Rep. Ron Richard, of Joplin, appears well-positioned to make a successful run for speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives in two years.

Richard, chairman of the House Job Creation and Economic Development Committee, has been effective in getting legislation through the General Assembly to improve Missouri’s business climate and add jobs around the state. He has been able to work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle on economic-enhancement issues.

We agree with the assessment of former House member Gary Burton that Richard’s election as speaker would help give more emphasis to local and regional issues. “The speaker appoints all the committee chairs, and has a direct influence on what legislation will and won’t be heard,” Burton, now a lobbyist in Jefferson City, said.

Another former House member, Chuck Surface, envisions that Richard would be in a strong position to bolster the economy of the entire state based on his performance in doing “so much for job creation and economic development.”

Richard, a former Joplin councilman and mayor, is a bridge builder. As mayor, he forged better relations between the city and Jasper County Commission, and helped enhance a regional approach to problem-solving by counties and communities.

The Joplin Republican’s ability to build bridges has served him well in the House, where he long has been a champion of making Missouri more competitive in economic development and job creation. He was a key figure in passage of the 2005 Quality Jobs Act, which, among other things, offered incentives to employers for creating better-paying jobs and providing health insurance. Richard also accompanied former Gov. Bob Holden and Gov. Matt Blunt on meetings with Japanese business interests on closer economic ties with Missouri, a further indication of his inclusive approach to economic development.

Speaker of the House Ron Richard has a nice ring to it.