Dexter man to aid budget planning

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Gov.-elect Matt Blunt on Wednesday tabbed Michael Keathley of Dexter, Mo., to supervise the daunting task of preparing the state budget proposal Missouri's incoming chief executive will deliver to the Missouri Legislature in January.

Keathley has served as Senate administrator, the chamber's top staff position, since January 2002. He will oversee the budget preparations during the transition period before Blunt's inauguration.

Blunt spokesman Spence Jackson said no decision has been made as to whether Keathley will remain on as Blunt's budget director once he takes office. Jackson, however, said it is a possibility.

Keathley was out of the office Wednesday afternoon and couldn't be reached for comment.

Keathley's family founded and owned IXL Manufacturing Co. in Bernie. He was chief executive officer of the company, the world's largest producer of ax handles, until the family sold it several years ago.

Senate President Pro Tem Peter Kinder, R-Cape Girardeau, selected Keathley to oversee Senate operations because of his substantial experience running a business. Despite working in Jefferson City, Keathley has continued to reside in Dexter.

Blunt said Keathley's private sector background coupled with his nearly three-year tenure in a key state government post made him a strong choice to help him prepare a roughly $19 billion state spending plan.

"Mike Keathley is a results-oriented person with a proven record of accomplishment in both the public and private sectors," Blunt said.

A key part of Keathley's job will be to uncover ways to trim the fat from the budget in order to redirect savings to vital state services.

Once Blunt submits his budget proposal, lawmakers will spend the next four months refining the plan before passing a final version in early May.

mpowers@semissourian.com

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