You can build a road in a year or two, but you must budget to maintain it for 30 years, or longer.

State Treasurer Cole McNary echo’s that statement when talking about long-term budgeting for Missouri.

McNary, of Chesterfield, is currently a State Representative and is campaigning against the incumbent democrat, Clint Zweifel.

He says the state needs to set priorities and do some long term planning.

“The nature of government is however much money we make in taxes, we spend every penny.  And that’s not very prudent.”

McNary also created and chairs the Government Downsizing committee.  He wants to expand that committee if elected.  He says lawmakers are interested in downsizing state government if it doesn’t affect their district.

“”When we start to say which offices are we going to close or consolidate they say I’m all in favor of saving money, just don’t touch the office in my district,” McNary said.  “Well at that point you can’t get anything done.”

McNary spent part of last week campaigning in Northwest Missouri, including attending an event in support of State Representative Mike Thompson of Maryville.

His opponent is campaigning to grow the state economy, run an efficient office and improve access to quality education for Missourians.

Voters will decide in November who will take the office next year.