STAPLES DISPUTES RUMOR THAT JOB OFFER CHANGED HIS VOTE

JEFFERSON CITY - State Sen. Danny Staples said Wednesday he was not offered any state job by Gov. Mel Carnahan in exchange for his support of an education tax bill the governor is pushing aggressively.

"There was no deal with the governor," the Southeast Missouri Democrat stressed. "It is a deal made with Danny Staples and no one else. I spent a weekend at home, rested up and changed my mind."

Two weeks ago when the education bill was first brought up on the Senate floor, Staples blasted the measure because it called for a hefty tax increase without going to a vote of the people. Staples argued vehemently that the people were entitled to a say on the tax bill.

But a week later - in an oratorical display of equal fervor, Staples took the floor to suggest that legislators should have the courage to act on the tax increase without a vote of the people because of the importance of education to the future of Missouri.

As a result of Staples' change in position, rumors began circulating that the Shannon County resident had cut a deal with the governor to become director of the Missouri Division of State Parks and Historic Sites.

Staples acknowledged that he had discussed the foundation formula and tax issue with Carnahan and had told colleagues that the governor, "had taken me to the woodshed" over his first remarks, but said there was no job offer.

"I have never discussed an appointment to head state parks with the governor," said Staples. "I have not talked to the governor about any appointment for me. My name will be on a ballot in 1994."

Staples, who has a canoe rental business, said he has been his own boss for so long that he does not believe he could work for anyone else in a job like division director.

Staples said in 1994 he would either seek a fourth term from the 20th district, or if U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson does not seek re-election, could run for Congress.

Explaining the change in his position on the education bill, Staples said, "I do a lot of thinking when I'm driving and I thought about Judge Hungate and the desegregation orders he started, and the impact of courts when they get involved in education. I have a lot of faith in the people, but if it goes to a vote and loses, then a judge could mandate funding and jump the needed tax increase from around $400 million to as much as $1 billion."

Added Staples: "We were sent here to do a job; no one said it would be easy. We have been ordered by a court to do it and might as well get it over with."

Staples said he ultimately influenced himself to change his mind after a period of reflection on the issue.

"It is the right thing for us to do. It may not be the most popular thing, but if we send it to a vote of the people and they turn it down, we've got a major problem," said Staples.

"I'm not going to criticize anyone for their vote on this issue. We were all sent here to vote our consciences and do what we think is right. And this is the right thing to do."