WAYNE PETITT IS COMMISSION

BENTON -- Wayne Petitt of Scott City has been appointed to the Scott County Commission to succeed Joe Spalding, who died in December.

Gov. Mel Carnahan Wednesday appointed Petit, who was recommended by the Scott County Central Democratic Committee.

Committee Chairman Michael G. Marshall said the committee was looking for someone to help develop the county's economy. "We didn't want a caretaker who sits back and reacts to the people or the business," Marshall said.

The 14-member committee met Jan. 9 and selected Petitt, a member of the committee.

"It's not a surprise, but I'm glad they finally did it," Petitt said Wednesday.

Since the beginning of the month, Petitt has been attending regular commission meetings to learn more about county business.

"I've been coming and sitting in so I'll be up to speed on what they are doing," he said. "I still have a lot to learn."

His first official meeting will be Tuesday. He receives his commission from the secretary of state's office next week.

Petitt, 27, a cell technician at Dana Corp., is a member of the Scott City Board of Education and a native of Scott County. He and his wife, Kim, have two children, ages 5 and 2 months.