Holden mum on highways commission spot

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Gov. Bob Holden said Monday that Pemiscot County Port Authority chairman Duane Michie is a prime candidate for a gubernatorial appointment but declined to say if he would name him to the Missouri State Highways and Transportation Commission.

In recent weeks, several sources close to the situation have said Michie, of Caruthersville, Mo., is at the very least on Holden's short list to fill a Republican seat on the commission that will become vacant Dec. 1.

Holden said he hasn't made a decision on the appointment but plans to announce his choice around that time.

"I will tell you that Duane Michie is someone I have a very high regard for," Holden said. "I've worked with him on a number of occasions, and he would be high on my list on many areas."

While not specifying the highways commission, Holden said Michie "would definitely be considered" for some type of post.

Michie, who is also chief executive officer of First State Bank & Trust Co. Inc. in Caruthersville, said he hasn't had any direct contact with the governor's office regarding the impending vacancy.

"I've only heard indirectly from various sources that I'm on a list," Michie said. "As to how the process will go, I'm not sure."

Similar philosophies

Since taking office, Holden has pushed for a total transportation plan that goes beyond improvements for roads and bridges, which tend to receive the most attention, to include other modes, such as aviation, rail, mass transit and waterways. Michie has a similar philosophy.

"We need to work toward a total transportation plan that includes all facets of transportation," Michie said. "That is where the action is. If you want to talk economic development, you need to talk transportation."

If appointed, Michie would serve a six-year term. He said his background with the Pemiscot County Port Authority "wouldn't be a negative" if he is named to the commission.

Michie said most Missourians, though they don't realize it, are greatly affected by the state's ports and the goods that pass through them.

"I find very few people around the state know much about port development and the importance of ports," Michie said. "If I get to be in that position, I think it would bring to light issues that must be talked about."

Senate President Pro Tem Peter Kinder, R-Cape Girar-deau, said he promoted Michie for the commission without even knowing he was a Republican. Holden filled two Democratic commission spots last month.

"I told the governor last summer he would be a good appointment," Kinder said. "I did that without really knowing Duane Michie's politics. I just think enough of him to recommend him."

State Sen. Bill Foster, R-Poplar Bluff, would be responsible for sponsoring Michie during Senate confirmation proceedings because Michie hails from Foster's legislative district. Foster has said he would support Michie's nomination.

Plum position

Because the six-member commission makes policy decisions for Department of Transportation independent of the General Assembly or the governor, spots on the panel are among the plums of gubernatorial appointments.

Southeast Missouri has been without commission representation since October 1997, when H. Mark Pryor of Kennett, Mo., stepped down after serving only 21 months of his term.

Kinder said it is important that the impending vacancy go to a Southeast Missourian.

"I think it's kind of our turn," Kinder said.

Holden declined to say if he was leaning toward naming someone from the region.

"I'm looking at who could be a good commissioner on behalf of the entire state of Missouri," Holden said.

In keeping with his general policy of not re-appointing members of major boards and commissions who have served full terms, Holden indicated he won't re-appoint commissioner Edward D. Douglas of Chillicothe, Mo., whose spot Michie would fill.

mpowers@semissourian.com

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