce were too much to resist.

If you happen to be in the Jefferson City area during the holidays, be sure to drive by the Governor's Mansion to take a look. You'll be proud to say, "That's one of our trees."