Legislative subcommittee hears from ADC Director Larry Norris

Legislators got a first hand report today of incidents that have been widely discussed regarding the Arkansas Department of Correction. Director Larry Norris gave a forthright account of three of the biggest incidents, and legisators will likely continue to take up this matter. I anticipate a movement to refer this to either the Interim Committee on State Agencies or the Joint Performance Review Committee, both of which have subpoena power, to hear different perspectives on the failures that have allowed these incidents to take place. It's possible that the issue could remain in this Legislative Council subcommittee if attendance of all interested parties can be procured. We're also in contact with NCSL about potential organizations that exist for the sole purpose of providing analysis and guidance as a far as our policies go versus the policies of other states. For example, is it feasible to implement biometrics such as fingerprinting or a retinal scan to account for everyone that enters and leaves the premises?

The best point of the day likely came from Sen. Jim Luker, who said that we also need to look introspectively and determine whether or not the legislature has provided the department with the resources necessary to carry out its functions. I'm going to get on the road back to Texarkana, so here's a further report on the committee meeting from the Arkansas Times.

2010 political landscape taking shape -- UPDATE IV

I stopped by the Saline County Courthouse on the way to the Capitol today to watch Rep. Dawn Creekmore (D) announce her candidacy for state Senate, District 22. With Rep. Dan Greenberg (R) having already announced for this seat, which is being vacated by term-limited Sen. Shane Broadway, this is now the fourth officially contested state Senate race for 2010.

The three others include SD13 (former Rep. Jim Medley and Rep. Frank Glidewell have both announced for this seat being vacated by term-limited Sen. Denny Altes, R-Fort Smith), SD19 (Rep. Bill Sample, Rep. Gene Shelby and Rep. Rick Saunders have all announced for this seat being vacated by term-limited Sen. Terry Smith, D-Hot Springs), and SD28 (George S. Smith, Cabot Mayor Joe Williams, and former Rep. Lenville Evans have all announced that they will run for this seat being vacated by term-limited Sen. Bobby Glover, D-Lonoke). Here's a picture from the Creekmore announcement:



The governor is there in Saline County now hosting an Arkansas Works Summit Education Meeting at UALR-Benton.

Update (Wednesday): Here's video of the Creekmore announcement from Jason Tolbert.

Update II: Just received the a press release from Todd Witham, a LR Democrat, who also announces for the Senate District 22 position. An excerpt:

Todd Witham, a local small business owner and former U.S. Marine, kicked off his campaign for State Senate Tuesday evening. A lifelong resident of State Senate District 22, Witham grew up in Benton and currently resides in West Little Rock. He is seeking election to the State Senate seat currently held by Sen. Shane Broadway who is term limited in 2010.

Update III: While we're on announcements, I see that Van Buren attorney Kevin Holmes announced today that he will run for State Representative District 66 as a Republican. The current representative is Republican Rick Green, who may jump in the state Senate District 3 race in 2012.

Update IV: And from House District 51, St. Francis County Assessor Craig Jones has announced his candidacy. The seat is currently held by term-limited Rep. David Dunn. Here's more from the Forrest City Times-Herald.

Swing State Project looks ahead to 2014 governor's race

Since the biggest race in Arkansas next year appears to be a Democratic primary for Secretary of State, some are looking ahead to 2014, where many are talking about the Democratic primary for the gubernatorial race in that election year. The Swing State Project takes a look, authored by an anonymous Arkansas Democrat.

Primary seat belt law goes into effect today

Act 308 of 2009, which changes the state's seat belt law from a secondary to a primary offense, goes into effect today. The change means that law enforcement officers can stop and ticket you specifically for not wearing a belt ($25 fine). The bill passed the Senate 29-6 and the House 60-31 after a debate on whether the change intrudes on personal liberties or otherwise invites racial profiling. The new law makes the state eligible to receive $9.5 million in federal funds. In order the remain eligible, the law has to go into effect by today.

Why it's not decidedly not smart to use a fake seat belt

After an Australian man was fined over 30 times for not wearing a seat belt, he rigged up his car to make it look like he was wearing a seat belt to passing police officers, instead of, you know, just actually wearing the thing. Pretty ingenious, I suppose, until he was involved in a head-on collision.

