OLIVER CHOSEN COMMISSION VP

Cape Girardeau attorney John Oliver has been elected vice chairman of the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission.

Oliver was chosen by fellow members at a recent meeting of the commission in Kansas City.

Harry Morley of Chesterfield, who had been vice chairman, was elected the new chairman.

The term of the previous chairman, Don Walsworth of Marceline, expired. He left the commission.

Oliver said his position means he will preside at any meeting Morley is unable to attend.

Since Morley's term on the commission runs out on Dec. 1, 1993 and Oliver's term runs almost two years beyond that, Oliver will have an opportunity to assume the chairman's position some day.

While Oliver said it might be nice to be the commission chairman, he is hoping that he will never have the opportunity.

Two weeks ago, Oliver was one of three people recommended to Gov. John Ashcroft by the Appellate Judicial Commission for a vacancy on the Missouri Supreme Court. The governor has 60 days to appoint one of the three.

"Harry's term is up in about 18 months, so there will be a new chairman before my term expires, but I hope the governor gives me another alternative," said Oliver.