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Commission announces new MoDOT director

August 26, 2004
By: Aidian Holder
State Capital Bureau

State Officials introduced the new head of MoDOT today (Thursday). Aidian Holder has that story.

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MoDOT imported Peter Rahn...the former head of New Mexico's department of transportaion... to take the helm of Missouri's troubled department.

Highway Commissioner James Anderson made it clear Rahn's got a big job ahead.

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Contents: "We wanted someone who can walk on the Missouri river."

Rahn refused to outline specific plans for making over MoDOT...he asked for more time to study the state's problems before anouncing his marching orders.

From the State Capitol, I'm Aidian Holder.Date: 8/26/04

By: Aidian Holder

State Capital Bureau

After months of searching...MoDOT has a new chief.

The Highway Commission introduced him to the public for the first time today (Thursday).

Aidian Holder was there.

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Peter Rahn...the former head of New Mexico's department of transportation...beat out dozens of other candidates for the post...he'll officially take over the department next month.

Rahn faces a big job...fixing Missouri's roads...which are ranked near the worst in the nation...while at the same time trying to repair MoDOT's tattered credibility with Missouri voters.

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Contents: "In every arena I've operated in I've always maintained a very high level of credibility and my pledge to you, the media, and the citizens is that I will continue that into the future."o

Despite promises like this...Rahn refused to provide any definite plans for the department...saying he needs more time to study the state's problems.

From the state capitol, I'm Aidian HolderDate: 8/26/04

By: Aidian Holder

State Capital Bureau

MoDOT has a new leader. Pete Rahn, the former head of New Mexico's Department of Transportation will take over the troubled agency next month.

Aidian Holder has that story.

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At his public introduction...Rahn maintained an upbeat tone about the future of Missouri roads...but he acknowledged the tough job he faces.

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Contents: Rahn promised to help build a great transportation system, but he says "all great things start out as impossibilities."

Rahn would not outline any specific plans for the state's roads. He says he hopes to have a better idea of the state's needs by September fifteenth when he takes office.

From the State Capitol, I'm Aidian Holder. Date: 8/26/04

By: Aidian Holder

State Capital Bureau

MoDOT introduced its new director to the public today. The state highway commission choses former New Mexico Department of Transportation head Pete Rahn to lead the troubled agency.

Aidian Holder reports.

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Rahn will face a big job...he'll have to work to repair Missouri roads...which are consistently ranked among the worst in the country...while at the same time repairing MoDOT's credibility with Missouri voters...which has been much scared by previous failures to live up to its promises in implementing the ambitious 15-year plan for Missouri roads.

Highway commissioner James Anderson made no bones about the big job Rahn faces.

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The recent Blue Ribbon panel report said MoDOT had lost its credibility with Missouri voters...and Rahn promised that would be his priority.

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But Rahn offered no concrete plans for Missouri roads...he would only say that he needs more time to study Missouri's problems.

From the State Capitol, I'm Aidian Holder