Ask the governor at 9:00 a.m. -- Update

Tune in to KARN at 9:00 a.m. this morning for the monthly "Ask the governor" radio show (102.9 FM, 920 AM in central Arkansas). You can click here to listen online.

Opening:
• Preparing for budget hearings;
• Still committed to cut/eliminate the grocery tax (comes after education);
• Sales tax holiday: Is open-minded about it

Phone calls:
• Joe in Roland: Concerned about school districts in fiscal distress: Decatur

• Mike in Little Rock: Drill here/drill now; secure our borders and track illegals: Governor responds that there's not a consensus of governors on domestic drilling, especially in Alaska. Believes that we're headed in the direction of alternative fuels, and that we're well situated here in Arkansas for that industry. On illegal immigration, he believes there's a need to shut off the incentive level by fining employers, and states can play a role here.

• On the Game & Fish Commission agreement: Governor says the legislature still appropriates their money; additional enforcement will be required by ADEQ and the Oil & Gas Commission. Some money needs to go for add'l personnel and assistance in these other two agencies. These lands are owned by all 2.8 million Arkansans.

• Jim in Little Rock: Concerned about the lack of a first-offense felony animal cruelty law. Governor sees greater support in the legislature for such a law. He's come out in support of it.

• Stay of execution of Frank Williams, Jr on grounds that he was mentally incompetent: Governor responds that signing a death warrant is one of his toughest duties. He's signed three of them, but all have been stayed. He'll listen to all the evidence. As to mental retardation, he says there's a clear line of evidence which the court takes into consideration. Normally, you rely on the court system to look at the issue of mental retardation.

• Charles in Little Rock: Concerned that white Democrats in Arkansas won't work hard for Obama. Governor responds that as the Democratic nominee, he will be very vocal in his support for him.

• Joan in Little Rock: Chesapeake's contract with AGFC -- wants to know where the money will go. Governor responds that little has been said about royalties, and that all discussion has mostly been about the lease payments. 20% of the royalties will far exceed the amount in lease payments. Royalties will be hotly debated. There's a lot of pressure to use it for worthty programs around the state -- not just AGFC.

• Last question on Chesapeake/AGFC: Chesapeake actually cut a $1.2 million check before the contract was signed. Governor offers a couple of explanations, but to the commission's credit, they didn't cash the check until action was taken.

• John in Hot Springs: Boone Pickens' plan -- what can Arkansans do? Governor responds on biomass motor fuels. We can make ethanol and even gasoline out of cellulosic wood-based products. If we can lower our dependence on fossil fuels, what a great thing for national security, etc.

• What are we doing to make sure we have fair elections going on in Arkansas? Governor responds that Sec of State's office sent monitors to St. Francis County and watch the election process. We don't have enough to monitor every polling place.