by - November 9, 2014 12:49 pm
The veteran I remember
This week we are to remember the military men and women who served this country — especially those who saw combat and those for whom combat was the last thing…
Opinion
by - November 9, 2014 11:31 am
Asa’s good start
There was some slight snickering in certain circles when early in his advertising now Governor-elect Asa Hutchinson simply said: “As your governor, we will hit the ground running and never…
by - November 5, 2014 9:12 pm
Miss Ada said it could be like this
The discussion of how Arkansas Republicans swept the 2014 election cycle will be woefully incomplete if not wholly inaccurate if it does not include in the opening paragraph this name:…
by - November 5, 2014 3:23 pm
Notes on the GOP sweep in Arkansas
I speak to a number of groups week in, week out. Often, I share my analysis and observations about the business and political landscape of Arkansas from what I hope…
by - November 2, 2014 7:06 pm
Cash, lies and politics
If there was ever a year that I despised the political campaign season it is this year, 2014. Every time I turned on the television I was accosted by political…
by - November 2, 2014 4:50 pm
Another look at health care reform
Since health care has been such a critical issue in the Arkansas senatorial election, it seems appropriate to offer some facts and analysis. Let me state up front this is…
by - October 26, 2014 8:42 pm
Praising the Private Option
During his recent trip to Louisiana, Bill Clinton took time in his speech to thank the people of Louisiana. He thanked them for playing a role in paying for Arkansans’…
by - October 26, 2014 7:17 pm
Red, blue or purple?
Will the political landscape in Arkansas change after Nov. 4? That’s just one of the many questions citizens are pondering as the final surge of political advertising makes it way…
by - October 22, 2014 8:35 pm
Character actors
From the “By Their Actions People/Groups Will Show Their Character” category, the Fort Smith Board of Directors is willing to spend thousands of dollars in legal fees and risk a…
by - October 19, 2014 5:59 pm
Striking down the voter ID law
The Arkansas Supreme Court, waiting until almost the last minute, finally affirmed what Gov. Mike Beebe tried to tell the Legislature back in 2013. And that was this: Any tweaking…
by - October 19, 2014 4:27 pm
The ‘when?’ of business ownership
Owning a small business is no easy task. Starting a business from scratch, however, requires a mental deficiency or youth. My own excuse decades ago was youth. There are advantages…
by - October 19, 2014 4:10 pm
Too much ‘fight’ in Cotton’s campaigning
Dear Congressman Cotton: Conventional political wisdom buttressed by successive survey data suggests that you represent one of the best opportunities Republicans have in their effort to take over the U.S….
by - October 12, 2014 2:34 pm
Let’s get on this horse
Now comes the Steel Horse Rally holding great potential to become an event annually drawing thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts to a downtown Fort Smith that through private and public development…
by - October 12, 2014 2:04 pm
AP scores show gains in Arkansas’ education system
Education continues to be our top priority in Arkansas, and we know that one of our biggest educational challenges is increasing the number of Arkansans who earn college degrees. This…
by - October 12, 2014 12:33 pm
The old lion speaks
The youngest old lion in the pride of Arkansas’ politicians from the era of “retail politics” roared loudly this past week. And like him or not, his words still ring…
by - October 6, 2014 3:36 pm
Try to avoid federal ‘help’
The U.S. Department of Labor Promises help is on the way. What comforting words … help is on the way. But why don’t I feel better? “Work in Progress,” the…
by - October 5, 2014 7:43 pm
Raising the tax code Titanic
As elections approach, we hear much about what candidates and potential office holders will do when they arrive in Washington, D.C. One of the constant themes is the need to…
by - October 5, 2014 7:40 pm
Amendment review
Every two years Arkansans are asked to vote on issues and this year there are five statewide ballot measures certified for the Nov. 4 ballot. Three of the five were…
by - October 5, 2014 7:38 pm
Positive policy development
For too many years, when Arkansans talked about the price of their health insurance, good news was rare. For decades, costs have increased annually, hurting working families and leading to…
by - September 28, 2014 4:51 pm
Economic engines
In Arkansas, economic development manifests itself in many ways. In the past 10 days, we've seen a constant stream of announcements that will bring good jobs and new opportunities to…