MoDOT chief promises better roads

"Our state transportation system is deficient, but your state transportation department is committed to fixing it," Rahn said in his State of Transportation speech. . . .

"Missourians have sent a clear message that they want smoother, safer highways," Rahn said. "Today, we send a clear message that smoother, safer highways are exactly what they will get." . . .

Rahn pledged the department would be responsive and open to the public and would seek solutions to transportation problems from its ground-level employees.

"We will be a model for what today's state government should be - efficient, streamlined, forward-thinking, results-driven and customer-oriented," Rahn said.