A Better REGION 8

Guest Editorial-Pam Alexander-For JETS

On November 4^th, registered voters in Jonesboro will be asked to decide whether they want the City to continue its support of the JETS bus system.  JETS receives $130,000 a year from the city and a “yes” vote for JETS will ensure those funds remain in place to help keep the buses running.  It will not raise taxes. 

 

The total JETS budget is $1.7 million this year, most of which is federal grants.  Public transit systems simply wouldn’t exist without public support, just like parks, paved roads, public schools, and fire and police protection wouldn’t exist without all of us contributing to them with our tax dollars.  Fortunately, Congress realizes this and has increased funds available for public transit in recent years.  They understand that keeping people mobile is key to keeping our economy growing.

 

Over the last few weeks, I’ve met dozens of people whose lives have been changed by JETS.  They include families with small children, ASU students, single parents, senior citizens, and the disabled.  JETS has provided them with access to work, class, shopping, healthcare, and recreation.  It has given independence to the disabled and the elderly.  Those of us who are drivers may not need JETS, but those who aren’t consider it key to having a productive life and doing their part to make Jonesboro a great place to live. 

 

If we don’t support JETS in November, it will be gone by 2010.  I’m glad I live in a city that decided to support JETS three years ago and I hope we’ll all continue with that support by voting “yes” November 4^th.

A Better Region 8: Guest Editorial-Pam Alexander-For JETS

Just a little greedy?

Warren Buffett, who is widely regarded as America's best known investor, offers this advice:  Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful.  Folks we should be proud that Region 8 has every reason to be a little greedy right now.  Our local economy is much better than most others, and the outlook here remains bright.  Just last Friday we learned of another company coming to Region 8 with a 100 Million dollar investment and a 25 million dollar annual payroll.

As we respond to the national economic crisis, let's remember that the perception of a challenge is every bit as real as the challenge itself.  We have  been inundated with nonstop national news stories  about a credit crisis which has brought lending to a standstill. Let's remember, This information comes from analysts and pundits who couldn't find Region 8 with a roadmap if their lives depended on it.

So, I decided to do a little investigating of my own. I spent a little time calling financial institutions throughout Region 8, and asked one simple question.  "Do you have money to lend locally to either individuals or businesses?"  The answer, unanimously, was a resounding "yes." 

Responsible lending and borrowing has always been the norm here, and that hasn't changed.  If you have a job or a sound business plan, chances are one of our fine local financial institutions will help you invest responsibly in Region 8 and in your own bright future. And that will surely make for a Better Region 8.

A BETTER REGION 8: Just a little greedy?

In-State Tuition for Illegals

Little Rock Rep. Joyce Elliott who is running unopposed for the state senate plans to offer up a bill next session that would provide in-state college tuition rates for illegal immigrants. And while he has not yet endorsed the plan, it seems that David Gearhardt, the chancellor of the University of Arkansas, believes the plan has merit. Let that sink in a little bit. An elected official and the head of our largest university believe that illegal immigrants should be given the same opportunities in education that our sons and our daughters receive. That’s just plain wrong!  Now we know we have an immigration problem in our country. We have thousands of illegal immigrants living right here in Arkansas and more come every year. We have got to address it. We have got to find a way to provide either a path to citizenship or a bus ticket back across the border. If they truly want to live in this country and enjoy the freedoms it provides, then becoming a citizen should be a requirement. We should not turn a blind eye to the illegal behavior. And giving illegal immigrants the same benefits we receive as citizens of the United States and the great state of Arkansas is not the solution. Giving them the chance to earn citizenship and then earn that tuition break is the right thing to do. It will make Arkansas stronger and will make it A Better Region 8.

A Better Region 8: In-State Tuition for Illegals

Lines, Lines Everywhere Lines

If you ask anyone who knows me, they will tell you that I am not a very patient man. I try, I really do. But patience was just not one of the virtues God chose to bestow upon me. If there is one place that my lack of patience always rears its ugly head it’s when shopping and I am forced to stand in a line to check out. I don’t like wasting that kind of time. I’m sure you have had the same experience when you have stood in that line for what seems forever and then just as you are about to finally get to the checkout, another line opens up and someone beats you to it. If you’re the guy that doesn’t jump you’re out of luck,  but if you make the move and get there first you’ve accomplished something. Right? Well, I’m here to offer you  a chance to avoid that long line and jump right to the front. No waiting necessary. All you have to do is show up before 6pm on November 3^rd and vote. Well you knew there was a hook didn’t you? If you have never tried early voting, this is the year to do it. The prognosticators are forecasting a huge turnout. That could mean longer lines than usual. And you know how I feel about those lines. Go vote tomorrow and make this a Better Region 8.

