Our Opinion: Leadership amid adversity

News Tribune editorial

Sunday, October 28, 2012

A test for a chief executive is the quality of leadership amid adversity.

By that yardstick, Gov. Jay Nixon has earned re-election.

The incumbent Democrat is being challenged by Republican Dave Spence, a businessman and political newcomer, in the Nov. 6 election.

During Nixon’s first four years, Missouri has not been immune to the persistent, nationwide economic downturn.

Unlike the feeble federal propensity to amass more debt rather than make tough decisions, Missouri is obligated by its constitution to balance its budget.

Nixon has opted to cut expenses rather than raise taxes. Admittedly, we have not always supported the cuts Nixon has made, particularly those that affect state workers.

As observers of Missouri government, we are acutely aware of the valuable services provided by state employees. We believe workforce cuts diminish morale among state workers who, according to studies, are the most underpaid in comparison to their peers in other states.

We must acknowledge, however, that Nixon has attempted to cushion the blow by eliminating jobs through attrition and by supporting a recent pay raise.

Most important, he has worked with lawmakers to craft and approve a balanced budget that minimizes pain for Missourians.

As governor, Nixon also:

• Has been actively engaged in economic development, courting major manufacturers, supporting expansion at the Callaway Nuclear Plant and promoting job growth at small businesses throughout the state.

• Has built consensus by creating or supporting task forces and panels to deal with vital issues, including punishment for driving while intoxicated, reform of state tax incentives and review of criminal sentences.

• Has responded quickly and effectively to natural disasters, including the tornado that devastated Joplin and the drought that plagued the state this summer.

Nixon’s tenure has not been void of miscues. Among them has been a tendency to transfer his office’s travel expenses to other state agencies.

Overall, however, we must commend the governor for providing steady leadership during turbulent times. He has faced repeated challenges and emerged resilient.

He deserves re-election on Nov. 6.

More like this story

JCLifer 6 months, 2 weeks ago

Do you reallt think any state employees will vote for him?

spelchek 6 months, 2 weeks ago

His administration has been hostile towards an already beaten down state work force. His party pits us against the "rich" and believes in salary caps for executives like those at the government ran GM. However, when asked why his staff is paid is so high compared to previous administrations we're told that their high pay is needed in order to retain the best and brightest. I appreciate his fiscal conservancy (thanks to Missouri's constitution) but his parties double standard doesn't sit well with me. Neither does his vacant public support for the POTUS.

JCLifer 6 months, 2 weeks ago

Don't forget all the croney appointments to run the agencies and divisions. Nixion is no more ethical than previous governors.

asb 6 months, 2 weeks ago

I don't think Mr. Spence is even close to capable of leading the state. Vote Nixon. I have problems with Nixon's crony appointments, but the slow economy and the extreme right legislature are more responsible for our state workers' salary problems than Nixon. As a (non-state) worker, I'll take the experienced, conservative Democrat union-backed guy over the nearly extreme banker guy any day. Vote Nixon.

spelchek 6 months, 2 weeks ago

"Extreme banker" -- You crack me up.

JCLifer 6 months, 2 weeks ago

Where is Nixon's "leadership" for funding education as required by law?

Where is Nixons "leadership" for supporting The cigarette tax that would help reduce smoking and provided needed funding for schools?

Where is Nixon's "leadership" for reforming state government, training state employees, and improving their pay to be market-level?

Spence may lack experience in government, but he has proven executive experience in managing large companies and achieving success in his businesses.

Nixon just hires all his attorney buddies for cushy state jobs, and he does not have any strategic vision for our state and all its problems.

RobHunterJohnson 6 months, 2 weeks ago

YES! I know some who will vote for him. They are smart enough to again see through this Businessman Leadship claim that would be good for the state? You see the State of Missouri is not a Business, or a Corporation! The State is run by a Goverment elected by the people not EMPLOYEES. Rob

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