MARGARET KELLY MAKES CAMPAIGN STOP HERE

State Auditor Margaret Kelly says she wants to become more involved in state government.

"During the past eight years as auditor, all I could do is make recommendations for improvements," said Kelly, who is the Republican candidate for Missouri lieutenant government. "I want to be in a better position to share my views and be more involved in helping make better use of the taxpayers' dollar."

Kelly, who is conducting a 66-county, campaign tour across Missouri during the final weeks of the campaign, appeared at GOP headquarters in Cape Girardeau Friday.

Kelly, the first woman to hold a statewide elective office in Missouri, said she has extensive knowledge of government and government spending at every level.

"We have saved millions of dollars for Missouri taxpayers as a result of more than 1,000 audits for state and local governments during the past eight years," she said.

"We have to promote honesty and integrity in government," she told a large group who gathered for her appearance. "One of my main reasons for seeking the office of lieutenant governor is to help bring more efficient and effective government to Missouri.

"If we properly manage our funds, we'll have more dollars for education, economic development, improved health care and the creation of more jobs," she added. "As lieutenant governor I will work to see that Missouri reaches this goal."

Kelly also touched on the subject of women in the political process.

"I think it's important for women to be involved," she said "Women need to have input into laws being made. It's time for women to be heard."

Kelly's opponent in the November election is state Sen. Roger Wilson, D-Columbia, who has continually questioned her handling of some audits, including the "second injury fund" audit.

Kelly dismisses Wilson's comments as political rhetoric.

"As for the second injury fund audit, we did point out some deficiencies," she said Friday. "As with all audits, we made some constructive suggestions."

Kelly received a giant congratulatory card Friday while at Republican headquarters at the corner of Independence and Sheridan. The card congratulated her on becoming a grandmother in August.

Kelly, who was appointed state auditor by Gov. Christopher "Kit" Bond in 1984, has been elected to two four-year terms, in 1988 and 1990. Prior to serving as state auditor she was Cole County auditor.

Kelly is a certified public accountant and has 20 years of accounting experience with CPA firms in Springfield, Columbia and Jefferson City.

A native of Crystal City, Kelly is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia and has a master's degree in business from Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield.