AAC F A M I L Y F R I E N D S » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » 89th Assembly convenes
and the state share a unique relationship because we are a subdivision of the state and we carry out the transaction of government closest to the people. The State Capitol hallways are abuzz with conversations and introductions as this legis- lature settles in to tackle the issues before Arkansas. Yes, the hallways will now experience the vernacular and activity of an active session and the increasing frenzy that strengthens as the session grows older. There are more new faces in the legislature than ever
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before. This is a trend that began to take shape with the implementation of term limits. The AAC and all our member associations have an op-
portunity to embrace this legislature and introduce our new senators and representatives to county government shar- ing our challenges and adversities as well as our triumphs and successes. As all of our county officials and employees already know, the county story includes resource challenges and increasing responsibilities as we continue to adequately provide what the law requires us to for our constituents. We constantly and collectively work toward improving our abil- ity to provide for our citizens as efficiently as possible. The 89th General Session was one of historical signifi- cance before the first bill was ran. Republicans are in the majority in the House of Represen-
tatives for the first time in 138 years. Speaker of the House Davy Carter officially accepted his post Jan. 14 and proclaimed ... “We won’t be defined by who
he AAC legislative committee’s work and plan- ning in the summer months laid the ground- work for the association’s efforts during this 89th Arkansas General Assembly. County government
we are, but by what we do.” Well said Mr. Speaker and I think this rings true for all public servants. Gov. Mike Beebe stated in his
State of the State address ... “Our fellow Arkansans selected us and gave us the task of acting in the best interests of our fellow men and women. Our job is to show that we are up to that task ...” Gov. Beebe also pointed out that
President’s Perspective
there was much written and said about how different this session would be. He said his instincts told him differently though. The char- acteristics of this session are yet to be fully realized, however, yet again, the electorate of Arkansas have put the power of governance in our legislators’ hands. County officials should make sure to take part in the process and
Hon. Mike Jacobs AAC Board President; Johnson County Judge
share our story with the new faces of our legislature. Te AAC’s slo- gan speaks volumes about who we are — “75 counties. One voice.” Te gavel has sounded on this session. May all the factors of quality governance come to the surface as our new legislators col- lectively serve the state of Arkansas.
Te Honorable Mike Jacobs Johnson County Judge / AAC Board President ARKANSAS STATE CAPITOLSNAPSHOTS
Newly elected State Representatives listen to Jeff Sikes, AAC legislative director, on the House floor Dec. 6. Sikes said he was “honored” to be asked to address the Representative- elects. He discussed lobbying in general and provided an overview of the Association of Arkansas Counties organization.
(AAC Photo / Scott Perkins)
COUNTY LINES, WINTER 2013
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