PROPOSITION TO DEFINE SPECIFIC ROLES FOR LT. GOVERNOR WOULD BENEFIT MISSOURI

Joe Driskill represents District 154 in the Missouri House of Representatives.

Imagine the feelings of an understudy at a successful Broadway play, or an outfielder for a baseball team that already has three stars playing everyday.

Under our state constitution, these scenarios seem to typify the duties of our lieutenant governor. With the exception of a ceremonial role as president of the Missouri Senate, memberships on certain state boards, and the job of ombudsman for the state, the role of lieutenant governor is rather limited.

In short, the lieutenant governor is elected to step in and lead our state if the governor is incapacitated. A ruling by the Missouri Supreme Court last year further limited the lieutenant governor by saying, in effect, due to today's technology that allows instantaneous communication, the governor is still in charge of the state, even if the governor is out of the country.

In Missouri history only five lieutenant governors have filled vacancies left by governors. The last time it occurred, Albert Picket Morehouse was named governor when Gov. John Sappington Marmaduke died on December 28, 1887.

Defining new and specific roles

Missouri voters will have an opportunity to increase the lieutenant governor's duties under a proposition on the Nov. 3 ballot.

If approved by voters, Proposition C would establish the Office of Advocacy and Assistance for the Elderly, which would investigate complaints and coordinate a long-term ombudsman program for the elderly. This would include informing the elderly of their rights and available state services.

The lieutenant governor also would be included as a member of the Economic Development, Export and Infrastructure Board, Board of Fund Commissioners, Housing Development Commission, and the Rural Economic Council and Tourism Commission. He or she also would be named an advisor to the Early Childhood Education and Parents as Teachers programs.

Beyond ceremony

The November ballot is crowded with several issues and several important political races, including decisions for president, governor and seven other proposals offered by the Missouri General Assembly. However, we should not overlook the importance of the lieutenant governor proposition.

By approving Proposition C, we can turn the position of lieutenant governor into something other than a ceremonial post. Quite often the men and women who are elected to the number two role in state government are very capable people with a wealth of government and community service. By expanding the duties of the office, we can help ensure that valuable talents and experience will be put to good use in the operation of state government.