LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR'S RACE: RICE: OFFICE SHOULD BE VOICE OF PEOPLE

After 20 years of work as an advocate for the homeless and needs of low income citizens, Larry Rice is hoping to use the office of lieutenant governor to mobilize a force of volunteers committed to helping people.

One of four Democrats seeking the nomination for lieutenant governor in the Aug. 4 primary, Rice points out that the office has limited constitutional duties. In the past, it has been promoted as an office to coordinate volunteer services; that is the direction Rice wants to take the office if he wins.

"We can do a lot to help people without passing tax increases," said Rice, director and founder of the New Life Evangelistic Center in St. Louis. Rice, 43, now lives on a farm near New Bloomfield in central Missouri, with his wife and three children.

Rice points out that the state constitution allows the lieutenant governor to preside over the Senate and participate in debate on issues, something he intends to do actively.

Rice stressed that his background in meeting the needs of people will make him effective coordinating volunteers in the state to address needs. "It gives me an opportunity to be a very effective lieutenant governor," Rice noted.

The lieutenant governor's office has generally been used as a stepping stone to higher office; however, Rice says he will be content holding this office. "I want to be the best lieutenant governor in Missouri history," he said.

"I believe the voice of the people must be heard. Voting for me is a vote for people working together to creatively solve our problems of unemployment, skyrocketing health care costs, alarming high school drop out rates, and the lack of basic necessities for many Missourians," said Rice.

"I will be able to bring together a mighty army of people who care about this great state and who will work with me to plant new seeds of creativity and real solutions."

His slogan is: "The People Have Suffered Enough." Rice points out that until recently, the word "poor" was used instead of people; however, the decline in the middle class has led Rice to broaden his concern.

Rice and his organization operates 11 homeless shelters, including one in Cape Girardeau. He also operates a free store here. All are operated by volunteers.

In addition, Rice's group has two U.H.F. television stations operating in Missouri in St. Louis and Jefferson City, which he refers to as the "Homeless Express Network." The F.C.C. has approved his applications for new stations in Sikeston, Osage Beach and Lebanon, and an application is pending for other cities, including Scott City.

A native of McAllen, Texas, he has a B.A. degree in theology and social psychology from Concordia Senior College in Ft. Wayne, Ind. He was ordained through Calvary Temple in 1971.

His volunteer programs have focused on such projects as distributing fans and heaters; transportation assistance; job training and educational programs; violence prevention classes; medical clinics; utility assistance programs; staffing a farm crisis hotline, and publishing newspapers.

Rice argues that problems in education can be better handled by working with people rather than just providing more money.

For example, he suggests the dropout problem could best be addressed by getting input from students, parents, and P.T.A.'s and have them involved in the process. He also believes corporations should be recruited to adopt schools and assist in buying supplies that schools or students cannot afford.

For students who need homework assistance, Rice said he would establish a program where fast food restaurants would provide free food after school for youths that come in for tutoring. Volunteers, possibly senior citizens, would provide the study help.

Rice also supports programs that would pay bonuses to state employees who report waste or who come up with ways to save the state money.

"There are a lot of things the lieutenant governor can do using my experience helping people. He is in a unique position because his official title is ombudsman," said Rice. "I see the lieutenant governor as the officially-recognized gadfly in the state. The lieutenant governor should represent that struggling middle class and be a voice for the people."

He also sees the office as an excellent opportunity to promote economic development.

Although many of Rice's efforts have been controversial, and drawn criticism from some city officials and state legislators around the state, he is optimistic that people will support his candidacy because they want change.

"I don't want to be a professional politician," declared Rice. "It is a unique office for someone without political baggage, as in the past.

Asked about some of the criticism he has received about his efforts, Rice replied: "At first they may not always understand me."

Part of the reason for that, Rice believes, is that he is often on the forefront of issues, like homelessness, before they become major issues that are widely accepted as problems.

His goal for now is to let people know he is running and his plans for the office. Rice contends his "maverick" reputation will make him an effective advocate for the people. By Tuesday's primary, Rice guesses that he will have shaken between 45,000 and 50,000 hands during his campaign this year.

"There are a lot of people know who I am, what I stand for, and that I will fight the system on their behalf, but many don't know I am running," said Rice.

"I'm trying to get the word out."