STATE SENATE HOLDS HIGHWAY GROUP AT SIX MEMBERS

An attempt by the governor to pack the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission was defeated in the Missouri Senate last week. In a 15-16 vote, the Senate rejected a bill that would have expanded the highway panel from six members to 10.

Senate President Pro Tem James Mathewson, sponsor of the bill, said the enlargement was needed because the panel's duties have expanded in the last 30 years. Gov. Carnahan had said the commission was wanting because of a "cry for representation."

In fact, the job of the commissioners is setting policy, not engaging in day-to-day operation of the highway administration. And while policy making is more involved today, the addition of members didn't look to lower responsibilities. As for improving representation, Sen. John Russell, who voted against the bill, responded: "The greater number you get, the more chances they become subdistricts. I have a strong feeling that's not good for the state of Missouri."

Indeed, besides making state highway construction more divisive, the only other clear result of this proposal would have been to give the governor the capacity to hand out several more commission jobs, politicizing what is now a bi-partisan organization.

We believe the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission functions well enough as currently constituted. We commend the Missouri Senate for voting down its enlargement.