FALLERT WON'T SEEK RE-ELECTION TO HOUSE

STE. GENEVIEVE - Although he calls his service in the Missouri House of Representatives "a wonderful experience and pleasure," State Rep. Herb Fallert announced Friday he has decided not to seek re-election this year.

"There is no one thing that brought this on -- just a lot of little things," said Fallert, a Democrat from Ste. Genevieve. He admitted the long drives to Jefferson City were getting tiring and that he has an urge to spend more time with his family and do other things.

"I feel like I have a few good years left, and just want to do something different."

The 57-year-old Fallert represents the 155th district that includes Perry County and most of Ste. Genevieve County. He first won his seat in 1982 when he defeated veteran Republican Vernon Bruckerhoff.

For the past six years, Fallert has served as chairman of the House Tourism, Recreational and Cultural Affairs Committee and was sponsor in the House of measures that led to passage of riverboat gambling and HB-188 which provides a unique approach to funding tourism promotion in the state.

Fallert said he told his wife, Norma, about six months ago that he thought this might be his last term; recently he finalized his decision.

By announcing now, Fallert said there would be plenty of time for others to consider the race; he said he had no idea who might file for the seat.

"I always promised people in the district that I would let them know in plenty of time when I decided to retire," said Fallert.

Earlier in the week, Fallert was one of nine legislators targeted by the Republican State Committee with radio ads in their districts criticizing votes made last year for the tax increase in Senate Bill 380, an education reform bill.

Fallert maintained the ads had nothing to do with his decision, because he had already decided to not seek re-election.

"If there was any one thing that almost changed my mind to run again, it was those ads," quipped Fallert. "I like a good challenge."

Fallert was joined at a press conference by his wife and several friends, including three colleagues in the General Assembly: Sen. Danny Staples, D-Eminence, Sen. Bill McKenna, D-Barnhart, and Rep. Bob Ward, D-Desloge, the House majority leader.

All three praised the soft-spoken legislator for his commitment to the people of Perry and Ste. Genevieve Counties and the state as a whole. They also acknowledged failing in their attempts to talk him out of retiring.

"I don't know of anyone in Jefferson City that doesn't love Herb Fallert," said Staples. "Not a day goes by that Herb hasn't thought about Ste. Genevieve and Perry Counties to see how to make it better."

As the senator for both counties, Staples said he always relied on Fallert to keep him up on the needs of the two counties and was always impressed by the new industries and projects that came into the area during Fallert's tenure.

Ward thanked Fallert for his support in leadership races and in working for legislation. "Herb has been a tremendous ally and people are going to miss Herb a great deal. It will be a loss not only to the people of this district, but to us in Jefferson City," remarked Ward.

"As far as I'm concerned, he can't be replaced."

McKenna, who makes the drive to and from Jefferson City with Fallert, shares an apartment in the capital with him, and while both were in the House shared an office suite, said Fallert is always concerned about representing his people.

"I know how he personally agonized over issues of importance to the district," said McKenna.

Fallert said having good friends is important in politics, and provides not only support but someone to discuss difficult issues with.

During his career, Fallert said he saw himself more as a liaison for his constituents with state government, rather than as a lawmaker. That work for his constituents, is what he is most proud of.

"My office has been open and accessible to all constituents. We have been confronted with many constituent problems in the past 12 years and I am happy to report on most occasions we were able to find an acceptable solution and regret the fact that some were not attainable," said Fallert.

He noted that 1993 was a particularly difficult year because of the floods, which devastated both counties he represents. "There are still a lot of people out there in need of help," he said.

Fallert said he is pleased with efforts that have been made in Jefferson City in recent years to improve education, including the Excellence in Education Act passed several years ago and the reform package passed in 1993. "Our package passed last year will insure more funding for our local schools at a time when they need it the most," he observed.

As author and a chief promoter of HB-188 last year, Fallert said up to $3 million in additional funds will be available for promotion of the state's tourism industry.

"This new revenue will allow our tourism industry to grow and expand and will translate into more tax dollars for our state and local governments, with that money going to help improve our schools and other essential programs," Fallert explained.

As a member of the agriculture committee, Fallert said he is pleased with progress made to all but eliminate brucellosis on farms and efforts to expand the ethanol industry. He predicted ethanol will become a major economic factor in Missouri, because of help provided by state government.

Fallert also served on the transportation committee, and cited Proposition A as "one of the best bills we've passed to help our road system.

"I have worked on a lot of issues and made a lot of decisions to help the people of Missouri," said Fallert. "It has certainly been a pleasure and wonderful experience to serve the citizens of Perry and Ste. Genevieve Counties. I am proud of the fact that for the past 12 years I have had the privilege to represent, work, and to vote the views of my constituents in Jefferson City.

"The accomplishments that I have helped secure for our state and region during my 12 years in the House of Representatives are many. Now it is time to move on. I want to take more time to enjoy my family and pursue other opportunities."

Fallert thanked people of the 155th district for their support and their willingness to work with government officials to improve the area.

Said Fallert: "The 155th district is certainly made up of good and proud people who strive and are willing to work for the best. That is why it has been such a privilege and pleasure to represent these people in Jefferson City. I want to take this opportunity to thank them for helping my tenure as state representative be successful."

Fallert's term will expire in early 1995.