Appointments give Holden shot at transportation policy

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- With constitutionally granted independence from the governor and the General Assembly, the Missouri State Highways and Transportation Commission has the final say on the direction of state transportation policy.

But with five vacancies to fill on the six-member governing board of Department of Transportation during his current term, Gov. Bob Holden has the opportunity to strongly influence what that direction will be.

Holden said an ideal candidate for the commission must be able to examine the big picture and address improvements in rail, aviation, waterways and mass transit in addition to highways, which usually draw the most attention.

"Someone that will take a look at our transportation needs on a statewide basis and understand the value of the interlinking of different modes of transportation," Holden said. "Someone that is committed to building a statewide transportation network with whatever resources we have available and meeting the needs of the citizens of this state."

As it was this year, a proposed tax increase to fund transportation improvements promises to be among the top issues before the General Assembly when the 2002 legislative session begins in January.

Holden, a Democrat, pushed for a tax package this year that would have raised $620 million a year for transportation, but Republican lawmakers balked. Mistrust of the current commission was an oft cited reason for the opposition.

But by the time session begins, Holden will have replaced half of the commission members. Two Democratic seats will become open Saturday and one Republican commissioner's term ends Dec. 1. Holden will have two more spots to fill -- one from each party -- on Dec. 1, 2003.

Holden on Tuesday said he was unsure if the three impending vacancies would be filled immediately, but he would make his picks in short order. The governor is obligated to fill openings with someone of the same party as the person they replace.

His nominees will be subject to approval by the Republican-controlled Senate. Senate President Pro Tem Peter Kinder, R-Cape Girardeau, promised Holden's choices will undergo thorough reviewed.

"No commission is more important to our state than this is," Kinder said. "It is among the first rank of appointments that any governor has to hand out. ... We won't be on any witch hunts but will be scrutinizing any appointees with due care."

While the Legislature has some oversight on MoDOT's budget, lawmakers can't dictate how the money is spent. Under the state constitution, the highways commission has an independence enjoyed by few other state agencies. The intent is to keep powerful legislators from using transportation funds for pork barrel spending to benefit their districts. But the commission's detractors claim it has abused that independence to the point of arrogance in recent years.

Kinder said that by putting the right people on the commission, the governor could help restore the commission's image and potentially make Republican lawmakers more receptive to granting cash-strapped department additional revenue.

"I think if the governor handles this well and makes four-star appointments that command all of our respect, he can make a beginning to rebuilding the damaged credibility of MoDOT and put all of this behind us," Kinder said.

In keeping with a general policy he established for all major state boards and commissions, Holden said he won't re-appoint any of the current commissioners when their terms end. Holden said plenty of other qualified Missourians are eager to serve.

"I think the people on the commission have done an excellent job under some very difficult circumstances," Holden said. "But this is an opportunity to make some new appointments to the transportation commission, and I will be doing so."

mpowers@semissourian.com

(573) 635-4608