In the Rolla News Daily (via Combest), an article discusses the successful efforts by  Rep. JoAnn Emerson (R-MO) to save the United State Geological Survey office in Rolla yesterday. Many dignitaries and workers congratulated her for her efforts to keep the office in Rolla. Rep. Emerson herself said:

“I’ve had other successes, but as far as having a specific impact on
peoples’ lives, this is (the greatest),” Emerson said. “Making
government work more efficiently, and the impact on lives and families
… this is right up there. Being here today really puts a face on what
we’ve accomplished.”

Congrats to Rep. Emerson for saving government jobs. I think the Southeast Missouri region would benefit more from a restructured tax code that awards job creation, and reduced regulation, which would help that part of the state to grow economically. Saving government jobs is one thing, but creating a climate in which private sector jobs will thrive — in a region that usually lags behind the rest of the state in job creation — is a greater goal for everyone involved.