ELECTION 1992: LT. GOVERNOR; ROGER WILSON VS. MARGARET KELLY

Many Missourians have asked me why, given the limited constitutional duties of the office, I am seeking to become Missouri's next Lieutenant Governor.

In the final analysis I decided to run for Lieutenant Governor because of my strong belief that, after over eight years as Missouri State Auditor, I can now serve the taxpayers of Missouri in a unique way as their next Lieutenant Governor.

As a result of the over 1,000 audits I have conducted during my tenure as State Auditor, I have uncovered and made public the fact that literally hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars are being wasted in Missouri as a result of mismanagement, honest mistakes and unfortunately, in some instances, outright fraud.

One important focus of mine as Lieutenant Governor will be to use the position as a public forum to help make sure that more of the findings and recommendations of the State Auditor's office are implemented. The State Auditor's office itself has no authority to implement the findings of its audits and indeed for that office to do so would compromise the independence of the audits.

I believe my leadership role in this effort as Lieutenant Governor would result in the implementation of more of the recommendations of the State Auditor. If successful, millions and millions of additional taxpayer dollars could be saved and put to productive use in creating more and better jobs for Missourians, helping our educational system better meet the needs of our youth and improving our health care system.

I can be an effective Lieutenant Governor in this and other areas because of the knowledge and understanding I have of Missouri government as a result of the many audits I have conducted. These audits have given me an insight into the executive, legislative and judicial branches of state government as well as insight into every level of local government in Missouri.

I can be an effective partner for the next Governor of Missouri and an invaluable asset in the ongoing task of trying to achieve a more efficient and effective government for all Missourians.

Another area I would focus on as Lieutenant Governor is the need for more qualified women to enter public service.

Missouri women have much experience and much practical knowledge to add in the field of public service. As Lieutenant Governor, I will continue to promote the cause of more qualified women being brought into leadership roles in our government.

My other areas of focus as Lieutenant Governor would certainly include the promotion of economic development and the creation of more and better job opportunities for Missouri citizens, the promotion of a better and more productive educational system for our young people and the creation of a more affordable health care system.

The office of Lieutenant Governor of Missouri can only be as strong and effective as the person who occupies the office. My personal qualifications, my reputation as a fair and non-partisan public servant and my experience as State Auditor will enable me to be an effective and knowledgeable Lieutenant Governor for all Missouri citizens.

In closing let me say that I do not look upon elective office as a permanent occupation, but rather a sacred trust and responsibility bestowed by the people for a set period of time. I want to serve Missouri as Lieutenant Governor if our citizens so choose. I will be an effective Lieutenant Governor and, if elected, I will continue to do my best on behalf of honest, efficient and effective government in Missouri.