by - April 15, 2013 9:06 pm
Of game changers and barbecues
The optimist says the HMA deal bringing around 400 new and good-paying jobs to the Fort Smith area is a sign the region can recover from the more than 12,000…
Opinion
by - April 14, 2013 12:52 pm
The April 15 Survival Guide
There are the “haves” and the “have nots”; the haves, the individuals who have already filed their tax returns, and the have nots, those who haven’t filed their income tax…
by - April 10, 2013 9:30 pm
The gubernatorial frontrunners
Somehow the announcement last week that former Congressman Mike Ross, D-Prescott, has quit his cushy job as the Governmental Affairs of the Southwestern Power Pool, seems appropriate. And timely. It…
by - April 7, 2013 11:46 am
A call to action
Like every other community in America, the Fort Smith Region is currently experiencing a silent crisis – CHILD ABUSE. This crisis has been going on for far longer than any…
by - March 31, 2013 8:57 pm
The Whirlpool watch must continue (Updated)
Debbie Keith should not have had to call in reinforcements. But she did, and now the company of famous environmental activist Erin Brockovich is likely to be in Fort Smith…
by - March 31, 2013 7:02 pm
Dear Whirlpool execs and board:
Dear Mr. Jeff Fettig and members of the Board of Directors of the Whirlpool Corporation: I am a CPA and it is tax season. Between January 1st and April 15th…
by - March 28, 2013 5:44 pm
Arkansas Legislature entering a busy time
Job creation and tax reform were two of the biggest issues before us this week as we inch closer to adjourning for the session. We began week 11 by passing…
by - March 24, 2013 9:34 pm
Major legislative issues loom
• The Senate Report: Week 10 review The only people wanting the Legislature to drag on are those counting on the per diem checks for their livelihood. For the rest of…
by - March 19, 2013 5:18 pm
Protecting animal protection
As The City Wire has reported, Sen. Gary Stubblefield, R-Branch, introduced two anti-speech bills, SB 13/SB 14, that, if passed, will criminalize the actions of those who dare to document…
by - March 17, 2013 3:32 pm
It is almost thievery
Past due accounts receivable has to be one of the most aggravating problems a business owner must confront. As a business owner, you perform the work, incur significant costs, and…
by - March 16, 2013 3:42 pm
Francis and football
We have a new Pope. Or maybe it is that the Catholics have a new Pope and the rest of us have a new celebrity. Which is good, because the…
by - March 9, 2013 7:00 am
Student health, abortions and tax reform
The issues facing members on the House floor this week ranged from Medicaid reform to funding court assistants. By the end of our 8th week in session, close to 900…
by - March 5, 2013 4:04 pm
Decisions dilemma
• The Senate Report: Week 7 review When I ran for office the first time, I didn’t know what a State Representative or Senator did. I had never been to the…
by - March 5, 2013 2:13 pm
Political bets with public dollars
While there has been much noted of Arkansas’ recently approved “pain capable” abortion bill, there has been little meaningful public debate among legislators about the political, social and legal complexities…
by - March 3, 2013 10:25 pm
Sequester your own budget
What a non-event this sequestration was! We listen to the news where journalists and politicians, in a near frenzy, predict dire consequences for our country and everybody within its borders…
by - March 3, 2013 10:13 pm
A school security primer
After much of the shock, anger, and outrage has passed following the tragic shooting at the Sandy Hook School, it is time to take an apolitical look at making real…
by - February 26, 2013 7:16 pm
What is going on?
• The Senate Report: Week 6 review Red carpet. Celebrities. Lots of hoopla. That may be fine for the Oscars, but it is not a typical day in the life of a…
by - February 24, 2013 6:34 pm
Billy says make it pretty
Billy, the old friend from the college days at Arkansas Tech University, called this week to get an update on a previous conversation. He’d traveled into Fort Smith a few…
by - February 22, 2013 4:12 pm
Veterans, abortions and steel
By the end of our 6th week in session, the Governor signed over 140 bills into law. 76 of those bills originated in the House. Over 450 bills have been filed in…
by - February 19, 2013 7:25 am
Return on investment
• The Senate Report : Week 5 review Let’s start with a simple premise. Money is finite. It can go anywhere. It is like water in that it will go where there is…