Arkansas becomes the 29th state to have a primary seat belt law. New Hampshire (live free or die) is the only state without a primary or secondary seat belt law, although it does have a primary seat belt law for minors. A few statistics:

• Of the 525 people who died on Arkansas roads in 2007, 65% were not buckled up.
• 61 people died in Ark in 2007 after being ejected during a rollover and weren't buckled up.
• According to studies, this new law will save $104 million in economic costs annually.

McDaniel to appear on Lou Dobbs tonight

AG Dustin McDaniel will appear on the Lou Dobbs Tonight show this evening. 6:30 6:45 on CNN.

Big campaign deadline tomorrow

Tomorrow marks not only the last day of the fiscal year but also the last day for purposes of raising money for the 2nd quarter for political candidates on the 2010 ballot. The report won't be due, however, until July 31. Nonetheless, several candidates are holding last minute fundraisers to boost totals. Also on the campaign front tomorrow, Rep. Dawn Creekmore is expected to announce her candidacy for state Senate from the Saline County Courthouse.

Swepco to appeal adverse ruling on plant permit

Swepco is holding a conference today to announce that it will appeal last week's Arkansas Court of Appeals ruling that rejected the state permit for its proposed 600MW power plant in Hempstead County. The decision has garnered local, state and national attention, including this Sunday column by Texarkana Gazette Editor Les Minor.

Legislative subcommittee to hear from ADC Director Larry Norris tomorrow

The Charitable, Penal and Correctional Institutions Subcommittee of the Arkansas Legislative Council meets tomorrow afternoon at the Capitol, and the first item of business is a report from Larry Norris, Director of the Arkansas Department of Correction on the widely publicized pending investigations within the department. I sit on the committee, and I know I'm not alone in concerns regarding the incidents that have occurred within the department. I've fielded calls from constituents wanting to know what's going on in our prison system, and I'm hopeful that I'll be able to get them a few answers tomorrow. Among some of the recent incidents:

• Two convicted murderers walked out of prison by wearing guard uniforms made at the facility;
• A naked inmate was left covered in excrement for a weekend; and
• Guards have received lap dances while on the job.

While I believe these are isolated incidents (and, in agreement with the governor, are not out of line with incidents that have occurred in other states), it's our job as representatives accountable to the people for public safety reasons to determine whether department policies are being followed and/or should be reviewed. You only have to turn it to Lockup on MSNBC on any given weekend to see how difficult it is running a prison system made up of 15,000 inmates, and I know the job isn't an easy one. I have the utmost confidence in Director Norris and am hopeful that we'll discuss ways of preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future. Is the department capable of investigating itself? Probably so, but several of the people calling here would like to see an external look from a fresh set of eyes.

Texas going back for a special session July 1

The Texas legislative session ended on June 1 without funding for five state agencies, including the Texas Department of Transportation, Texas Department of Insurance, Texas Racing Commission, Office of Public Insurance Counsel and Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation. The governor's call also includes legislation allowing the Texas Department of Transportation to issue general obligation bonds, which have already been approved by voters, for highway improvement projects.

GM incentives hard to beat

After my old car died after racking up 176,191 miles, I had already decided on a GM product that gets 30+ mpg. After researching GM models on the Internet and looking around Saturday morning, I settled on a Chevy Malibu. Here's to another 200K.

Careful out there

We biked a metric century on Saturday (100 km or 62 mi) in 100 degree heat. Five miles into the ride, one of my riding partners failed to negotiate a hard turn in some gravel and plowed into a ditch head first at 20 mph+. Some of these old farm to market roads around here were built with sharp turns, as they maneuvered the easements along property lines as much as possible in some instances to minimize the interruption of property.

He's minus a tooth and has a jammed neck and plenty of road rash, but one look at his helmet here shows what could have happened had he not been wearing it. He laid out in the ditch until he figured out he was sitting in a bed of ants and poison ivy. Ouch.

Blake and Jessica get engaged

I figured this was in the works when Blake Rutherford called last week to get my home address, but Blake Rutherford (of Blake's Think Tank) and Jessica Dean (of KATV and its Choose Your News segment) have gotten engaged. Good catch on both sides.

