Missouri Secretary of State

As Secretary of State, I am the chief executive officer for six major divisions, each with important responsibilities to the people. The duties of this office are many and varied, so each day is unique ... there isn't a "typical day" for the Missouri Secretary of State. There are three days that stand out as especially memorable, and I appreciate this opportunity to share some of the high points of my two years in office.

The presidential election of 2000 exposed weaknesses and manipulation in Missouri's election system as grave as those that created the near-disaster in Florida. If the statewide result in Missouri had been closer, the nation could have been subjected to a second terrible controversy over crucial electoral votes.

On election night, as Missouri's newly elected Secretary of State, I resolved that cleaning up Missouri elections - and restoring the people's confidence in democracy - would be my top priority. Despite the disinterest and resistance of the Governor, we won enactment of election reform in the legislature. The Governor signed our bill, and the 2002 elections were conducted with integrity and administrative efficiency, with none of the controversy and fraud that marred the voting only two years earlier.

In the 1990s, our state spent itself into deep trouble. Now, the bills have come due, and the new GOP majority in the legislature is striving to return Missouri to a path of economic growth, balanced budgets, and responsible stewardship of the people's hard-earned dollars. To help solve Missouri's spending problem, I directed my senior staff to cut spending. Where I come from, a cut means spending less than before, not less than one planned to spend in the future. In the first rounds of voluntary spending cuts, we have reduced spending by more than $2 million, through permanent cuts and withholding, including the elimination of staff positions. Families and businesses are required by live within their means; government should be no different. The mission of our division heads was painful, but necessary, and there is no satisfaction in reducing the staffing level in any enterprise, public or private. But living within our means is a duty to the people, and we have a mission to accomplish.

Finally, as member of the U.S. Naval Reserve, I have "a second job." I was called to active duty for Operation Enduring Freedom, and served for six months in the United Kingdom. I was not in harm's way, but I served with men and women who were, and who could be again. I would like you to know that you would be tremendously proud of their patriotism, dedication, and professionalism. During active duty, I ran the Secretary of State's Office in the evening (when it was morning in Missouri), by telephone, e-mail, and fax. 

"A day at the office" can bring many things in a job that encompasses the conduct of statewide elections; enforcing consumer protection laws in securities sales; managing Missouri's official and historic records; assisting local governments with their records management, operating the Missouri State Library, Missouri State Archives, and the Wolfner Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped; commissioning and regulating notaries public; and registering trademarks, all corporations, and lien filings under the Uniform Commercial Code.

One of our current projects is the Responsible Citizens' Initiative, a statewide push to increase participation by young people in elections, public service, and community betterment. I believe that an active and informed citizenry is a vital bulwark of our democratic freedoms. My core message to the young people we will reach through this initiative is, To discover the rewards of public service, you must first offer your time and talents to your community, state, and nation.

Sincerely, 

Matt Blunt
Secretary of State
State Capitol Building
Post Office Box 778
Jefferson City, MO 65102
573-751-2379
www.sos.state.mo.us

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