RECENT ELECTION

[Friend]

Hi Forum,

It appears that Blanche Lincoln squeaked by the primary re-vote with a mere 51%. Can folks share their thoughts as to what eroded her support? Also, what local CV residents feel are the burning issues tight now for the State of Arkansas?

[ChristyACB]

I've not moved there yet, but for the last 5 years I've been ensuring I pay as much attention to Arkansas and CV as I do for my current state and the nation. I'm one of the few that actually reads the national budget! LOL.

Anyway, as I see it, Arkansas has many things going for it that very few other states do. What I think is most compelling for Arkansas to do is to ensure it does not erode it's current level of independence and most forcefully (I mean politically forcefully) rolls back the errant erosion that has wound up going past. Embracing the heritage of independence and fostering a sense of self sufficiency should be a priority in Arkansas politics and actions.

Reducing some of the re-distributive load, cracking down heavily on crime (as in no more pass-go judging!) and letting the schools hold the children and their parents accountable for not getting their education instead of patting them on the head and passing them when work isn't completed would be a huge start in the right direction.

BUT, all of those require an effort from the citizenry and a commitment to the effort required to keep it going.

Christy

[Friend]

Hi Forum,

I want to thank Christy for her thoughtful reply. The issue of independence and accountability is key. The core character of the State is solid and right-headed. I have personally been impressed by the quality of local and State government. Having families that support the schools beyond sports is key. I also think that there needs to be better college counseling and encouragement to go to college of local kids. There are some very bright kids in the area that just need some guidance and encouragement -- and help with the financial aid process. The crime issue is another matter. The problem of jobs is huge. The problem of meth is serious Treatment seems lacking in the area. Most of all, the issue is low level "quality of life " crimes and behaviors needs to be addressed. If you deal with the routine disorderly stuff, you soon find the major stuff goes away. Bottom line, jobs and educational opportunities. Some good mentoring would help with the educational piece and some serious community development in the other. In particular, I would try to get government employment in the area and a hospital.

[ChristyACB]

Speaking of hospitals, I would have thought that the area would support one or at least a fairly robust medical treatment facility. Yet it doesn't. Where are the closest major medical facilities and where do the employees from them come from?

And yes, I totally agree with you on the issue of disorder. When low level disorder is dealt with firmly and without compromise, then there is more hesitation before graduating to the next level of crime. The math of "being worth it" doesn't compute so much in favor of criminality that way. Not to mention that the drug issue in many semi-rural areas is dealt with very poorly. The assumption that because it is a small place you can simply watch out for X or Y coming around only works so long as they don't commit crimes to support habits. And it breeds new addicts by allowing them to expand networks and introduce more people to the habit. Quite frankly, I'd like to see that stuff dealt with very harshly indeed. Legalize pot and put the hammer on meth and crack and such like. And the moment a crime other than drugs happens in tandem with drug use, slam them into the chain gang!

[Chuck]

It seems frustrating to me that we have a Sharp County Hospital Foundation, and Sharp County has been singled out as the first county in Arkansas to get a Rural Economic Development Plan. I am not trying to put down anyone, as I have the utmost respect for their efforts to get a hospital here, and create economic development. I know the rural development committee has come up with some great ideas, but I believe a Sharp County Hospital, as large a project as it might be, would give us the most from an opportunity that might be slipping away.
It would be a boom to county as a whole. With job creation, expanding our population, expanding the need for services, this could be the answer many are looking for. Giving our youth an opportunity to further educate themselves here, and have the ability for them to stay in this county, for good paying professional jobs.
I was very disappointed in Blanche Lincoln's approach to the need for health care reform. We are one of the poorest states in the country. We need reform here. She was a major player in the senate finance committee, and one of the last holdouts until the final vote. We now have a watered down version that is doomed to failure. Then she had the nerve to do a commercial saying she cast the deciding vote on healthcare, because it was the "right thing" to do.
I recommend the Sharp County Hospital Foundation and The Rural Economic Development Committee have sit down with our Senator. They could propose a hospital development plan that would truly help our county and surrounding areas, with quality job growth.
Let her consider our options for growth and see if she can do the "right thing", and help us make this happen.