Vaggalis is an associate professor for Interdisciplinary Studies at Drury University

Nixon's Biggest Challenge:  "I think the biggest challenge is how to best minimize the impact of the current economic downturn. States and local communities will be facing severe challenges as their tax revenues decline over the short term to possibly mid-term time frame. There will be many cities, towns, and counties needing assistance. How to fund these things, what programs to cut, etc., will require hard decisions and the resolve to make them. Governor-elect Nixon will need to surround himself with good advisers, those who will be willing to tell him what he needs to know and not avoid the bad news. The Governor-elect will also have to reach across the aisle to get things done. He must let the Republicans know that he wants their input and is willing to take their advice on certain measures. I think this will smooth the way in a very tough time. I also think the Governor-elect should let Missourians know what is going on, ask for their support, and reassure them that he is acting in the best interests of all."

Top Issues of Concern:  "I can only speak to what my concerns are and the chief one is higher education. It is tempting to put education on the back burner. But it is crucial to maintain education in order to keep our young people on track to be ready for the world when they graduate. We cannot afford to let our resources in this area be reduced. Education is one of the places where those without jobs can be absorbed and prepared to find new careers. There should be broad consensus on this across the state. This is one of those goals that will be easy to accomplish and will have very far reaching and positive effects."

Advice For Nixon:  "I think that in difficult times a governor or president needs to have all the people supporting her or him. That means reaching across and giving everyone a seat at the table. I think that the Governor-elect must do that and then formulate his policies and priorities. This will give us all some hope that things can be accomplished. I would also advise him to not try to get everything done at once. Set clear goals, ones that are attainable and will be able to initially bring bi-partisan support. As his plans meet with success, then he can broaden his goals and raise his aims."