A Letter to the Editor

Only a few short weeks before the big day!

Only a few more annoying text messages, robo-phone calls and emails asking for my support and vote. No doubt you have been on the receiving end of these too.

I do not mind these interruptions as they are informative, thought provoking and a freedom of speech.

Mr. Lincoln Barnett current mayor of Hughes and a minister sent me this text “… I know affordability is a huge concern for families like yours and mine. As your state rep I’ll work hard to address soaring costs. I’ll work to expand workforce training initiatives so more East Arkansas workers can up-skill and transition to better-paying jobs, and I’ll work to improve quality of life in East Arkansas and attract employers to District 63”. My first thought was, I wonder what he did for Hughes. I wonder how he is going to work hard to address soaring costs. Does he mean the costs of food, utilities, gasoline, medical, personal property tax, sales tax, state gas tax, all the local and state taxes itemized on the cable, gas, and electric bills? What costs does he believe he can reduce?

I have been to Hughes more than a few times, know a handful of people who live in Hughes and I have never seen or heard of any improvements in Hughes. I am sure Mr. Barnett is a fine man, concerned about Eastern Arkansas, but what has Mr. Barnett done for Hughes? His message did not contain a hint of what his accomplishments were and certainly no details on what he would do.

See ADAMS, page A10

Clayton Adams Community Commentary PREACHER

From page A4

The Mayor of West Memphis sent a message supporting candidate Barnett stating “… Mayors can’t afford to play politics. The duty of a mayor is to keep families and livelihoods safe, build roads and ensure a city’s infrastructure can accommodate investment and economic growth.

Basic city services are not glamorous work – most citizens only think of them when there’s a problem!

But a good Mayor is committed to good, transparent government. A good Mayor understand that roads and bridges, clean water, and safe streets are for everybody, not just Democrats and not just Republicans.”

I agree with Mayor Mc-Clendon emphatically!

May I suggest the good Mayor replace the bridge on Rich Road that has been out for three years! Pave North 7th street and fix the bridge on that street too!

Clean out the ditches to reduce flood risks, issue citations to residents who leave their big blue trash bins on the side of the road – what an eye sore driving through the neighborhoods!

A third message followed from State Senator Murdock also encouraging me to support candidate Barnett. His message stated, “… extremists are blocking new investment in our community’s roads, bridges and broadband, and they are instead planning massive tax cuts for our state’s wealthiest.” The message continued, “Mayor Barnett is focused on policies that help working families.

He’ll work to bring down the costs of childcare and elder care. He wants to ensure more families can afford going to the doctor or dentist. He wants to strengthen our public schools.”

I might believe this statement if proof were offered.

Who are the extremists” How are they “blocking” roads, bridges, and broadband investments? What is the definition of wealthy?

Who are the wealthiest?

What “policies” is he referring to? I too want everyone to be able to afford going to the doctor or dentist too – but how does candidate Barnett intend to do this? Spend more tax money? When I get multiple texts and emails from current elected officials to support their friend (Democrat and Republican) the warning lights and sirens come on and I immediately ask what has the candidate accomplished in his or her current position? What exactly is his or her plan to “help” me?

These and other messages I received (even from Mr.

Barnett’s opponent Tammy Northcutt Bell have been vague and short of details) remind of the most terrifying words in the English language, “Hello, I’m from the government and I’m here to help.”

Very soon we will stop receiving these creative and encouraging messages offering hope and help but the hope and help promised are free of details and as we know… the devil is in the details.

Clayton P. Adams is a West Memphis resident and regular contributor to The Evening Times. Email him at claytonpadamslll @ gmail. com