NFL Hometown Weekend

After returning from Fayetteville, I gave the welcome at the 8th Annual NFL Hometown Weekend here in Texarkana. The keynote speaker was former Dallas Cowboy and four-time pro bowler Everson Walls (pictured right), who still owns the franchise record for number of interceptions. Texarkana has been a hotbed of talent for the league, but other than Mike Cherry, all have taken a route other than Fayetteville to get to the NFL. Maybe we'll change that with Ryan Mallett.

Some of the other NFL players from Texarkana include Rod Smith (now retired), Eric Warfield, Nathan Vasher, and Brandon Jones, the former Sooner who's now with the San Francisco 49ers.

Back in Arkansas; late night trip to Fayetteville

I made it back home last night at 10:00 (without luggage). I have to be in Fayetteville this morning at 7:30 a.m. for the final session of Leadership Arkansas, and since my body is still on Algerian time (+6 hours), it felt like 4:00 a.m. when I got home. I snuck in three hours of sleep and am now about to head up Hwy. 71 with a large thermos of coffee. We'll adjourn at 2:30 in Fayetteville today, and I have to get back to speak at the NFL Hometown Weekend Banquet tonight at Texarkana College at 7:00 p.m., so I'll hurry back down Hwy. 71 for that.

Update (4:30): It's hotter in Arkansas than it is in Africa. I stopped here in Mena to get some gas and broke out in a sweat. And it's 4:30.

Update II (7:40): Made it to campus and am listening to Frank Broyles talk about leaduhship.

A couple of local items

Turk plant permit rejected The Arkansas Court of Appeals tossed out the permit for the proposed 600MW, $1.6 billion Turk Power Plant in Hempstead County today. The opinion states that the Arkansas Public Service Commission didn't adequately review plans and must conduct another hearing if Swepco wants to reapply for a permit. The PSC may approve the permit after reconsidering the need and the environmental compatibility for the plant. The court said the PSC "erred by failing to resolve conflicts in the testimony, that its decision was arbitrary, and is not supported by substantial evidence. I was just contacted by a reporter seeking comment, and Swepco was apparently in the process of releasing a statement.

UP to close Texarkana rail yard tower Union Pacific intends to monitor the Texarkana rail yard by video surveillance rather than employees. The company will still employ workers in Texarkana in the yard, but surveillance from the tower will be monitored by an employee in Longview, Texas. The decision is economic, says UP. This raises concerns not only because of the loss/transfer of jobs but because of the security risk involved. Lots of hazardous materials are transported through Texarkana, and even though it didn't take place on the rail yard, we had a derailment involving hazardous materials in Texarkana in 2005 that caused one death and million of dollars in damages. I'm working with local officials to discuss the change with UP officials. Here's more from today's Texarkana Gazette.

Dinner at the American Embassy

I've been sans laptop for a day after one of the Algerian Parliament IT experts made some modifications for connection purposes at the Capitol, and I forgot to ask him to change it back (technobabble: he changed the configuration of the proxy settings, and I tried everything other than taking the laptop apart before seeing that the proxy server had been modified, making it bypass the local gateway). Here's a picture of Algiers at night (right).

We stopped by the American Embassy here in Algiers last night and had a great visit with Deputy Ambassador Tom Daughton along with Political Officers Ryan Campbell and Lynn. Surprisingly, they had read Under the Dome and incorporated some of it into their daily report back to the U.S. State Department. The U.S. Embassy was opened here in 1962 shortly after Algeria received its independence from France. The country has been a stalwart, vocal supporter of the global war on terrorism.

Rock the Casbah

In addition to visiting the Embassy, we also reserved a couple of hours yesterday afternoon after meetings to see the city and part of the country and to visit the Casbah, one of the oldest and finest inner-city sites on the Mediterranean. This famous place, built in 1516, is a maze of streets and narrow alleys and amazingly constructed houses, historical structures and markets. Think of the French Quarter meeting San Francisco. We also stopped by Tipaza, a beautifully preserved group of Phoenician, Roman, palaeochristian and Byzantine ruins. We had a security detail that accompanied us for the entire visit here in Algeria.

Casbah

Tipaza

Au Revoir Alger, on to Fayetteville

I'm en route back home via Germany and will land in Texarkana at 9:05 p.m. Thursday night. I have to be in Fayetteville Friday morning at 7:30 a.m. for the final session and graduation of Leadership Arkansas, so I'll immediately hit the road up Hwy. 71 upon landing tomorrow night. This has been a very impressive and productive trip, and I've learned as much from the Algerian MPs (members of Parliament) as I hope they've learned from me. I'll be posting a full summary over the weekend.



