PROFFER OFFERS HIS SERVICES TO MEL CARNAHAN

Former state Rep. Marvin E. Proffer, now a lobbyist and fundraiser for Southeast Missouri State University, said Wednesday he talked with Lt. Gov. Mel Carnahan about taking a job in his administration two weeks ago but has not been offered a position.

Shortly after Carnahan defeated Republican William Webster for governor on Nov. 3, Proffer's name surfaced as a likely candidate for a job in the new administration.

In particular, Proffer was mentioned as a possible commissioner of the Office of Administration and as director of the Department of Revenue.

After hearing the speculation, and because of his close ties to the governor-elect, Proffer said he submitted a resume and met for about an hour with Carnahan to discuss plans for the new administration and a possible role.

"I'm getting a lot of encouragement and so I submitted a resume," said Proffer. "I enjoy government very much. If I feel like I can make a contribution to make state government better, that's what I want to do. There are a lot of reforms and changes that can take place in a new administration."

But Proffer, a Cape Girardeau County native who served 26 years in the Missouri House before retiring in 1988, stressed he is not certain he would take an administration post if offered.

"There are a lot things that I would have to consider, but the only thing I would be interested in is commissioner of administration," observed Proffer. "I would have to consider whether I want to spend that many hours behind a desk and the kind of flexibility and authority I would have."

Another consideration Proffer has is his strong feeling toward Southeast Missouri State.

He has worked as a lobbyist, fundraiser, recruiter and in public relations work for the university since leaving the legislature. He has always worked on one-year contracts. His current contract expires at the end of the year and Proffer said university President Kala Stroup has talked to him about continuing with the school.

"My first love is Southeast Missouri State University and if I do not take a state job I'll stay put," said Proffer.

Proffer said he is unsure what Carnahan's timetable is for naming cabinet level heads.

"It is up to the transition team and when they sit down and go through resumes and make recommendations," he noted.

Proffer developed a strong knowledge of state government and earned respect during his eight years as chairman of the House Budget Committee. During his tenure Proffer led efforts to enact a number of reforms in the budget process, cash management, and other operations of state government.

He and Carnahan were first elected to the Missouri House in 1962 and have remained friends over the years. As budget chairman Proffer worked closely with Carnahan during his tenure as state treasurer from 1981-84 to improve cash management.

In 1984 and this year, Proffer was a strong backer of Carnahan in his bids for governor. In the 1984 race, Carnahan lost the primary to then Lt. Gov. Kenneth Rothman of St. Louis County.

"I always did say that Mel Carnahan would make an excellent governor," remarked Proffer. "He is level headed, has lots of good ideas, and likes to work with people."

The Office of Administration is divided into eight divisions focusing on: accounting; budget and planning; design and construction; data processing and telecommunications; flight operations; general services; personnel; and purchasing and materials management.

The office is the state's service and administrative control agency, which combines and coordinates the central management functions of state government.