Republican St. Peters Mayor Endorses Jay Nixon for Governor to Create Missouri Jobs

Mayor Len Pagano: Nixon Will Support Economic Development, Help Small Businesses Grow

ST. PETERS, Mo. – After Attorney General Jay Nixon and St. Peters Mayor Len Pagano, a Republican, toured the St. Charles County Economic Development Center this afternoon, Mayor Pagano announced his strong endorsement of Jay Nixon for Governor.  Mayor Pagano cited Attorney General Nixon’s plans to promote economic development and help Missouri businesses create jobs as the reasons for his endorsement.

"We’re facing tough economic times, and many small businesses are struggling to keep their doors open," Mayor Pagano said.  "The economic policies of Washington have made it too easy for big companies to ship good-paying, Missouri jobs overseas.  Jay Nixon will fight to keep jobs here in our area, and he’ll work with local officials to bring new businesses to our communities.  Fixing our broken economy isn’t a Republican issue or a Democratic issue.  It’s an issue that affects all of us, and I know Jay Nixon can work across party lines to bring about the change we need."

In recent months, Attorney General Nixon has toured small-businesses and met with entrepreneurs in cities and towns around Missouri.  Attorney General Nixon’s economic priorities focus on investing in Missouri’s workforce and helping small businesses create jobs.

"Missouri has lost too many jobs to other states and other countries," Attorney General Nixon said.  "As Governor, I’m going to focus on helping our small businesses grow and bringing new, high-quality jobs to Missouri.  To create new jobs, I believe we need to invest in Missouri’s greatest resource – its hardworking people. We need a better-educated, healthier workforce to compete in the 21st-century economy.  With the support of Mayor Pagano and other community leaders, I know we can move Missouri in the right direction."

During this afternoon’s tour, Attorney General Nixon and Mayor Pagano visited several companies in the Economic Development Center’s small-business incubator facility.  Small and emerging businesses are eligible to rent space in this facility for up to three years.  The Economic Development Center provides shared services, such as workspace and meeting rooms, to help the businesses establish a firm foundation.  Earlier this year, the incubator facility celebrated its 15-year anniversary and welcomed 12 new business tenants.  Last year, 15 companies "graduated" from the incubator and moved out into the community.

Following today’s tour, Mayor Pagano will serve as co-host of a St. Charles County fundraiser to support Nixon for Governor.  The fundraiser is closed to members of the press.

Background Facts on Missouri’s Economy:

In The Past Year, Missouri Has Lost More Jobs Than All Eight Bordering States Combined.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Missouri has lost more jobs in the past year than all of its bordering states combined.  Since July 2007, Missouri has lost 14,700 jobs.  In this time period, Missouri’s eight bordering states have gained 44,300 jobs combined.  [Analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics Data, Total Nonfarm employees, July 2007, July 2008]

Missouri’s Unemployment Rate Reaches Highest Point In More Than A Decade.  A recent report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that after 7,700 Missourians lost their jobs in July, the state’s unemployment rate has skyrocketed to 6.4 percent -- the highest mark in at least a decade.  According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, there are more Missourians out of work now (192,892) than at any point in time since 1984.