California Conversations

While in Los Angeles recently, I ran into a business colleague from Northwest Arkansas, and within minutes, our passing conversation turned to the subject of Mark Darr.

The Republican lieutenant governor of Arkansas was, of course, the state’s top newsmaker while we were in California. Many were questioning whether the Springdale resident should resign after admitting to several instances of ethical misconduct.

While in California, a unique twist to the saga was added when Darr became acting governor for a couple of days. The appointment was constitutionally necessary when Gov. Mike Beebe left the state to watch Arkansas State play in a bowl game in Alabama.

Last February, if you’ll recall, Beebe said he would be more careful about leaving the state in the future when Darr — while Beebe was in Washington — signed into law a measure making secret the state’s concealed carry permit list.

Beebe had no plans to veto the bill, but said he would let it become law without his signature.

Some critics took Darr to task for taking advantage of Beebe’s absence to engage in a bit of grandstanding.

With that episode in mind, a California conversation between Arkansas colleagues was framed like this: Wonder what we’ll return home to after Darr’s been in charge for the weekend?

It was tongue-in-cheek, of course. Arkansas was just as we had left it, and Darr, as you know, stopped wrestling with his pride and announced he will leave office Feb. 1.

Most calling for Darr’s exit have now moved on to who should take his place, and the lieutenant governor is no longer a main topic of discussion. Especially not in California.

Questions abound over Darr’s next move. He could restore some lost luster by offering his help to the next group of leaders who will run this state. Private citizens can do as much good as elected officials.

I would view that as the actions of a man with integrity.