Happy New Year!

Best wishes for a Happy New Year and a big Thank You to everyone who has helped make this an unbelievable year for me. It is truly an honor to serve in the Arkansas House of Representatives with so many bright and thoughtful people, who I believe have the best interests of all Arkansans in their heart. May we all look forward and continue working toward what is best for our great State and Country.

Make Em So You Can Break Em!

I'm talking about those New Years resolutions everybody makes. Does anybody really follow through on their promises for the coming year? In most cases I'd say no, but every now and then, a few stout-hearted souls will stay the course. I say congrats to those who do, but I've never been very good at keeping them myself. In fact, most of mine don't even make it through the week. Here are a just a few of the things I've resolved over the years that just didn't have a chance. In 1978 I swore that I would quit getting so absorbed in football games to the point that I make myself look like a complete idiot. That one didn't even make it a whole day, as Arkansas stomped Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl 31-6, and I loudly proclaimed Lou Holtz to be the second coming of Knute Rockne and that Roland Sales might be the greatest running back ever to don a set of shoulder pads. And I won't even mention how many grown men I hugged that night. In 1983 I decided I would expand my horizons and learn a second language. Spanish seemed like the logical choice, so I bought a book and a record that both promised to have me speaking fluently in just a matter of weeks. Well I lost the book and broke the record, so at the end of the year the only spanish phrase I knew was "su madre es verde". Nothing wrong with the words but "Your mother is green" just doesn't keep a lot of conversations going. In 1988 I decided to make a concerted effort to quit cussing. Now I'm not a big user of profanity, but sometimes it's really handy when you need to make a point; so how ******* long do you think that one lasted? I really felt good about the resolution in 1995 when I decided that I would save on gas and help my cardiovascular system by riding my bike to work everyday. It was a good idea, but after a few days the winter of 95 hit Southwest Arkansas, and I'm just glad I wasn't a brass monkey. I should tell you that 2004 did bring a resolution I've been able to keep going since I made it. That was the year I vowed to never watch another reality show on television; and I'm very proud of the fact that I'm one of the few people who doesn't know who the survivors are, who got fired, who really is America's idol and who gets the bachelor . And that's a good thing; because if I had to watch them, I'd probably just start cussing.

Public Health Meeting

I drove to Batesville today and attended a meeting of the Joint Committee on Public Health. The meeting was called to discuss the funding options for a statewide network of Trauma Centers. Arkansas is the only state that doesn't have a Level 1 Trauma Center and everyone I've talked with believes the Trauma Network is a must for our state. Statistics show that trauma is the number 1 cause of death for Arkansans ages 1-40, and it is estimated that 300 to 600 lives a year could be saved. Of course the stumbling block is how do we fund the $25 million needed to get it going. Back during the Legislative session, the House passed a bill tying the funding to a $50 increase in DWI tickets. I supported the bill, but it died in the Senate when the Arkansas Municipal League lobbied hard against it, by pointing out that most Municipal Courts can't collect the fines already on the books. Having first hand experience in the Court system, I can see their point, but still believe some of the funding could come from that source. In fact, I think the funding stream needs to come from several different areas. Other states fund their Trauma Networks with license plate fees, auto insurance premiums, tobacco taxes and even from general revenues. At this time, I don't know if anyone has the best mechanism to fund the system, but we sure need to keep working and come up with a solution.

Merry Christmas To All

It's been a long day of shopping and before I go home and start wrapping the presents, I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. I pray that the hope and spirit of this special time of year, remains with you and your family as we step forward into 2008.

Potpourri for $100 Alex

I'm just going to throw out some miscellaneous stuff going on around me, and maybe a few thoughts bouncing around my brain. Should be harmless fun.

Congratulations to Representative Robbie Wills, (D)-Conway, who will be leading the House of Representatives as its Speaker in 2009. Representative David Dunn, (D)- Forrest City, made a gracious concession this week and formally bowed out of the race; leaving Rep. Wills as the lone candidate. Robbie will do a fine job as Speaker, and those I've talked with are pleased to have this race behind us, and anxious to get focused on the upcoming session, just a little more than a year away.

