The Journalist's Creed Headlines  NewsBook: MDN headlines   NewsNow: Headlines from across the state  NewsViews: Editorials across the state Stories  Search 2008  Text Search  By Date  By Subject  By Reporter  2007  2006  2005  2004  2003  2002  2001  2000  1999  1998  1997  1996  1995 Data 2008  August Primary  Feb. Special Elections Presidential Primary  House Votes  Senate Votes  2009 Budget  Registered Lobbyists  Meeting Notices  Bills  House Roster  Senate Roster  Calendars  Supreme Court Dockets  Supreme Court Decisions  2007  2006  2005  2004  2003  2002  2001  2000  1999  1998  1997  1996  1995 Audio  House Live   Senate Live  MDN Map

Senate bill would do away with Transportation Commission

With many calling for increased accountability from Missouri's transportation leaders, one state senator proposes a radical change. Amy Menefee has the story from Jefferson City --

Senator-elect Matt Bartle wants to abolish the State Transportation Commission. He says the un-elected six-member commission lacks accountability -- something he'd like to see in the executive branch as well. Bartle would place Missouri's transportation department under a director appointed by the governor.

BITE: "We have this unelected commission that's accountable to no one."

But the idea meets with opposition from transportation leaders, who say the commission is a needed buffer between regional interests in the state. They say if the governor had more oversight, he might send money to the cities, where the votes are.

From the state capitol, I'm Amy Menefee.