MARGARET KELLY HAS SERVED WITH DISTINCTION

After serving Missouri as state auditor for 14 years, Margaret Kelly has announced that she won't seek re-election to the fourth full term she surely could have won next year. Kelly is the first woman to have served in statewide office, and she has proven to be a formidable vote-getter in the campaigns for that office she waged in 1986, 1990 and 1994. She is a certified public accountant who had a fine career in the private sector and in Cole County government (Jefferson City) before former Gov. Kit Bond appointed her auditor in 1983.

Kelly took seriously the work of this vital state watchdog position, invoking as her motto, "In God we trust, all others we audit." From her first days in office, she hired good people and established a reputation for honesty, integrity and competence that stood her in good stead with Missourians. A native of Jefferson County, Margaret Kelly grew up with the late Rep. Bill Emerson there, and the two were lifelong friends. Now she says that with husband Clark retired, she is looking forward to spending more time with him and enjoying her grandchildren.

Of course, inside both parties, the Kelly announcement has touched off the expected scramble of potential replacements for her in the auditor's office. Missouri will be well-served, not to mention lucky, if her successor can measure up to the standards she has set.

Margaret Kelly always served Missouri with honor and distinction. She has earned the thanks of grateful Missourians who appreciate her faithful public service.