Neosho man named to highways commission

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- A bank executive could become the first person from Newton County on the State Highways and Transportation Commission.

Gov. Matt Blunt announced Monday he has named Rudolph Farber, a Republican from Neosho, to the six-member board responsible for road planning and maintenance.

Farber, 65, is chairman of the board for Community Bank and Trust. If confirmed by the Senate, he would replace Marge Schramm, a Kirkwood Republican. Schramm's term expires this month.

Farber has been a significant donor, making contributions to several GOP statewide campaigns, most recently to failed auditor candidate Sandra Thomas. His household has donated more than $7,000 to Blunt's gubernatorial campaign since 2003, Missouri Ethics Commission records show. Farber's term would expire in 2013.

The six-member panel can have no more than three members from the same political party.

In a written statement, Blunt said Farber will help create a "safe and modern transportation system" that will continue improving roads and bridges.