Of course there are the tiny matters of primary and general elections coming up before the 2009 session gets here. It truly seems like just yesterday that I was out campaigning to become one of our state's legislators. The time has flown by and I'm looking forward to the upcoming elections. It should be fun.

Vigi and I attended a holiday reception for legislators at the Governor's mansion last night. Governor and Mrs. Beebe were the perfect hosts as we all enjoyed the beautiful Christmas decorations and festive atmosphere in their home.

By the way, I haven't done a drop of Christmas shopping and more than likely won't get started until Sunday afternoon. That's just the way I've always done it and it really drives Vigi crazy. I contend that the longer I wait, the more focused I can be in selecting that perfect gift. In other words, I work better under pressure. My wife contends that I'm stupid. She probably has grounds there, but I really like the hustle and bustle of those last few hours.

Since I'm talking about Christmas eve, I'll give you my routine, because it hasn't changed in about 20 years. I usually get home around 5:00 or 6:00 and go upstairs to wrap the presents I've just bought. That usually takes a couple of hours, and then I put on my flannel pajamas. Hopefully it's not 75 degrees outside, so the flannels feel pretty good. Ok, if you're still with me, then I go downstairs and Vigi makes some egg nog. I grab a cup and retire to the den, get in the recliner and watch "A Christmas Story"
at least twice. I used to watch the Jimmy Stewart classic "It's a Wonderful Life", but Vigi made me switch movies several years back when I kept referring to her as Clarence. Anyway that's how I spend Christmas Eve, and I hope you enjoy yours as much as I do mine.

Sporting News

It was plain to see that this year's Heisman vote was a two man race between Tim Tebow and Darren Mcfadden. In my opinion, Mcfadden should have won the trophy, simply because of the unbelievable games he had on National TV against Alabama, South Carolina and LSU. You couldn't have watched any one of those games without saying this guy is the best player in the country. The Heisman voters may not have thought so, but the NFL knows. #5 will be a multi-millionaire in a matter of months. Good for him.

Hats off to the Nashville Scrappers on their 3rd consecutive state football championship. What's most impressive to me is the fact that the AAAA teams were, top to bottom, the strongest classification in the entire state. Billy Dawson has taken a very good program to unbelievable heights, and his 3 year reign as head coach can't get any better; unless of course he wins number 4 next year. We'll have to wait and see, but at this point I wouldn't bet against it.

On to the NFL, and remember, you heard it here first. Even though the Patriots will finish the regular season 16-0, they will be beaten in either the AFC championship game or the Super Bowl. More than likely the Super Bowl, since they will have home field through-out the play-offs. It certainly could be the Cowboys or Packers who knock them off, but there's an outside chance that the Seahawks will make it out of the NFC. The 72 Dolphins hallowed record will remain safe. You can mark my words, but no wagering, please.

Finally, whoever takes the Arkansas football job will not inherit a program that has to completely rebuild as some are projecting. Sure he will have to replace McFadden and Jones, but Michael Smith and Brandon Barnett are capable of being good SEC running backs. D-Mac and Felix only come around once in a lifetime. No matter what others say, Casey Dick had a solid year and will be better in 2008. The receivers should be improved, if only from experience; plus Ben Cleveland and Crosby Tuck will be back. The offensive line should be OK, especially if Luigs comes back for his senior year. Defensively, the front seven should be better with the experience and a year to grow. The real problem for this team will come in the secondary, where you lose Grant, Richardson, Hewitt and Woods. Good freshman class at the skill positions,(if they can keep it together), and an excellent kicker in Tejada, should help keep this team around 7-5 or 8-4; even with a more difficult schedule. The new coach probably gets a couple of years to get his system going, but I'm not buying that the cupboard is bare.

