A Better REGION 8

Sexual Assaults in Jonesboro

Do you remember playing the old telephone game when you were a kid? You go around in a circle, each person passing on what the previous whispered only to have the last one in the line blurt out a result to the group that’s completely different than what was actually said at the beginning? Well that game is being played, right now, in Jonesboro with far more serious consequences. Jonesboro Police are trying to investigate what might or might not be a string of sexual assaults in the western part of the city.  As we reported last week the Police say that the rumors and information being spread about the cases, particularly on the internet, are actually hampering their investigation. I know that there are people who are concerned, some who are even frightened, worrying about what has happened, wanting every last bit of information and wondering why it hasn’t been wrapped up. After all, we have been trained to expect the instant gratification of finding answers on Google. We’ve become expectant that forensic experts should be like those prime time CSIs and solve any crime in the course of an hour. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work like that. If you see something or know something that can contribute to catching the perpetrators of these or ANY OTHER crimes, please notify the police. It is your responsibility. However, if you don’t have facts then don’t contribute to the criminals by muddying the waters for law enforcement and getting in the way of arrests and prosecutions. Fortunately, we live in a part of the world where crime doesn’t dominate the first ten minutes of a newscast. Unfortunately, there are bad people in this world. And that means that we must be prepared;  always aware of our surroundings, always on the lookout for anything suspicious, and knowing always what to do when confronted by a criminal.   Knowing how to keep ourselves, our families, and our communities safer will help keep the bad guys at bay, and make this  A Better Region 8.  

Interim Leadership at ASU

In case we haven’t shouted it loud enough, for the second year in a row, Arkansas State University has been ranked by the editors of U.S. News & World Report as a Tier I southern regional institution of higher education.  While it certainly seems that the university is doing a lot of things right, the institution has continued its growth with far too many leaders who have temporary, interim titles. In some areas interim department chairs are reporting to interim deans who in turn report to an interim chancellor. This situation needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. Losing Dr. Les Wyatt and Dr. Robert Potts so close together followed by lengthy searches has not been in the best interests of the school or its leadership. When the search for a new chancellor was opened, I was so very encouraged to hear that Dr. Dan Howard, the “interim” chancellor, was the first to apply. Dr. Howard has never let that interim title get in the way of providing sound leadership for the university and for Region 8.  This was most evident recently when a delegation from China was here in Region 8, touring rice farms and processing facilities. Dr. Howard was impressive opening a dialogue with Region 8 farmers and the Chinese. An opportunity that might result in two hundred million dollars annually in Arkansas.  ASU needs solid leadership going forward and folks, Dr. Howard wants the job. While the search committee must look long and hard for the right candidate, it is our belief they already have the right man for the job. Removing the interim from Dr. Dan Howards title and installing him as the new chancellor of Arkansas State University will make this a Better Region 8.

Pay Raises for Politicians??????

A lawsuit filed last week in Pulaski circuit court alleges that the practice of allowing our legislators to be reimbursed for expenses without providing receipts or documentation of the expense, is unconstitutional. While the lawsuit names two politicians, neither from Region 8, the practice is considered rather common. The non profit group that filed the suit says their reason for filing is “not to deprive legislators of income but to require the state to obey the constitution and pay them straightforwardly”. There are two steps that should be made to address this issue. The first-all government officials should provide receipts for all expenses. That would seem to be the most straightforward solution.  The second step however is more precarious. We seriously need to consider raising the pay of state legislators. Typically, we would never support giving a politician a raise. However, in this instance, it bears discussion. You see, our state legislators represent you and me for a little more than $15,000 a year. It’s a little more than you would make if you worked a full time job at minimum wage. A salary that small attracts a lot of folks that don’t need it in the first place. We can do better. Increasing the salary for the position should attract a broader range of candidates that better represent our state and doing so will make this a Better Region 8.