CHAPTER 2 Executive Branch “The Iron Horse” (Missouri State Archives, Putman Collection) OFFICE OF GOVERNOR 57 Matt Blunt Governor Elected November 2, 2004 Term expires January 2009 MATT BLUNT (Republican) was commissioned Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, in May by the people to chart a course of economic 1993 with a Bachelor of Science degree in histo- growth and fiscal responsibility. He was elected ry. as Missouri’s 54th Governor by more than His active duty naval service included 80,000 votes on November 2, 2004, carrying assignments as an Engineering Officer aboard 101 of our state’s 114 counties. the USS JACK WILLIAMS (FFG-24) and as the Blunt ran on a platform of change. He Navigator and Administrative Officer on the USS pledged to make public schools the top priority PETERSON (DD-969). He served in Operation in the budget; to create a state government that Support Democracy, involving the international lives within the taxpayers’ means; and to estab- blockade of Haiti; missions to interdict drug traf- lish an economic environment in Missouri fic at sea; and the interdiction of Cuban which encourages the creation of good, family- migrants. He received numerous commenda- supporting jobs. tions, including four Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medals. Before taking office, he fashioned a new state budget to increase funding for classrooms, reject Blunt is the only statewide official in Mis- job-killing tax increases on working families, souri history called to active military duty in and control rapidly rising state spending. His wartime, serving for six months in Operation budget priorities were adopted in his first legisla- Enduring Freedom, America’s response to the tive session as governor, including more than terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. He con- tinues to serve as a Lieutenant Commander in $158 million in new funding for Missouri class- the Naval Reserves. rooms. As secretary of state, Blunt improved the On his first full day as governor, Blunt began speed and quality of service to the public while to make good on other promises. He closed the reducing the costs for Missouri taxpayers, and state lobbying office in Washington, D.C., in won enactment of bills to reform elections and order to save Missouri tax dollars and halted the provide new consumer protections for investors. purchase of cell phones and non-emergency Blunt’s vigorous oversight of the elections vehicles. Later, he established a citizen’s com- process and his landmark election reform bill mission to recommend the first executive branch helped restore Missourians’ confidence in the reorganization in 30 years and he immediately state elections process and contributed to began to consolidate services and personnel record-setting voter turnout in the August and within state government. November 2004 elections. A productive first legislative session included Prior to being elected secretary of state, Blunt enactment of litigation reform to improve the served in the Missouri House of Representatives quality of and access to health care by reducing from Greene County. unmerited lawsuits against physicians and other Governor Blunt married Melanie Anderson caregivers, and changes to prevent abuse of the Blunt in March 1997. The couple recently wel- compensation fund for injured workers. comed their first child, William Branch Blunt, Blunt was born November 20, 1970, in who was born on March 9, 2005. The Blunts Springfield. He attended public schools in Straf- attend a Baptist church near their home. Gover- ford and graduated from Jefferson City High nor Blunt is a member of the American Legion School. He graduated from the United States and the Missouri Farm Bureau. 58 OFFICIAL MANUAL Office of Governor State Capitol Jefferson City 65102 Telephone: (573) 751-3222 FAX: (573) 751-1588 KEN McCLURE ROB MONSEES www.gov.mo.gov Chief of Staff Deputy Chief of Staff–Policy Qualifications The chief executive officer of the State of Missouri must be at least 30 years old, a U.S. cit- izen for at least 15 years and a resident of Mis- souri for at least 10 years before being elected governor. The governor is elected to a four-year term during the same year as a presidential election and may seek re-election to a second four-year term. No person may hold the office for more than two terms. JOHN RUSSELL LINDA IMHOFF Deputy Chief of Staff Assistant to the Governor Responsibilities Administration The governor appoints the members of all boards and commissions, the heads of all de- days in which to consider a bill. partments in state government and fills all va- cancies in public offices unless otherwise pro- The governor may object to one or more vided by law. The board members of Missouri’s items or portions of items of an appropriations state universities and colleges are appointed by bill while