Support the 39th

As everyone knows, the 39th Brigade of the Arkansas National Guard, has been re-deployed to Iraq and will be leaving the states soon. Locally, the Family Readiness Group for Bravo Company, which includes Hope and Texarkana, is seeking donations to help with the Christmas going away party, to be held on December 21st. The FRG is made up of wives, mothers, grandmothers and children of the deployed soldiers. During the time their loved ones are gone, they send the soldiers care packages and coordinate activities for the families and provide whatever support is necessary. This is one group that truly deserves our thoughts,prayers and monetary help. They will be very appreciative for your kindness. To make a donation to the Family Readiness Group, send your check to: FRG, C/O Vicky Little, 500 West 23rd, Hope, Ar. 71801.

Lions Club Review

I mentioned in an earlier post how much I enjoyed attending the annual Lions Club auction. This year was no exception and I was there all 3 nights. I even got to do a little auctioneering myself. Great turn-out and a lot of money was raised for the club's charitable work. I bought a couple of items I probably didn't need when I outbid everyone on some hair care products and a chocolate snickers cake. Although I must say that Joyce Russell's Snickers cake was delicious, the truth is, I don't really have a reference for hair care stuff. At any rate, it was money well spent and I'll be over in Prescott on Friday night to help the Lions there.

Who's The Coach?

I don't have any idea who will end up calling the shots on the hill, but I can tell you I am impressed by the way that Reggie Herring has handled this very difficult situation. We tend to forget about what the players themselves have gone through with this coaching upheaval, and you just can't turn their emotions on and off like the proverbial faucet. But from what I've seen thus far, I think Reggie's going to have the Razorbacks ready to go on New Years day. Furthermore, if his team does show up big in the Cotton Bowl, I say give him every consideration for the head job. He may have earned that interview if he holds this team together. We could wait and see because of the dead period in recruiting, and I believe they're going to be relegated to an up and comer anyway. But you never know, Tommy Bowden is the name being thrown around today and Tuberville could get there yet.

Odds and Ends

It appears as of 3:00 p.m. that Houston Dale Nutt will step down as Arkansas's (Harrelson's spelling), head coach. Too much turmoil in the fan base will give us the opportunity to welcome in a coach who is either a supposed up and comer; or if Butch Davis doesn't come on board, then probably someone like Gary Patterson at TCU. Even though Houston hasn't announced his future plans as of yet, I believe he is headed to Ole Miss. We shall see.

One of the really fun things to do in Hempstead County comes up this week with the annual Hope Lions Club Auction. The 3 day event kicks off on Thursday night, at 6:00 here in Hope, at the Fair Park coliseum. This is the big fund-raiser for the local Lions club, and the community always gets behind it and has a great time. You can knock out quite a few names on that Christmas list, enjoy a fine homemade meal from the Lioness club and just flat dab have a good old time by bidding on everything from a haircut, to a ham o' meat, to a trip to Branson. I wouldn't miss this for the world and hope to see you there.

One more thing about the SWEPCO plant. There were so many local folks who really worked hard and were steadfast in their support of the plant, that I will probably offend some when I accidentally leave their name out in this note of thanks. No offense is intended, but here are a few who I believe went above and beyond the call of duty, in helping to get this project through---Former State Rep. Chris Thomason, who was involved from the start. Mayor Henry Hale of Fulton, was a tremendous ambassador for his community during this entire debate. Mayors James Conway of McNab and Dennis Ramsey of Hope. Hempstead County Economic Development Director Wesley Woodard was instrumental in this process and really did an outstanding job. Hempstead County Judge Wallace Martin was so solid from day one. Hope Water and Light's Jim Kirchoff provided a great deal of expertise through-out . Mark Keith, with the local Chamber of Commerce, was a staunch advocate with his letters to the PSC. Special thanks to Mike Cox, Wanda Koontz, Jessie Henry and Johnny Scott, the Fultonites I'll call them. Superintendents Kenneth Muldrew and Max Adcock. Mayor Horace Shipp of Texarkana and so many from Miller County were key with their support. My Legislative friends, Reps. Steve Harrelson-Texarkana, Larry Cowling-Foreman, Randy Stewart-Kirby, Scott Sullivan-Dequeen and Senator Barbara Horn of Ashdown. And to the thousands of folks in Southwest Arkansas who saw this opportunity presented and voiced their support in so many ways--Thank you for taking the future of Hempstead County in the right direction.

