A state representative from St. Louis says she’ll ask Governor-elect Jay Nixon to replace Adjutant General King Sidwell because of allegations Sidwell has allowed racial and gender discrimination in some Guard promotions. Representative Jamilah Nasheed says the allegations merit a swift and thorough investigation.
Sidwell says he’d like to stay as the leader of the Guard, but that won’t be his call. He says he has applied to stay–"However that is something that is the decision of the governor-elect and it certainly is within his right and authority to select someone of his choosing to be on his team."
Nixon and Sidwell have had a meeting. A Nixon spokesman says Nixon has several highly-qualified candidates for the job.
Sidwell does have some alternatives if he’s not kept as Adjutant General.
Some previous Adjutants General have retired after a new Governor takes office. He could take another position within the Missouri Guard. He says he could take a job with the Pentagon National Guard Bureau or with one of the combatant commands.
Sidwell was Governor Blunt’s choice to head the guard when Blunt took office. He had been in the retired reserve when Blunt picked him. Governor-elect Nixon says he was elected to bring about change and the National Guard is one of the areas where change can be made.