Update: Here's an Algerian forum discussing the trip. Someone more fluent in French will have to translate for me.

En directe d'Alger

I'm demonstrating the use of live blogging to members of the Algerian Parliament here in Algiers on Monday morning by showing the immediacy of the Internet. We're 5,118 miles from Arkansas but are posting multimedia messages to my constituents within seconds. Edit: There are a few legislators here who do understand English and have decided to forego the translation back into French or Arabic and are listening to me directly, but they're having a hard time with my Arkansas accent. Most English comprehension here is geared towards British English, of course, and some of the words I've used apparently don't translate.

Taking a picture to upload immediately

Taking a question from Rep. Karima

Discussing legislative technology/communications

Listening to the interpreter through headphones

(click for larger pictures)

Day 2 in Algeria: Engaging citizens in the political process

We've just wrapped up the second day of our international NCSL conference here at the Parliament building in Algiers, and it's now Sunday evening here in North Africa. We conducted an interesting workshop today that focused mainly on legislators (a) communicating effectively and (b) acting not only as lawmakers but as conveners. I've learned just as much from the Algerian members of Parliament as they've learned from us.

One thing we've learned is that regardless of the type of democratic government, we're all working towards common goals, and although All Politics is Local, there are some distinct differences that do make discussing specific similarities in governments difficult. For example, here in Algeria, legislators don't file the most important bills -- almost all legislation is introduced from the executive branch of government.

Our days have been packed with various sessions, and I'm now working on a workshop I'll lead tomorrow on legislative technology as a tool to communicate and connect with citizens. I'll use the blog as an example and intend to take a few pictures and post to the blog to show the immediacy of the Internet. I'll also project a couple of different tools many American legislators use to stay in contact, including Twitter, Facebook, mass e-mail services, and various cell phone applications (cell phone-based technologies are widely used here in Algeria, so I'll focus more on those and less on Internet-based ones). Technology willing, I'll also poll the members of Parliament here and allow them to partipate in my poll by answering via text messaging. I'll check in Monday night after the conclusion of the conference.

Here's a picture of me talking with an Algerian television station:

Speaking of government technologies: New iPhone app for Arkansas.gov

A new iPhone application has been launched that allows you to search for state agency contact information, state employees and government services. The state was the first to launch an iPhone application to track Arkansas projects from the federal stimulus package. Click here for that. In addition, the state has revamped Arkansas.gov with an updated search engine and improved access for mobile phone users (kudos to Janet Grard and others). The improved site will include a comprehensive calendar of the meetings of all state agencies pursuant to Act 1302 of 2009, which I sponsored.

Have an iPhone? Click the icon to the right for the free application.

Blogging and the use of other legislative technologies in Africa

Citizen Engagement and the Algerian Parliament

I am flying to Africa this afternoon, where I'll serve on the faculty for a conference on the use of technology as a tool for communicating with the public in Algiers. The conference is being hosted by the National Conference of State Legislatures, and this is part of their international array of programs. I'll be using this PowerPoint, although the actual PowerPoint will be presented in French, and I'll have the benefit of having an interpreter with me.

One interesting key point on this presentation about the Algerian context -- only 10% of the Algerian population has access to the Internet, but 80% of them have cell phones. Therefore, they won’t be all that interested in Internet-based social networking applications but they will be interested in cell phone-based ones. I understand that the use of Blackberries and iPhones are on par with the use here, so my presentation will be geared towards cell-phone based technologies to engage the citizenry in government.

One other interesting piece of new technology that I'll be using: Polleverywhere.com allows the presenter to poll the audience on an array of issues using cell phones. Use this site the next time you're speaking to a large group, and they'll be fascinated by this technology.

I'll be on the faculty with Sen. Jeff Wentworth (R-Texas), Sen. Jack Hatch (D-Iowa), Rep. Ellen Roberts (R-Colorado), and other staff and coordinators with NCSL. Ironically, I won't have access to cell coverage there, but I will be able to check e-mail daily (I'll be six hours ahead of CDT).

