Gov.-elect Hutchinson Discusses Minorities, Women & The GOP

Alexis Rogers with our content partner, KATV News, reports:

With Republicans controlling all constitutional offices for the first time in Arkansas since Reconstruction, certain communities have questioned how they fit in future plans.

Gov.-elect Asa Hutchinson acknowledged certain minority communities’ hesitancy with the Republican party and how they will fit in his plans.

”In the minority community, a Republican candidate historically only received 11 or 12 percent of the vote. They’re historically in the Democratic column and that needs to change,” Hutchinson said. “I think it needs to change from the Republican party standpoint to have more outreach to them to make sure we are listening and that we’re in their community and that we show that we care.”

Hutchinson said it starts with community efforts that affect everyone.

“Criminal justice reform is a big part of it that I care about – our prison system, about ex-offenders that are coming out, alternatives to incarceration, to really give them the best chance and sometimes a second chance to succeed in life,” Hutchinson said. “I share that desire for the next generation to have the best education that brings the opportunities. I want to make sure that there aren’t artificial barriers where you won’t succeed in life and reach beyond where your family has been perhaps.”

Arkansans have also questioned where women fit in Hutchinson’s agenda.

“Arkansas needs to do better. We need to make sure we do all that we can to reduce those instances of domestic violence,” Hutchinson said. “My wife is very concerned about the protection of children. She works on the Children’s Advocacy board and she wants to make that an issue that she works on as the first lady. Whether it’s women or minorities, it’s all about opportunity, it’s about education and making sure that our families have the best opportunities to succeed.”

Hutchinson will take office January 13.

On Thursday, Hutchinson named six members to a transition team. The group included one African-American and one female. Watch and read more of Rogers’ report at this link.