SOUTHERN LITERARY FESTIVAL DRAWS RENOWNED WRITERS: MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSION

Charleston resident Betty Hearnes was named this week to the Missouri Mental Health Commission. This board oversees operations of the Department of Mental Health and its various operations across the state.

The choice is a sound one.

Hearnes has proved a conscientious public servant over the years. She served five terms in the Missouri House, from 1979 to 1989. She also learned much about state government as Missouri's First Lady from 1965-73. She served as chairman of the Missouri Democratic State Committee in 1987, and was the Democratic nominee for governor in 1988.

She also brings a strong background in the field of mental health, including president of the Autism Society of Missouri and a charter member of the Mental Health Committee in Southeast Missouri.

Her knowledge of state budgeting should prove invaluable as the department tries to weigh its wish list against financial realities.

We're confident she will continue to serve Missouri well in this new venture.