Hutchinson Visits Jonesboro, Thanks Supporters, Makes Key Appointments

The weather in downtown Jonesboro Wednesday night was downright cold. However, the state’s future governor received a very warm response from nearly 200 people in a pre-inaugural event.

Gov.-elect Asa Hutchinson, R-Ark., spoke to the crowd at Sue’s Kitchen in the third of four events this week before next Tuesday’s inauguration.

Hutchinson said the events – in Rogers Monday, Fort Smith Tuesday and El Dorado Thursday – will give people who may not have an opportunity to head to the capital city Tuesday a way to celebrate the event.

Hutchinson said Northeast Arkansas – a traditional Democratic stronghold which went overwhelmingly for him in the November general election – “came through for me” during the campaign against Democrat Mike Ross.

“Next Tuesday, I will be sworn in as the 46th elected governor of Arkansas,” Hutchinson said to cheers. “And Northeast Arkansas made it happen.”

APPOINTMENTS
The event also gave Hutchinson an opportunity to announce two appointments.

Alec Farmer of Jonesboro will be appointed to Arkansas State Highway Commission, while Niel Crowson of Jonesboro will be appointed to the Arkansas State University Board of Trustees.

Hutchinson said both men will do well in their new jobs, providing experience and leadership.

“It helps to fulfill a campaign promise because I said in the campaign that Northeast Arkansas needed a highway commissioner,” Hutchinson said of the Farmer appointment to a 10-year term.

Farmer, whose father, Dalton, also served on the commission, said he was thankful for the appointment.

“I am so appreciative of Gov.-elect Hutchinson for his commitment to Northeast Arkansas,” Farmer said. “I am thankful for the trust he has given me. I grew up around highway issues and learned about highway issues around the dinner table when I was a kid.”

Farmer – a businessman, farmer and lawyer – has also served on the Hutchinson transition committee.

“It is amazing how ahead of the curve Asa is. After election night, we met at 10 a.m., the next day,” Farmer said of the process.

Hutchinson also said Farmer served as a sounding board for highway issues in the region during the campaign as well as before a key debate with Ross at ASU in October.

Crowson, who also serves as the president of E.C. Barton and Company (a lumber company in Northeast Arkansas), said his appointment was a dream come true.

Crowson said he was humbled by the five-year appointment and looks forward to working with the other trustees and ASU officials.

“ASU provided a foundation for my education,” Crowson said. “And I look forward to being able to serve.”

Crowson said he worked to develop the Anheuser Busch Rice Mill at Farville near Jonesboro before going to work for Barton’s.

“I am been very fortunate to be surrounded by a lot of talented, capable people. Also, my wife graduated from ASU with a degree in nursing,” Crowson said. “It is another opportunity to serve the institution that has served me well. Jonesboro is a unique place because the people here are always willing to do their part.”

Jonesboro Mayor Harold Perrin also presented Hutchinson with a key to the city.

ISSUES
Hutchinson told the crowd that Tuesday will be a culmination of a lifetime of work.

Hutchinson also said a plan to cut tax rates from seven percent to six percent for people who make between $34,000-$75,000 and six percent to five percent for people who make between $20,400 and $34,000 will be at the top of his agenda next week when the session kicks off.

He said another issue – to support computer coding classes in schools – will also be a top priority, while issues like the private option and prisons will be discussed during the session.

Hutchinson, who attended the event with his wife, Susan, said he plans to dance with his wife at the inaugural ball.

What music will they dance to?

“Something by Michael Buble,” Hutchinson said. “I also plan to ask the band to play ‘When I’m 64’ by the Beatles,” Hutchinson said.