A Better Region 8: Lines, Lines Everywhere Lines

We Are All In This Together

In the past few weeks we have all been inundated with bad news about the state of the national economy. In the final Presidential debate the candidates even shared an opinion that our country is facing the biggest economic crisis since the great depression. And you know, the news coming out of Washington and New York is just that…depressing. However, there are some things going on right here in Region 8 that should help bolster your feelings about our local economy. First and foremost, gas prices have fallen. That is good news for everyone. And, just in case you missed it, we had a Nice industrial announcement this week that will bring about three hundred new jobs to Jonesboro. The addition of NicePak to our industrial arsenal is a good thing. I know that the Governor and the economic development folks are working diligently to find even more good paying jobs for Region  8. We are expecting another announcement next week. That is a very good thing. What everyone needs to realize is that what is good for one city in Region 8 is good for us all. I know some of our local leaders have embraced that idea but some are still on the fence. We need to get off the fence and work together to bring these good paying jobs here. And if that means that jobs go to your city instead of mine, so be it. If they go to my county and not yours, that’s good too! We are all in this together and the sooner we all come to realize that the better off we’ll all be… And so will Region Eight.

A Better Region 8: We Are All In This Together

Two Wheeled Neighbors

About once a week on my way to work I get caught in a minor traffic jam. Not a big one, mind you. To be honest, it probably doesn’t last more than 30 seconds. But I when it happens I usually complain, loudly… to myself … about these people who are in my way. Now I’m not complaining about other cars or trucks on the roadways, My problem is with bicycle riders. And you know what, my problem is just that. My Problem. You see, cyclists, as they like to be called, aren’t breaking any laws by taking to the road and you know what else? They have every right to be there. They should probably be awarded a medal for being courageous enough to get on the same highway with all of the maniacal drivers out there, me included, who see them as a nuisance - if we see them at all. When I get on the road I have four wheels and some Detroit sheet metal between me and them. All these folks have is a helmet and some of those spandex shorts.  And with the current costs of asphalt we are not likely to be providing them with their own bicycle lanes anytime soon.  That means that we need to pay attention when driving and look out for our two wheeled neighbors. It will make for safer roadways and a Better Region 8.

A Better Region 8: Two Wheeled Neighbors

Financial Crisis

If you weren’t paying close attention to our national leaders recently, you might have thought that they had been worried about road construction instead of a financial crisis. Everybody has been in a hurry to patch up wall street and shore up main street. It seems all the bureaucrats in Washington have actually gotten excited about solving a problem! You have to wonder where all this energy was, when proper oversight and regulation was really needed. With that in mind there is another street that needs some serious investigation. Easy Street.

Investment bank CEO’s  showed little concern about risky home loans, since they had investors willing to take risks in exchange for high returns. Many had little verification of income. We are finding out about huge salaries and bonuses paid to executives at Freddie Mac, Fannie May, Lehman Bros, AIG, and on and on... We know that these companies were making huge contributions to the political campaigns of those who should have been stopping these abuses.

The bailout has been voted in and it seems as if we have no choice but to support some form of a rescue plan, but we deserve much more information about how we got here. I'm also wondering about the oversight and regulation that needs to be in place to make sure our 700 billion dollars are not wasted. That's 10 thousand dollars per household. As Citizens, we have the right to know all the facts.

Everyone has been calling for cooperation between Democrats and Republicans in this rescue...we need cooperation alright...let’s start by getting them to cooperate by putting the right people under oath. Let’s swear in members of Congress, Chairmen Bernanke & Greenspan, heads of these Wall Street companies... Let's find out what they know, what they did, and then put some people behind bars... That will make for a better nation and a better Region 8.

A Better Region 8: Financial Crisis

Been There, Done That, Got the T-Shirt

I have a friend who often uses the expression “been there, done that, got the T-shirt”.  Well, if you can say that about going to the Library recently then , then good for you. You see, We are just 6 weeks away from the general election. And more importantly, there are just two weeks left to register to vote and still be eligible to vote in November. This year some creative minds have gotten together at the Craighead County/Jonesboro Public Library and created a campaign called Count me in. The Library is encouraging citizens to become registered voters by giving away free t-shirts to people when they register. Too many of us are ambivalent about the electoral process. But these folks at the library, they are offering up incentives for folks to simply step up and exercise their rights. Good for them. If you haven’t yet registered, go there, do that, get the t-shirt and make this A Better Region 8.