SE Missouri choices

Gov. Matt Blunt named Southeast Missourians to important roles in his administration during his first week in office. They include Charleston farmer Fred Ferrell as agriculture director, Sikeston lawyer King Sidwell as adjutant general of the Missouri National Guard, Bernie resident Michael Keathley as commissioner of the Office of Administration and, most recently, Dexter native Bill Ringer as chairman of the state Labor and Industrial Relations Commission.

Ferrell, who also owns a field irrigation service, recently turned the operation of his 3,000-acre farm over to his son, Britton Ferrell. The farm grows wheat, soybeans and corn and raises cattle. He said his top priority will be to make sure the state's food supply is safe.

Sidwell retired from the Guard as a colonel in August after 30 years. As adjutant general, he will lead the Guard at a time when its readiness to fight is critical to the war in Iraq.

Keathley was the budget adviser on Blunt's transition team and was senate administrator, the latter appointment made by Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder when he was president pro tem of the Senate.

Ringer practices insurance law in Kansas City. On the labor commission, he will represent the public interest in appeals of workers' compensation cases, crime victims' compensation cases and unemployment benefits. The commission's other two members represent the interests of employers or employees. From 1982 to 1986, Ringer was the employer commissioner during the Kit Bond administration.

All of the appointees must be confirmed by the Senate.

The labor commission recently has been in the spotlight because of lucrative pension benefits available to appointees who serve only a short time. Blunt supports legislation requiring at least two years of service before a commissioner qualifies for the retirement system.