Wentworth

Hatch

Roberts

Harrelson

I'll blog (and live blog) to the extent possible. I'm flying today from Txk to DFW then to Heathrow before ending up in Algiers tomorrow night. Our conference will begin Saturday morning. Check back for updates.

LEAD Bus Tour to continue through southern Arkansas Saturday

House Democrats will continue traveling the state this weekend to discuss the 87th General Assembly and to talk to voters about the issues we're facing here in the state. This will be the third weekend traveling the state, and we'll wrap up the tour next weekend (June 27) with stops beginning in Fort Smith and ending with an event with Speaker Wills in Conway. The stops this Saturday (June 20) are as follows:

10:00 a.m.: Pine Bluff (Jefferson County Courthouse Steps; 101 Barraque St.)
12:30 p.m.: Arkadelphia (Honeycomb Resturant; 705 Main St.)
2:00 p.m.: Hot Springs (LifeNet to discuss trauma system, 220 Ouachita)
3:15 p.m.: Prescott (Train Depot, 403 W. 1st)

Hogs stay alive in College World Series

The diamond Hogs just outlasted UVA in a 12-inning game in Omaha tonight, thanks to a two-run bomb by Brett Eibner in the top of the 9th, which also scored former Texarkana standout Bo Bigham. No rest, though -- we have to beat LSU twice to make the finals. This marks only the third time in UA history that we've won multiple games in the CWS.

Discussion on High Speed Rail in Arkansas

National Multi-Modal Transportation Steering Committee convenes in Little Rock

We had a great discussion on the future of passenger rail in Arkansas and other parts of the South Central Corridor today at the Little Rock Convention Center. Today's program coincided with the feds' release of a 68-page set of guidelines that includes criteria for the eligibility of $8 billion in stimulus money for high-speed rail. Arkansas train enthusiast Pat Lynch attended all meetings and has a great summary at his blog here. He also captured this video of me prior to my presentation on passenger rail policy in Arkansas:


For the first time, Arkansas did appropriate some funds ($100,000) for a feasibility study on high speed rail in the 2009 legislative session. The Texas legislature is way ahead of us and has funded $180 million for high speed rail, and that state has adopted a rail policy that ensures that it will be a leader in the high speed rail arena in the United States. We simply have to keep from being passed over. I'd hate to look back in decades and find that Arkansas has been completely bypassed with routes going around the state because we didn't act strongly enough. Arkansas does have its motivated rail advocates -- we just have to convince others that that high speed passenger rail must be a component in future viable alternative modes of trainsportation in an effort to remove congestion from our interstate system.

Update: Dr. Bill Pollard of Conway passes along the 68-page set of HSR guidelines and notes that the definition of high speed rail on p. 13 as being "Intercity passenger rail service that is reasonably expected to reach speeds of at least 110 mph." That definition would include both true high speed rail (185-200mph) as well as what most call "high performance rail" that includes speeds up to 110mph.

Kaput

It was bound to happen sooner or later, but old reliable -- with 176,000+ miles on the odometer -- left me stranded on the side of the road this afternoon on the way home from Old Washington. The tow truck is en route, but there may not be much hope for this car. Add this to the refrigerator, the oven, and the sprinkler system that have all died this month. Gotta switch cars and get back up to Hempstead County for supper.

Legislative committee convenes at Old Washington

I'm here at the 1874 Courthouse on the grounds of the Historic Washington State Park, where the Joint Performance Review legislative committee is meeting. Rep. Johnnie Roebuck is presenting a PowerPoint on the findings of the now defunct Task Force on Higher Ed Remediation, Retention, and Graduation Rates. The task force found that while we remain competitive in the area of students beginning college, our pipeline is broken between the students' entry and graduation. We rank 49th in the number of adults with bachelor's degrees.

-- Post From My iPhone

JPR Chair Lindsley Smith and Rep. Bubba Powers call the meeting to order while Rep. Monty Davenport, candidate for State Land Commissioner, looks on


Rep. Johnnie Roebuck presents a PowerPoint on retention and remediation recommendations from a recent legislative task force

Endorsement from TGOP

Here's a link to the Texarkana GOP blog endorsing my candidacy for the state Senate. Thanks, Clint.