approving other items or portions of the governor. The governor also selects the mem- the appropriations bill. Upon signing the appro- bers of the Supreme and Appellate Courts of priations bill, appended to it is a statement of the Missouri from names submitted by the State Judi- items or portions of items to which there are cial Commission. The governor appoints mem- objections and such items or portions will not bers to the state’s six urban election boards, two take effect. The governor may control the rate of police boards and the Board of Probation and expenditure in other areas whenever the actual Parole. Most appointments require the advice revenues are less than the revenue estimates and consent of the Senate. upon which the appropriations were based. The governor addresses the General Assem- bly on the state of government and recommends Additional Duties and Powers changes or other actions to be taken. A budget is The governor performs many other duties submitted by the governor to the General Assem- assigned by constitution, statute or custom. For bly within 30 days after the assembly convenes. example, the governor issues writs of election to The budget contains the governor’s estimates of fill vacancies in either house of the General available state revenues and an itemized plan for Assembly. The governor also has the power to proposed expenditures. grant reprieves, commutations and pardons, but All bills and joint resolutions passed by both this does not include the power to parole. houses of the legislature are submitted to the In addition to other duties, the governor is a governor for consideration. The governor must return the legislation to the house of its inception member of a number of boards and commis- within 15 days after receiving it. The governor sions, such as the Board of Public Buildings and may either approve a bill, making it law, or the State Board of Fund Commissioners. return it to the legislature with objections. When Moreover, the governor is the conservator of the legislature is adjourned, the governor has 45 peace throughout Missouri and is commander- OFFICE OF GOVERNOR 59 SPENCE JACKSON JESSICA ROBINSON TERRY M. JARRETT OMAR D. DAVIS Director of Communications Press Secretary General Counsel Deputy General Counsel CAROLYN LOETHEN MARY CRAVEN JARED CRAIGHEAD CHUCK PRYOR Director of Scheduling Executive Assistant to the Senior Policy Advisor and Director of Legislative Affairs First Lady Director of Federal Affairs in-chief of the state’s militia. The militia may be called out to execute laws, suppress threats of danger to the state, and prevent and repel inva- sion. The governor has the authority to remit fines and forfeitures when it is believed that an injus- tice was done or great hardship was suffered by the defendant. Executive Department The executive department consists of all state elective and appointive employees, except those of the legislative and judicial departments. BRENT KAHLER TOM REISS Director-Kansas City Office Director-St. Louis Office 60 OFFICIAL MANUAL Governor’s Mansion (MaryAnn Craigg) Missouri Governor’s Mansion nity for their son Branch to grow up surrounded by stories and pictures that showcase Missouri’s Governor Matt Blunt, First Lady Melanie Blunt and their son William Branch Blunt are rich history and heritage. Branch is the first baby honored to call the Missouri Governor’s Man- raised in the mansion since Christopher “Kit” sion their home. Bond was governor more than 20 years ago. Governor Blunt and Mrs. Blunt appreciate the First occupied by Governor B. Gratz Brown challenges of raising a baby in the residence. and his family in 1872, this stately three-story brick building is one of the oldest and most beau- Faith is the cornerstone of the Blunt family tifully restored Governors’ homes in the United and has influenced Mrs. Blunt’s commitment to States. The Mansion is perched on a bluff near the public service. She feels strongly that individuals State Capitol Building and provides a scenic need to play an active part in maintaining the glimpse of the Missouri River. Built and finished in overall health of Missouri and its local communi- the renaissance revival style, the residence entry ties. Mrs. Blunt is a member of the Regional consists of an imposing portico with four dignified Board of Directors for Boys and Girls Town of pink granite columns. A victorian atmosphere Missouri and has mentored students at the Boys greets visitors as they enter the great hall with its and Girls Club learning creative writing skills. As dramatic 17-foot ceilings, a rare free-flowing stair- a past member of the executive board and board case of solid walnut, and one of the best collec- of directors of the Junior League of Springfield, tions of period furnishings in the country. the first lady has led projects aimed at addressing Designed by George Ingham Barnett of St.