FALLERT MAKES SIXTH BID FOR SEAT IN HOUSE

STE. GENEVIEVE - Herb Fallert is making his sixth bid for a seat in the Missouri House and is hoping to help deal with lingering issues.

"We left several things hanging last year," said Fallert. "The two main things we can do something about is the foundation formula in education and workers comp.

"We've got to fix the formula and put some money into it. It can't just be revised; it needs more funding also."

Fallert is also optimistic that after a lot of effort last year, lawmakers will be able to come to grips with the skyrocketing costs of workers' compensation.

Fallert, a Democrat, was first elected in 1982 when he ousted Vernon Bruckerhoff. The newly-drawn 155th District is much like his old district in that it includes all of Perry County and most of Ste. Genevieve County.

He is opposed by James D. Williams, who lives at Minnith, in Ste. Genevieve County. Williams' phone has been disconnected and efforts to reach him were unsuccessful.

Asked why he is running again, Fallert explained: "I'm still interested; I still enjoy it. I like politics and like working with the people. It's like any other job: it gets aggravating at times, but basically I still think we've got some work to do and want to do it."

A major issue of concern to Fallert is jobs and economic development. "I think we can do some of that through tourism, and being chairman of the committee on tourism, that's where I'm going to put some of my efforts."

Fallert is sponsor of a proposition voters will consider next week on whether to authorize riverboat gambling. "Developing riverfronts and boats is the missing link to put tourism as Missouri's number one industry," he said.

Fallert supports the concept of universal health care but believes the main focus must be at the federal level. "I don't think that's the answer, but it is a start," said Fallert.

He also opposes term limits because "it takes too many options away from the voter. That is what this country was built on; that people elect who they want. The election is the best term limitation we've got."

Fallert believes, however, there needs to be spending controls on campaigns and a limit on PAC money to put challengers on a level playing field with incumbents.

Before his election, Fallert worked 25 years for the MFA Co-op. He is involved in several local businesses in Ste. Genevieve. He and his wife Norma have three children and four grandchildren.