Around AAC


A key resource for county officials for 22 years, David Morris shifts focus as new Mayor of Searcy


A reception honoring David Morris’s 22-plus


years of service to local government attracted approximately 225 friends, colleagues and well- wishers from all over Arkansas. Te reception was hosted Dec. 21 by the As- sociation of Arkansas Counties, where the one- time White County Judge had worked since October of 1988. Te White County native was sworn in Jan. 1 as Mayor of Searcy. Well-wishers included many of the county judges and other elected county and district of- ficials that Morris has provided with advice, re- search information, and other assistance over the years, along with dozens of department heads and staff members from various agencies within state government. Te chief justice of the Arkansas Supreme


Court and three state Constitutional officers also were there, along with representatives for Gov. Mike Beebe. Several groups, including the Secretary of State, Arkansas Highway and Trans- portation Department, and County Judges As- sociation of Arkansas made parting presenta- tions along with kind words and best wishes. Another special contingent was the sizeable


group of White County residents who came to express their congratulations. Other special at- tendees included Morris’s wife Gail and his fa- ther George – who was loudly applauded when identified as a Pearl Harbor survivor. Morris, at times emotional in addressing the


crowd, said although he has enjoyed his work at AAC tremendously, he has had a “strong desire in my heart” to finish out his public service in the capacity of Mayor of Searcy. But he also found an opening for some friend- ly banter, calling out Don Zimmerman, execu- tive director of the Arkansas Municipal League: “Don, AAC has finally found a way to infiltrate the Municipal League!” Te two organizations often work together but at times find themselves in rivalry as they advocate for state funding, one on behalf of county government, the other for city government interests. “You will be sorely missed here,” AAC Di-


rector Chris Villines told the honoree. “But we wish you the very best as you embark on this new chapter in life.”


50


David Morris, who has served in local government for more than 22 years in advis- ing and assisting county elected officials, tells well-wishers at a reception in his honor about his dream to conclude that service in the role of Searcy mayor.


Conway County Judge Jimmy Hart (right), president of the County Judges Asso- ciation of Arkansas, reads words of apprecia- tion from a plaque presented by the CJAA to Morris. His wife Gail stands at his right.


Plaques and presentations honoring Searcy Mayor-elect David Morris at a reception Dec. 21 in Little Rock were numerous. From left: Gail and David Morris; Steve Hollowell, representing Secretary of State Charlie Daniels; and Chris Villines, executive director of the Association of Arkansas Counties.


COUNTY LINES, WINTER 2011


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60