SOME QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON STATE LEGISLATIVE SERVICE

Someone once observed that politics is the profession "of the quarter-educated." I do most heartily endorse that observation, and therefore curse this century above all else for its having left all sentient beings with no alternative but to concern themselves with politics.

William F. Buckley Jr.

Since reading those words of one of my favorite and most influential writers more than 20 years ago, I have had many occasions to reflect on what Buckley was saying. I believe that in these pithy words Buckley has captured some profound truths.

Among the things Buckley was driving at is the sheer, overwhelming intrusiveness of Big Government in the 20th Century. Wielding arbitrary power, Big Government has itself become such a threat to freedom that no citizen is immune from its reach. Thus, Buckley was urging, all must be involved in the fight to protect our freedoms, even though we might rather be off somewhere, pursuing other, more pleasurable interests.

For so many people in public life, though, political campaigns and government become the be-all and end-all of their lives. For a host of reasons, this is unhealthy.

All citizens are right to be suspicious of those who seek to lead them. Something close to what Buckley was saying is at the heart of the Term Limitation movement, which batted 1.000 on November 3, as brilliantly outlined in George Will's column today.

To compete in today's international marketplace, all companies, large and small, are having to get leaner, to produce more with less. One of the big challenges of our time will be to bring this downsizing concept to a gigantic government, many of whose leaders will resist at every opportunity.

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Graceful transitions between political figures from opposite parties are not confined to the national transition we now see under way between Little Rock and Washington, D.C., nor to the gubernatorial transition in Jeff City. I am the beneficiary of a great deal of help and friendly advice from the fine gentleman who has so ably represented us in Jefferson City for the last 16 years.

The Honorable John Dennis is known and widely respected in the halls of the capitol. It would be hard to name a legislator from either party more universally liked and respected than John Dennis.

While in Jeff City for my first party caucus ten days ago, I spent 30 minutes in Sen. Dennis' office, asking his advice and counsel. There, I was treated with the courtesy and respect that he has always accorded me. I asked for help and continuing counsel from this wise and good public servant. He pledged it unhesitatingly. I am fortunate, and grateful.

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I have had many questions since the election for the 27th district state senate seat concerning where I will be found after taking office. Let's review some of those most frequently asked.

Are you moving to Jefferson City?

Thank goodness, no. The Missouri legislature is in session from January through May. During sessions, with few exceptions, the Senate meets from Monday afternoon through mid-day Thursday. Most legislators return home Thursday afternoon and evening before heading back to Jeff City on Monday.

Of course, there are committee meetings, special sessions, constitutent meetings, public appearances, etc. to fill out the rest of the schedule. It will be a challenge.

When do you take office?

The new legislative session begins with swearing-in on Wednesday, January 6. Governor-elect Mel Carnahan is inaugurated five days later, on Monday the 11th.

Will you continue at the newspaper?

Yes. I'll continue to write a column, usually at least once each week, and I'll continue to be involved in the business of the newspaper.

Where will your office(s) be?

I'll be reachable here at the newspaper. The current plan is to set up a district office here in Cape, adjacent to the Southeast Missourian office, with an address of 307 Broadway. As for Jefferson City, I'm told I'll have an office in the capitol, though it will not be determined exactly where until after a Dec. 15 special election to fill a vacancy from St. Louis County.

I arrive in Jeff City #34 of 34 senators in seniority. Two additional senate vacancies will be filled at special elections to be held in March, which means I will then vault all the way from 34th to 32nd. Oh well, gotta start somewhere.

Most senators have two staffers, although the budget for same, together with postage, telephones, travel, district office rent and the like is nothing lavish. We'll do our best, and work to keep you informed.