FORMER AG DEPUTY CITES TOO MUCH GOVERNMENT

JACKSON -- The best government is less government, said Peter Myers, a former USDA deputy secretary.

"I didn't realize until I started my business the pressure government places on businesses," he said.

Myers spoke to members of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce at its annual Installation Banquet Monday night.

The chamber presented the R.A. Fulenwider Meritorious Community Service Award to Marjorie Grindstaff. The recipient was introduced by Stone Manes, the 1994 recipient. It was established in 1978 in honor of Jackson businessman R.A. Fulenwider.

Myers spoke to chamber members about the pressures government places on small businesses.

Myers is currently president of Myers Land Management Co. in Sikeston and is president of Adopt-A-Farm Family Inc., a company founded by his wife, Mary.

Prior to being appointed to the USDA in 1982, Myers farmed in Southeast Missouri for 30 years. He served at the USDA for seven years and later worked for the National Pork Producers Council and the Farm Credit System.

Myers said the government contributes to the failures of many small businesses because of excessive regulations, laws, and taxes.

There should be some parameters, but businesses shouldn't be told exactly what to do, he said. "It's regulation overkill in a lot of cases," Myers said.

"We have in this country great, God-given, natural resources, which is one reason we've been successful," Myers said.

He attributed the success of small businesses to the people who take risks.

"Individual initiative has been the backbone of the country," said Myers.

There are indicators in this country that point to its decline, particularly moral deterioration, he said. "History proves past civilizations have failed because of moral deterioration," he said. "And we are not a young country anymore."

Myers said solutions to the problems are not easily found. "It's hard to change things in a country like ours," he said.

The 1995-96 officers were installed. They are president, Larry Hall; vice president, Jeff Moore; and secretary-treasurer, Brent Wills.