TRIBUTE TO JOHN DENNIS TONIGHT WELL DESERVED

Southeast Missouri State University will honor former Missouri Sen. John Dennis tonight at the Show Me Center for his contributions to the region and the school. The recognition is richly deserved.

John Dennis served the public for four decades first as Scott County sheriff for 24 years, and then as state senator for 16 years. He retired at the end of his 1992 term.

It is fitting that the university plays host tonight. Dennis was a powerful ally to higher education and helped to win funding approval for such projects as the Show Me Center, Rhodes Hall of Science and the Crisp Hall of Nursing addition. He was a major player in expanding higher education opportunities into the Bootheel with the creation of the Harry L. Crisp Bootheel Education Center in Malden. He was also instrumental in bringing the Cottonwood Regional Mental Health Treatment Center to the Southeast campus.

Cape Girardeau County benefited in other ways from Dennis' leadership in the Missouri Senate. He was instrumental in bringing the Veterans Home and new Conservation Department office/nature center to the county. Dennis also played leadership roles in securing a new mental hospital in Farmington which serves all of Southeast Missouri. As a former sheriff, he has been particularly supportive of the crime lab in Cape Girardeau. He has worked for reforms in corrections, law enforcement, nursing homes and improved transportation. The list of his accomplishments is formidable.

Dennis has a good eye for progress and a good ear for the citizens' wishes. He felt the secret to life in Jefferson City was getting along with people. And that's just what he did. Many legislators sought him out for common-sense advice. John Dennis was not just a politician. He was a friend to individuals and agencies alike. He stayed true to a simple philosophy throughout his career: "Don't forget the people that put you in." Dennis didn't forget his constituents and they didn't forget him when it came election time. He was elected 10 times without defeat.

Dennis played it straight he didn't become bogged down in partisan politics at home. He was a good friend of Cape Girardeau County, despite political differences. He was also a master of compromise which is perhaps why he was so successful at securing funding in tight fiscal times. Dennis learned how to cut the red tape and get the job done. His record proved his effectiveness.

Dennis shared his expertise statewide through key positions on important committees. He earned a reputation in the Senate as a man of his word and commanded respect by leaders of both parties. This respect is reflected in the lineup of tonight's speakers: Lt. Gov. Roger Wilson, Senator John Scott, Senate President Pro Tem James Mathewson, and former state Rep. Marvin Proffer.

John Dennis is a remarkable man. He was a trusted legislator. He used a low-key approach to get the job done in a high-profile arena always there with a calm word and good advice. He is a gentlemen and statesman in a day when arrogance too often rules.

After 40 years of public dedication, John Dennis, now 75, decided to turn his attentions home to spend more time with his three daughters, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. His decision is understandable, but his expertise and influence will certainly be missed.