ANOTHER PUXICO NATIVE HEADS GOVERNOR'S STAFF

After serving Gov. Mel Carnahan as press secretary through the first six and one-half years of his administration, Puxico native Chris Sifford has been named chief of staff in Missouri's executive office. He is the second Puxico native so to serve: former Carnahan chief of staff Roy Temple, now a political consultant who counts the governor as a client, also hails from the tiny Southeast Missouri town. Both were active in the governor's successful 1992 campaign. It is worth noting that Sifford will replace Brad Ketcher, who also did some of his growing up in Southeast Missouri, specifically in Cape Girardeau County.

It is impressive that two officials ranking so high in Missouri governmental and political circles would come from the same small town. Neither Temple nor Sifford came from the sort of privileged background that often leads to inclusion in such circles. Both won their spurs, and the confidence of Missouri's chief executive, in the rough and tumble of political battles for high stakes. Both played key roles in the 1986 congressional campaign of Puxico native Wayne Cryts, who gave the late U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson his closest scare that year.

Gov. Carnahan says of Sifford that his "self-control, demeanor and the calm handling of delicate questions are his assets" and praises his "excellent background" as a working newspaperman who once worked for the Springfield News-Leader. Even Republicans have a kind word for Sifford. "He'll have a less abrasive style" than his predecessor Ketcher, said Daryl Duwe, communications director for the Missouri Republican Party. "He'll be easier to work with."

We congratulate Chris Sifford as he assumes this important post.