MISSOURI WATCH: DON'T BE SHY; ASK CANDIDATES TOUGH QUESTIONS

Now that the August primaries are behind us (you did know Missouri held elections the other day, didn't you?), it would not be inappropriate to turn a scintilla of attention on who will occupy the office of Governor for the next four years. The reason it might be important is because, outside of your husband or wife and perhaps your employer or stockholders, no person will have more direct influence on your life through the year 2000 than the man or woman who occupies the executive office in our state Capitol.

Without computing the odds, the chances are very, very good that either Mel Carnahan or Margaret Kelly will spend the next four years of our lives in that august, spacious office on the Capitol's second floor where he or she will make decisions that will affect not only your pocketbook and bank account but the quality of your life.

If this doesn't pique your interest, pretend that you have just read your horoscope and it says: "An attractive dark-haired woman is about to exert great influence over your life for at least the remainder of this century." Or maybe it would read: "A tall, slender man is destined to change your life and the lives of your family for several years." You'd be interested then, wouldn't you?

Just what do you know about this Carnahan fellow or this woman with the Irish name? Well, you know that both have been around state government for several years. You know that Carnahan has been Governor since 1993 and Kelly was re-elected State Auditor a couple of years back. You can probably supply additional information, maybe even a snippet of biographical data. You might even know that Margaret was born in Crystal City and that Mel now hails from Rolla but was born in Birch Tree. You may even know one or both of these persons, maybe even by their first names, and if you have paid particular attention you might even know the first name of Mrs. Carnahan or Mr. Kelly.

Have I lost you by now, or are you still interested in learning a bit more about these potentially significant others in your future life? It would be prudent to be interested, because there will come a time, and it will be sooner than you think, when you will wish you had. On the morning of Wednesday, November 6, 1996, it will be too late. A majority of voters will have selected one of the two and unless I miss my guess, you will begin wondering what you can expect from the next Governor for the next four years. The chances are good, unless you ask some questions between now and the general election, you won't have the slightest idea what to expect, despite all the campaign trivia that will be force fed the electorate in the next 65 days. You might as well invite some stranger off the street and show him where you the family heirlooms are hidden.

You wouldn't do that, would you? Then why spend the next two months ignoring people who will likely affect your life more than your mother-in-law or your supervisor at work? The point is, you shouldn't and that's why I've jotted down a few questions to ask the next Governor of Missouri before you cast your vote. Use these or ask others that are more important to you, but ask. Otherwise you are taking part in a game of chance that offers worse odds than your favorite riverboat casino.

Here's my list but, feel free to make your own:

1. Why should I vote for you for Governor?

2. Explain what qualifications you have that warrant my support. (Forget asking the candidate's views about his or her opponent. All you will get is a bunch of Mickey Mouse pejoratives that would convict an innocent defendant of premeditated murder).

3. List in order of priority the three (or five) most important projects you will undertake as Governor.

4. Why do you believe these are important?

5. How do you intend to finance them and what will be your guaranteed estimate of their costs?

6. Identify by both name and amount your 10 largest campaign contributors.

7. Do you promise to spend as much time talking to me after the election as you have during the campaign?

8. If I request a personal audience with you, will I wind up talking only to one of your assistants?

9. Will you make a serious attempt to curb waste and mismanagement immediately upon taking office? Be specific and describe exactly what steps you will take.

10. What do you plan to do after serving your term as Governor?

11. Do you have any valid solutions for ending the underlying distrust between various regions within our state?

12. Outline the qualifications you will demand from those you appoint to important state jobs and commissions that exercise oversight over state institutions and activities.

13. What, if any, campaign promises have you made to individuals, interest groups, corporations and political organizations?

14. Since large portions of the Missouri Constitution date back to 1875, what changes do you support in the existing document and will you recommend revisions be made piecemeal or by a new convention?

15. What will you undertake to improve the future lives of the more than 5.3 million men, women and children who call themselves Missourians?

If you find a candidate who can muster even a passing grade on this test, the chances are you have just found the next Governor of Missouri.

~Jack Stapleton of Kennett is the editor of the Missouri News and Editorial Service.