Measures propose changes in Missouri constitution

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- With 2002 being an election year, state lawmakers are lining up an array of proposed constitutional amendments they hope Missouri voters will consider in November.

But first the measures must clear the General Assembly. Of the 15 suggested constitutional changes prefiled for the next legislative session and other proposals to come, only a handful will make it on the ballot.

One measure likely to stir political debate would require party candidates for governor and lieutenant governor to run as a team, as do presidential and vice presidential candidates.

The proposal's sponsor, state Sen. Marvin Singleton, R-Joplin, says unified party tickets would reduce the amount of money spent on campaigns since two candidates running together would spend less than they would separately. He also says it would improve cooperation within the executive branch.

"When voters pick a governor and lieutenant governor of the same party, this system works," Singleton said. "But when the two belong to different parties, the two offices, in effect, become political rivals."

Since 1993, Missouri's top two officials have been Democrats. However, for 16 years prior to that the two parties split the positions.

With legislative term limits set to take full effect for the 2002 elections, another effort to extend the limits is under way.

Though too late to benefit the 75 representatives and 12 being forced out after next year, two Democrats -- state Sen. John Schneider of Florissant and state Rep. Dan Ward of Bonne Terre -- are seeking to extend maximum service from eight years per chamber to 12 years. Ward's plan would also exclude partial terms from counting against the cap.

State Sen. Sidney Johnson, D-Agency, and state Rep. Ted Farnen, D-Columbia, have term-limits measures that focus solely on excluding partial terms from counting.

Farnen actually has three proposed amendments aimed at mitigating the negative impact of term limits. The other two would require executive branch appointees who stay on during a governor's second term to be reconfirmed by the Senate and compel the governor to appear before the House five times each legislative session to answer questions.

Farnen says the changes would increase legislative oversight of the executive branch, which some feel will gain power when experienced lawmakers leave office.

"Like them or not, term limits will have a profound effect on Missouri government," Farnen said. "I believe there are some things we can do, however, that will keep the legislative branch strong."

Lowering minimum ages

To expand the pool of potential lawmakers that term limits may require, state Rep. Tom Villa, D-St. Louis, proposes reducing the minimum age eligibility for membership in the General Assembly. The amendment would allow those 21 or older to serve in either chamber. Currently, representatives must be at least 24 and senators 30.

State Rep. Lanie Black, R-Charleston, will push a proposal that would give lawmakers more input into selection of members of the State Highways and Transportation Commission.

The panel would retain six members, but terms would be staggered with two commissioners being replaced every two years. When terms expire, party leaders in both legislative chambers would each submit lists of three candidates, with the governor obligated to appoint from that pool of names one commissioner from each party.

Currently, a governor can name whomever he wishes, though appointments are subject to Senate approval.

Membership on another state board would change under a measure from state Rep. Rick Johnson, D-High Ridge. Johnson wants to add a member to the State Board of Education, for a total of nine members. To ensure regional representation, each of Missouri's congressional districts would have a seat on the board.

Other proposals

Other amendments on the table include:

Authorizing the Department of Transportation to build toll roads.

Earmarking at least 5 percent of state revenue for road and bridge construction.

Requiring a simple majority to pass local school bond issues instead of the four-sevenths super majority currently needed in most instances.

Allowing public schools to provide transportation for private school students.

Repealing the constitutional provision that bans using public funds for religious institutions or purposes.

Allowing voluntary prayer in public schools.

mpowers@semissourian.com

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