The Speaker's Race

A while back I posted my thoughts on the upcoming election for Speaker of the House. Now I realize this topic probably doesn't excite a lot of you, but choosing a Speaker has become an extremely competitive undertaking. In fact, whether or not your're on the winning side probably determines your power base and pecking order in the race for committee chairs. Once upon a time, the Speaker position was largely ceremonial; but now, most insiders will acknowledge that term limits has forever changed and dramatically increased the scope and power of wielding that gavel. Nowadays, the Speaker basically drives each session with committee appointments and assigning bills, which can have a major effect on whether certain pieces of legislation have any chance to succeed. That's simply the way it is, and whether that's good or bad, ultimately depends upon the Speaker.
Now that Representatives David Cook and David Rainey have dropped out of the race, I am one of those apparent few who are left uncommitted. I say apparent few, because it seems as if virtually everyone has made a committment at this point. I had committed to Rep. Cook long ago, and for legitimate reasons he has decided to take his name out of the hat. That leaves me with, what I believe is a very important decision. Representatives Robbie Wills and David Dunn are the two left vying for the job, and truthfully have been the front-runners from day one. I like both men and can see strengths for each one. Even though I am convinced that either one can and will handle the job; I will have to make a choice soon. I am leaning a certain way, but a bit more thought and reflection won't hurt my decision.

Happy Thanksgiving

As I write this on Wednesday evening and get ready to head home to a wonderful wife and share a Thanksgiving meal tomorrow with so many I love; I hope to never take for granted the multitude of blessings in my life. I'm a lucky man and I know it. My prayer is for those who, for whatever reason, might be struggling to make it through the holidays. I pray for your peace of mind until things get better and the patience to know that it will. I also think of our soldiers, so far away from families that love them dearly. I pray for their safe return. Best wishes to all and here's hoping you have the best Thanksgiving ever. Bubba

PSC Grants SWEPCO Permit

The long awaited PSC decision on SWEPCO'S Turk Power Plant came down this afternoon with a 2-1 majority decision from the commission. Chairman Suskie and Commissioner Bassett voted in favor of granting the Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need (CECPN), with acting Commissioner Newbern dissenting. Although this decision can certainly be appealed by the intervenors, it is my understanding that SWEPCO can and will proceed with construction at this time. I have been supportive of the power plant from the beginning and am very pleased with the decision to go forward. I believe strongly that this project will give a much needed economic boost to Hempstead County, and also keep electric rates manageable over the coming years. As I read the decision this afternoon, it was apparent that Justice Newbern's dissent was based primarily on global warming issues; and he called the decision of Suskie and Bassett, unconscionable. He basically sided with the intervenors position that coal was an unacceptable resource for energy production. Fortunately, Chairman Suskie and Commissioner Bassett took a more expansive view of the issue and factored in all the testimony regarding the environment, economic impact and the need for electricity. Whichever side you came down on before, is probably the opinion you will agree with after you read them. In the end, I believe the people of Southwest Arkansas will be much better off because of SWEPCO'S investment, and I look forward to the results.

Veterans Day

Sunday I attended the unveiling of the new Veterans monument in Nevada County. The monument is dedicated to all Nevada countians who have served in the military and honors their committment to our country. Congressman Mike Ross gave the keynote address to a good crowd of supporters gathered on the Nevada County courthouse lawn. Special thanks to Leadership Nevada County for undertaking the monument project and seeing it through. It provides a lasting reminder of all the sacrifices by our service men and women, along with their families, in keeping our freedoms intact.

A ceremony to honor our Veterans in Hempstead County was held on Monday at the courthouse. This holiday honors the true heroes in our community, and it is a special pleasure for me to visit with those WW II vets in attendance, and just say thank you to the perfectly named "greatest generation". We can never thank them enough.

Here's Johnnie

I'm talking about Representative Johnnie Roebuck, who will kick off her re-election campaign for District 20 on Tuesday, at the Western Sizzlin' in Arkadelphia, from 4:30-6:00 . Although I will have to hoof it back to Hope for the Governor's reception at 6:00, I'll be there as long as possible, to show my support for an outstanding legislator and friend.

