PUXICO MAN CARNAHAN'S NEW CHIEF OF STAFF

Puxico native Roy Temple first took an interest in government when his third-grade teacher forced him to read biographies about American politicians.

That interest blossomed into an active involvement in politics and government that eventually landed him the position of Missouri Gov. Mel Carnahan's chief of staff.

Carnahan Tuesday announced Temple's promotion in Jefferson City. Temple, 31, has served as deputy chief of staff since Carnahan assumed office in January 1993.

Temple's appointment will take effect Dec. 1. He replaces Marc Farinella, who resigned to become a political consultant. Carnahan said Farinella, his only chief of staff, will play a key role in his re-election campaign.

"One thing about being in the governor's office is you spend a little bit of time on a lot of different things," Temple said of his new job. "In that respect things will be the same; I'll just have more responsibilities."

As chief of staff, Temple will oversee operations in the governor's office.

Reading about the accomplishments of men such as John F. Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during his youth gave Temple a glimpse at how an active involvement in the political process can yield improvements.

"Government can't do everything all the time, but it can help bring about positive change in various ways," Temple said.

Temple is a 1985 graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in business administration while majoring in accounting. He completed his law degree in May at the University of Missouri-Columbia and recently passed the Missouri Bar exam.

Following his graduation from Southeast, he worked on a number of political campaigns, including serving as political director during Carnahan's 1992 gubernatorial campaign.

"Roy has done an outstanding job for me for several years, and I am confident that he will continue that effort in this critical role," Carnahan said.

Temple no longer keeps a permanent residence in Puxico, but his parents, Jim and Ruth Temple, and two sisters still live there.

Carnahan also named Brad Ketcher director of legislative affairs Tuesday. Ketcher replaces Beth Wheeler, who resigned last month. Jill Friedman has been promoted to deputy chief of staff for governmental and community relations from her previous position as Carnahan's director of policy development.