The following article is a guest article written by Chas Reed

The Association of Arkansas Counties has scheduled a forum at their convention for the two major party candidates, August 13th, 2010 in Hot Springs. Although they have called it a forum, it is a debate and it also has a mediator. The definition of a forum is a public meeting place for open discussion. Senator Lincoln confirms this is a debate by sending out the following statement in a press release.

“Arkansans know I have been an independent voice who always puts our state first, and they deserve to learn more about Congressman Boozman’s record. I have accepted several debate invitations, and I look forward to the opportunity of comparing our respective records in every corner of the state.”

As stated in their website, the AAC’s mission is: supports and promotes the idea that all elected officials must have the opportunity to act together in order to solve mutual problems as a unified group. To further this goal, the Association of Arkansas Counties is committed to providing a single source of cooperative support and information for all counties and county and district officials. The overall purpose of the Association of Arkansas Counties is to work for the improvement of county government in the state of Arkansas. The Association accomplishes this purpose by providing legislative representation, on-site assistance, general research, training, various publications and conferences to assist county officials in carrying out the duties and responsibilities of their office.

Volunteers of the Trevor Drown (I) for US Senate effort contacted the Association by phone and email. Here is the email:

I contacted your office earlier today to speak with you about the upcoming US Senate debate in Hot Springs.

There are actually four candidates for US Senate, a Green Party candidate and the other is Trevor Drown. Mr. Drown was able to get on the ballot as an independent using the petition process. This was the first time in more than 30 years and no easy accomplishment.

To not allow Mr. Drown to participate in the debate process would be considered by many a manipulation of the political process by the two party system. This is especially disturbing considering what your organization is about, who they represent, what they do, and your mission statement. (end of email)

Shortly thereafter, we called the AAC and talked with the Executive Director Mr. Chris Villines. After a few minutes of back and forth, he stated he would be doing us a favor by not inviting Trevor Drown because he would not have anything to offer. Since he will not be voting on any of the upcoming bills his input was not something the members would want to hear. Furthermore, Mr. Villines stated that the event was closed to only the members of the Association, media, and the Senate candidates of the two main political parties. So regardless if Trevor showed up and paid his own way in, he could not even be a member of the audience.

When challenged on this, he simply [Villines] stated, “I don’t make that decision, other people do”, and that he would get back to us. Well it has been three days and he has not returned our calls.

Let’s analyze this: An organization made up of mostly elected officials at the county level from around the state can see no value of including an independent to debate at their forum. This organization made up of County Judges, Election Officials, Sheriffs, Tax Collectors, Coroners, etc; are usually elected from one of the two major parties. These Republicans and Democrats who make up less than 8% of the registered voters in the state have decided that no one else outside the two party system should participate in the democratic process. Democracy is only allowed by those that are members of an exclusive club.

It is noticeable that only the two members of Congress running for Senator Lincoln’s seat were invited. No other member of congress or their opponent were invited.

What can we do? We are asking for all Arkansans who believe in freedom, liberty and fairness to pick up their phone and call their county officials, you can also contact them by, email and letter. We must voice our objection to this “good old boy’s” system. You can also voice your displeasure with any media outlets within the state.

If that doesn’t get the desired result, we will be in front of the convention center protesting this event and their exclusionary strategy.

It is sad that someone who has served this country in battle cannot even be considered a viable candidate by the two major parties. That is unless you are part of the two party system. Many of us view this of another prime example that the two-party system is broken.

Sadly, the common person and voter is the one that pays the price.

Update: August 6th, 6 pm,
It is been brought to my attention that the people attending this will not lose any pay or have to take any vacation to attend. After all their employers, the People of Arkansas will be footing the bill through the taxes as well as the per diem. Furthermore, all registration fees and other fees associated with the event such as hotel stay will also be paid by the Taxpayers of the State of Arkansas. As you can see your tax dollars can be used for these people to attend the conference. CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FEES MUST ACCOMPANY THIS FORM BEFORE REGISTRATION CAN BE PROCESSED. ENCLOSE CHECK OR OFFICIAL COUNTY

VOUCHER (PAYABLE TO AAC).  http://www.arcounties.org/calendar/

As of 2004, the last financial statement we could find the net assets was $5.6million up from $5 million in 2003.

Then there is this from the same statement located here http://arklegaudit.gov/showfile.php?t=webaudit&fid=LOCO07704 : Membership rates are billed annually in advance and are based upon rates provided by Arkansas law. If the quorum court of the county authorizes participation in the Association, current law stipulates that one percent (1%) of the general revenues received by that county from the County Aid Fund in the State Treasury during the preceding year will be appropriated as dues to the Association.

Every elected county official and Association board member’s phone number and email address can be found at this website.

http://www.arcounties.org/

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