TO GOV. HOLDEN: SUGGESTIONS FOR SUCCESS

Governor Bob Holden is coming up on six months in office, and newspapers around Missouri are doing their assessments and profiles of his tenure to this point.

We have made comments on this issue or that issue as they have crossed the radar screen, but today we take a slightly different tack: Where should he go from here, if Gov. Holden wants to have a successful term in office?

First, Holden might benefit from resisting the tendency toward demagoguery. This is a temptation to which all politicians are subject, but indulgence isn't becoming.

Many more appearances at ragtag rallies -- such as the one held last week in St. Louis to scream hysterically about energy prices and to blame the whole thing on President Bush -- will tarnish the legacy the governor wants to build.

Second, Holden could benefit from a long look down the road at some of Missouri's long-term needs. Here it might be useful to look again at energy in the context of well-reasoned policies and goals.

In order to avoid the fate of Californians, who appear headed for a long, hot summer of rolling blackouts, we need to be about the business of building new power plants. Several companies are currently engaged in efforts to build new plants in our state, but they are being stymied by Holden's Department of Natural Resources. These, by the way, are plants that would burn natural gas, our cleanest fuel.

Which way does the governor want to lead Missourians? Does this governor want to do the tough work to address our energy supply needs, or is he content to attend rallies denouncing anyone who is trying to address those needs?

Third, there is the issue of gubernatorial appointments. Lawmakers from both parties have repeatedly expressed concerns at the slow pace of this governor's moving forward his nominations for Senate approval. More careful attention to making good appointments in a timely manner would better serve this governor and our people.

Fourth, when the governor doesn't get his way, he should remain cool, slow down and realize that tomorrow is another day. A few hot-headed, over-the-top statements issued in Holden's name haven't helped. No lasting damage has been done -- unless this pattern continues.

Governor Holden presides over a state whose people want him to succeed, as do we.

Let's hope he does.