ELECTION 1992: STATE TREASURER; GARY MELTON VS. BOB HOLDEN

My decision to run for the office of state treasurer came from my desire to see more efficiency in the handling of our tax dollars. My current position as Christian County treasurer has provided me with the necessary experience in handling government funds to do the job. Prior to holding a public office, I was an accountant in private industry for over 20 years. Again, my experience in financial management would benefit Missourians.

Experience

I feel like experience is a key issue in the treasurer's race. It is important to keep in mind that the duties of the state treasurer include being the custodian of state funds, determining the dollars not needed for current obligations and investing those dollars until they are needed. I feel Missouri taxpayers deserve an experienced finance manager to handle their dollars.

The MoBucks program has helped Missouri industry and created many jobs. I would want to continue the program. I would, however, consider a few improvements such as lowering the requirement on job loans. Smaller industries are excluded by this current requirement. I would encourage the disbursement of the $340 million in the MoBucks program throughout all of Missouri. I would encourage the deposit of $1 million in each county of Missouri and approximately $10 million in the larger counties and cities in an effort to stimulate economic growth.

I would work with the Department of Economic Development, county commissioners and city councils throughout the state to improve current industry and entice new industry to Missouri. Economic growth would help in solving many of our education, health care and economic problems.

Investing in Missouri

Approximately one half of Missouri's tax dollars are invested out of state. These dollars should be in Missouri banking institutions. We might receive one tenth of a percent less interest, however, I believe this money should be kept in Missouri for residents and industry to use to encourage economic growth. I believe Missouri tax dollars should be kept in Missouri, working for Missourians.

State deposits should be fairly bid. One or two banks should not control our state treasury. The current process to bid on the state's accounts established by current State Treasurer Wendell Bailey is an important factor to ensuring fair and honest management of the state's funds.

As county treasurer, I have invested tax dollars. Christian County is currently receiving 6.36 percent on 30 day investments. This rate is nearly double what state funds are receiving. This is why experience is so important to this office.

Let's bash the real problems

While Republicans and Democrats bash each other in our election process. I would rather work to bash the problems of lost jobs, education funding, health care costs, etc...

As public servants we must all work together to make decisions which will allow Missouri residents to work and pay their own bills rather than depending on the government for their personal welfare.

Based upon the duties of the treasurer as outlined in the statutes, "EXPERIENCE" is a vital commodity for the office. I have that experience.