Stouffer: Where have All the Matt Blunts Gone?

Before New Jersey’s larger-than-life Gov. Chris Christie came onto the scene and long before protestors crowded in the halls of Wisconsin’s capitol to oppose Gov. Scott Walker’s cuts to the state budget, there was Missouri’s Gov. Matt Blunt.

Looking back, Gov. Matt Blunt was ahead of his time. In his one-term as governor, Blunt proposed and passed fiscally conservative measures before being a budget hawk was cool. Blunt worked for austerity in Missouri’s budget long before most of us knew the meaning of the word.

Blunt shrank the size of government in Missouri, cut able-bodied Missourians from welfare rolls and passed tort reform laws making our courts less of a lottery. His efforts kept doctors and businesses from fleeing the state and he left our state in solid financial shape prior to uncertain economic times.

Today, our nation is faced with many challenges. Folks throughout Missouri realize government has to live within its means, just like our working families do every day. To spend our way to prosperity is not sustainable or responsible. It is like giving into a two year old screaming for a toy at the store every visit. We had been spoiled for far too long, and finally realized we can no longer spend more than we take in.

The state Legislature is looking at several proposals to put Missourians back to work and to make sure we have a skilled workforce in the future. This includes six common-sense plans to make it easier for working families to live and work in our state. The Legislature is working to improve Proposition B to protect the livelihood of pets and those raising them. Legislators have also proposed stable, predictable funding to meet the needs of our local students. While one in six Missourians receive food stamps, we continue to look for more opportunities to help working families thrive in our state.

As we do this, out current governor has been able to serve with little controversy. It’s hard to imagine the restraint it takes to run for such a high position and serve without trying to leave an apparent legacy or take a public stand on tough issues. Most folks seek higher office to leave their mark, while the governor has been able to serve without making headlines.

This year is a great opportunity for our current governor to join us and help lead. While I applaud his ability to be humble enough to avoid the spotlight, I encourage him to help move these important issues forward. Far too many Missourians are close to the edge of disaster - the stakes are too high to not get this right. That’s why it is my prayer, despite the consequences, that the governor will step up to this challenge.