Chambers differ on improving MoDOT

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The two chambers of the Missouri Legislature are pursuing substantially different approaches in their efforts to improve the sullied public image of the Missouri Department of Transportation.

While the House of Representatives last week passed a bill that would increase legislative oversight over the agency and give lawmakers a direct say in the selection of MoDOT's independent governing board, the Senate prefers a far less intrusive approach.

Neither measure is as drastic as the fix endorsed by Gov. Bob Holden: putting the department more or less under his direct control.

Duane Michie of Hayti, a member of the State Highways and Transportation Commission, said he advocates changes that improve cooperation between the department and legislative branch but hopes lawmakers avoid exerting too much control over transportation decisions.

"I really have a lot of faith and confidence in this system," Michie said. "It's worked for 75 years. It's not foolproof, and it's not without its faults, but it's best of all worlds."

Money has been at the heart of the MoDOT's problems in recent years. The department was forced in 1998 to admit that it couldn't deliver what it promised in selling a 1992 tax increase to the legislature.

While that mea culpa was followed by the implementation of numerous safeguards intended to avoid the mistakes of the past, the state road fund didn't get more revenue.

Despite the changes in the department's structure and leadership, Missouri voters were unconvinced it could be trusted and demonstrated that through a nearly 3-to-1 rejection of a $483 million transportation tax package last year.

135-4 vote

That lopsided result prompted a shift in the legislature from seeking more revenue for department to improving accountability.

The House bill, which moved to the Senate with strong bipartisan support on a 135-4 vote, calls for a variety of changes.

Among them is changing how commissioners are chosen.

At present the governor appoints whomever he wants to the six-member panel, though his nominees are subject to Senate confirmation. Under the bill, legislative leaders of the political party for which a particular seat is designated would submit a list of three nominees, with the governor obligated to choose one.

House Speaker Catherine Hanaway, R-Warson Woods, said the provision isn't intended to weaken the authority of the governor, but to have a commission vetted by legislative leaders.

"The purpose is to encourage commissioners to be even more responsive to lawmakers," Hanaway said.

It is uncertain if Holden would accept such a restriction on his appointment power.

"If it gets to his desk, we will sure take a good look at it," said spokeswoman Mary Still.

Holden favors being given the authority to hire and fire the MoDOT director, who currently serves at the pleasure of the commission. Under his proposal, the commission would be reduced to an advisory role.

House Republicans in the past had endorsed that idea, but it was never a part of the current bill.

Different boss

Another provision in the House measure would make MoDOT's inspector general an employee of the legislature. The inspector general, who serves as the agency's internal auditor, currently reports to department director.

Making the position independent of the department would ensure the inspector general is free to investigate complaints or problems without fear of being thwarted by department leaders, supporters of the provision say.

The inspector general would also serve as director of the Joint Committee on Transportation Oversight.

At present, that legislative panel meets just once a year to receive a progress report presented by the department.

mpowers@semissourian.com

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