Gov. Mike Parson hears from community leaders in Columbia

Gov. Mike Parson heard from community leaders in Columbia on Wednesday as the governor made stops in nine different cities across Missouri as part of his statewide listening tour.

The governor spoke on topics like infrastructure, workforce, and economic development. One of the top priorities the governor said he was focusing on during his term would be improving infrastructure.

“We cannot keep kicking that can down the road. We are going to have to face the fact that we have to do something. At the end of the day, it’s probably going to cost something,” Gov. Mike Parson said. “Let them (voters) decide at the end of the day.”

The governor went to Springfield, Branson, Carthage, St. Joseph, and Kansas City on Tuesday. On Wednesday, he’ll head to Cape Girardeau, Sikeston and St. Louis.

Less than two weeks after taking over as governor after the resignation of Eric Greitens, the governor has said at previous stops that the learning curve has been difficult and hopes to get a lieutenant governor named soon.

The governor heard from University of Missouri leaders, who expressed how important the University’s role is to the state. Dr. Choi, University System President, said the University plays a large role when it comes to keeping jobs and adding jobs.