Fire Safety Appreciation

Here I am being presented a plaque from the Texarkana Arkansas Fire Department for sponsoring the legislation implementing fire safe cigarettes in Arkansas. Pictured with me are Fire Chief Bobby Honea, Fire Marshal Stephen Johnson, Mayor Horace Shipp, and City Manager Harold Boldt. I'm honored with the recognition and thankful for the department and others who helped with its passage. Update (Tuesday): Texarkana Gazette article.

Flag Day 50-miler

Just in from a 50 mile bike ride in some serious heat -- the heat index is 97. The Hotter'N Hell 100 mile bike race is just 2 months away, and we got a pretty good dose of what that'll be like.

I'm about to fire up the grill and watch some college baseball before heading down to the office later tonight -- it's a full week this week. I'm meeting with our local fire department in the morning to discuss the legislation I sponsored on fire safe cigarettes, then I'm heading up to Little Rock before coming back tomorrow evening to install the incoming officers of the Literacy Council. The legislative JPR committee is meeting at Old Washington on Tuesday and Wednesday, and I'm speaking at a National Train Symposium in Little Rock on Wednesday before flying out to Africa on Thursday.

Back on the road through eastern and northeastern Arkansas -- Update

I'm at the Capitol and am about to board the bus for more stops across Arkansas to discuss legislative issues with Arkansans in eastern and northeastern Arkansas. Today's schedule is as follows:

9:30 a.m.: Forrest City -- Event on St. Francis County Courthouse grounds
11:45 a.m.: Osceola -- Mississippi County Deviled Egg Festival at the Courthouse
2:00 p.m.: Paragould -- Event at the Greene County Courthouse
3:00 p.m.: Walnut Ridge -- Event at Airport Museum

I hope you Hog fans will provide the play by play on Twitter on today's baseball game at the College World Series for those of us away from TVs.

Update (Sunday): We had a good trip Saturday. We think it's important to get out in all parts of the state and discuss not only what we accomplished in the 87th Arkansas General Assembly but to find out what's on the minds of voters. We were asked about the economy and healthcare at every single stop. Of course healthcare is on the forefront of voters' minds right now because of the current agenda in Washington, but the people we talked to cut right through both sides' cable tv talking points and got right to the heart of the details of the federal proposals. That's exactly why we're taking these trips.

We stopped in Forrest City early at the St. Francis County Courthouse and met Senator Jack Crumbly, Rep. Jerry Brown, Circuit Clerk Bette Green, members of the St. Francis County Dem Central Committee, and other voters. Here's a picture:

Forrest City

We then traveled on to the Mississippi County Deviled Egg Festival in Osceola. The event was held on the courthouse grounds and was led by Gary Phillips. Several elected officials and candidates spoke, including Sen. Blanche Lincoln (pictured right talking to Rep. Linda Tyler) and Sebastian County Clerk Doris Tate, who's running for Secretary of State. We also heard from former state Sen. Tim Wooldridge. Here are a few pictures:

Rep. Johnnie Roebuck (D-Arkadelphia) discusses the implementation of the lottery in Osceola, which Arkansas voters approved last November. In the background: Rep. Lindsley Smith (D-Fayetteville), Rep. Charolette Wagner (D-Manila), Rep. Linda Tyler (D-Conway), Rep. Tommy Baker (D-Osceola), and me.


Rep. Charolette Wagner (D-Manila) offers one of the dozens of plates of deviled eggs to Linda Tyler.

Visiting with Circuit Judge David Burnett, who's seeking the seat being vacated by Sen. Bryles

Several awards were given for the deviled eggs, including "most like mom's"

U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln gave the keynote address:


After leaving Osceola, we drove north through Blytheville, Gosnell, and through a portion of the bootheel of Missouri before turning west to Paragould. We met the Greene County Judge and several others on the grounds of the Greene County Courthouse for our next event:

Rep. Lindsley Smith (D-Fayetteville) discusses the need to repeal the remainder of the grocery tax (and other taxes on necessities) in Paragould as Greene County Judge Jesse Dollars listens




After leaving Paragould, we drove back over Crowley's Ridge and drove to Walnut Ridge before making our last stop of the day at the Air Field Museum and the old Army Flying School in nearby College City. I was amazed at the rich history of the air field and the old flying school. I could've spent all afternoon looking at the World War II memorabilia. Here, we met Rep. J.R. Rogers and other Lawrence County officials and voters:





We'll continue next week with stops in southern Arkansas.