Governor In Town

Governor Beebe will be here in Hope on Tuesday November 13th, to attend a reception and fund-raiser for the Henry Clay Yerger museum. The event will take place at the UACCH student union from 6-8 pm. The Governor voiced his support for the completion of this project in a meeting I attended last summer, and we look forward to having him here on Tuesday night

Kermit--I Hear Ya Brother

Kermit the Frog's proclamation that it's not easy being green came to mind last Saturday night at the Crossroads VFD fundraiser. What's my point? Just this--It ain't easy being bald. Crossroads always has a great turn-out for their barbeque and auction, which raises money for a well run fire department. I always enjoy spending for the cause by bidding on the home-made muscadine jelly and pear honey. In fact, I always buy it no matter the cost, and it's money well spent. But here's where the bald abuse comes in--There I was, just minding my own business, clutching 2 jars of jelly that would end up on Sunday mornings hot buttered biscuits; when all of a sudden, somebody pipes up that they'd give $100 to have the face painter put Vigi's name on the top of my head. Well, I'm proud of my wife, but I still had to go to wal-mart before I got home. So, in an effort to save face-- and my head too, I bid $110 not to be painted. The end result is they kept bidding it up, so I shelled out a healthy $225, just so I could walk into the grocery store with some sense of dignity. Whadda ya gonna do? Pay up and take it in stride that both frogs and bald guys have a few warts.

Rumor Mill

One of the rumors being floated out there is that SWEPCO paid myself and other legislators to attend the various PSC hearings. That is so much tripe it probably doesn't deserve a comment---but, I'll comment anyway. First of all, I attended five sessions and each time it came out of my own pocket. I know it's hard for those spreading the rumors to believe that there are other people in this world as honorable and committed as they are, but that is probably the arrogant and elitist attitude we are dealing with. They want what they want and are willing to say or do anything it takes to ensure they get their way. I have made no bones about my support for this plant and my support has always taken into consideration what is best for all concerned. I am firmly convinced this will be a huge economic step forward for Southwest Arkansas, and the environmental impact will be negligible to all concerned. Those in opposition to the plant may yet quash this project, and the hopes it brings to our area. Let's hope not, and continue our support of the Turk Power Plant.

Turk's Final Arguments

All sides got to lay it on the table at today's final arguments before the PSC. It's all in the hands of Chairman Suskie and Commissioner's Bassett and Newbern now. They have 60 days from today to render their decision whether SWEPCO is granted the permit to proceed. There was a nice contingent of locals in attendance to show their support. Senator Horn, along with Representatives Stewart, Cowling and myself were there to provide a legislative presence. It all boils down to this--Does this small number of hunting club members get to keep their ball and go home, or will our community and its' children have a chance at untold opportunities this project offers? The environmental collapse predicted at today's hearing was put into words by the intervenor's attorney when he told the commissioners that if they allowed this plant to be built, they would regret their decision in 20 years. He didn't say why the people in Gentry don't regret their power plant 30 years later, or why the environment there is as viable and beautiful as it was 30 years ago. They don't like that comparison because it doesn't suit their argument of ecological disaster. As I have said before, SWEPCO and the hunting club can live in harmony without the environment being compromised. You only need travel to Gentry and see for yourself.

Black Tie Affair

I've been to quite a few fire department fundraisers since I started down the political road and have always thought each one provided its' own unique flair. But the one I attended in Old Washington last Saturday night, pretty much tops the chart for being one of a kind. The black tie event with dinner provided, offered big band swing music and a concert by country singer, Johnny Lee. Senator Jim Hill and wife Charlotte, Representative Steve and Lori Harrelson, Representative Scott Sullivan and date Christie McQueen, along with Vigi and myself, filled out our table and we couldn't have had more fun. Best of all was the $43,000 raised for the Fire Department. What an unbelievable amount and night it was. Although, here's hoping I don't have to break out the tux for all my VFD's. But it's on the ready if needed.