LITTLE ROCK – Second District Congressional candidate, U.S. Army Reservist and former U.S. Attorney Tim Griffin will visit Faulkner, White and Van Buren Counties today as part of a tour to see first-hand how the Fayetteville Shale Play is impacting the economy of the Second District.

“The Fayetteville Shale has provided great economic opportunity to Arkansas,” Griffin said. “Natural gas is a clean energy source, and it has strengthened our state’s economy.”

Griffin will visit a Shale Development Training class at ASU-Searcy. Students enrolled in the class are taught the methods used in gas production and the skills needed to work in the field. While in White County, Griffin will tour a shale facility and visit with business owners and elected officials in Albion and Rosebud to discuss how the presence of shale play workers has affected the local economy.

Griffin will then visit energy facilities in Van Buren and Faulkner counties as well as a support company in Conway.

“I understand that the private sector is the only source of sustainable job creation. Only the private sector can lead our state’s economic recovery. I look forward to learning more about the economic impact of the Fayetteville Shale Play on the Second District and on local communities in Faulkner, White and Van Buren counties,” Griffin said.

The following was issued by Stephen Meeks, Republican Candidate
Arkansas State Representative District 47:

Background:

Prior to each election, county clerks conduct a ballot draw to determine the order in which candidates for a particular office will appear on the ballot.

Issue:

Faulkner County sent out written notification informing candidates of the time and place of the ballot draw. The draw was conducted openly with representatives from most campaigns and both parties present.

Conway County did not send out notifications of its draw and my campaign only learned of it after the fact. When we checked with other Republican candidates none of them had been contacted either, neither had my Democrat opponent. It appeared the county had not contacted any of the candidates, on either side, about the draw. Further, at the time of the draw, there was supposedly no Republican representative present in the room.

The following day I went to the Conway County courthouse and asked for the ‘results’ of the draw and why I hadn’t been contacted. The clerk responded they had advertised it in the newspaper and radio. (I have not been able to find the newspaper notice). When I told her most of the candidates didn’t live in the area she, in an annoyed tone, told me to give her my name and she would contact me in the future if there were other events.

The ‘results’ of the ballot draw are questionable at best. Of the 13 ballot positions in Conway County, the top position went to 9 Democrats, 2 Republican, 1 independent, 1 Green. In statewide positions that Conway County would have less impact on or the races are heavily favored Republican the ballot appears ‘randomly’ drawn. However, on the eight bottom or more local races that would have a strong impact on Conway County, all 8 are topped by Democratic candidates. The probability of this having occurred by chance is 1 in 576.

While the top spot may not provide as much of an advantage to today’s candidates with electronic voting machines, draws should nonetheless be conducted openly and fairly. By conducting this draw in the dark Conway County’s Clerk has raised the following questions:

• Is it fair that the people in Greenbrier, Vilonia and Bee Branch have had their State Representative District 47 race influenced by Democrat leaning clerks in Morrilton?
• How will hard working candidates on both sides, and the citizens, know the election is fair and impartial?
• What of the good people in Conway County who consider themselves Democrat’s having their reputations impuned by the questionable acts of county leaders.

This is not about Republican or Democrat it is about the integrity of our elections. With Conway County still saddled with a reputation of questionable politics from the time when County Sheriff Marlin Hawkins wrote his book “How I stole elections for 40 years”, this county needs to be going above and beyond to keep its’ elections in the light.

My Position:

I want the people of my district to know I will not sit idly by while good ‘ol boy politics of the past continue. Too many Americans have died and sacrificed for our freedoms, including our right to vote for there to be any questions about the integrity of our elections. To that end:

• If elected I will propose legislation that before a county draw occurs that each candidate’s campaign is notified in writing, and following the draw each candidate is notified in writing of the outcome. The draws will continue to be open and public as they were in Faulkner County.
• I call on the Conway County Clerk to restore the integrity of her office by re-conducting the draw in an open manner.

Stephen Meeks, Republican Candidate Arkansas State Representative District (47) 501-339-5320

Washington - U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor and U.S. Representatives Marion Berry (AR-01), Vic Snyder (AR-02), and Mike Ross (AR-04) today announced that the Arkansas  Department of Transportation will receive $194,864 to identify and recruit minority and female contractors currently performing construction-related work to encourage them to apply for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certification. The funds will also help pay for outreach and education to benefit these contractors.

 Funds will go the Arkansas State Highway Department, who will contract with the Arkansas Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Contractors Association, Inc. to carry out the intended tasks.

 Law encourages federal surface transportation program to contract about 10 percent of the funds made available for projects to small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. In order to qualify for the certification – known as Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certification – that would allow a small firm access to these contracts, persons must own 51 percent or more of a “small business,” prove they control their business, and establish that they are disadvantaged within the meaning of Department of Transportation regulations.

In addition to helping identify and recruit socially and/or economically disadvantaged persons, this funding will help train certified firms in Department of Transportation expectations, rules and regulations, and provide business management assistance, technical assistance and other training and development to qualified Disadvantaged Business Enterprises.

 “These funds will help strengthen a critical workforce in Arkansas that is responsible for the construction of the state’s infrastructure,” Lincoln said. “With this money to support disadvantaged businesses competing for transportation contracts, we will ensure that those who work for small contracting firms have the same opportunities as those workers who are employed by bigger businesses. These funds will help teach new skill sets, and ensure that our workforce can be more productive. I will always fight to ensure that our small businesses – which play a critical role in our economy – have the resources they need to be successful.”

 “The construction industry helps boost local economies and drive development, and it is important to ensure that contractors from all backgrounds are able to create and grow small businesses,” Pryor said.  “These federal funds will help make sure that female and minority contractors have the resources they need to build successful businesses and create good jobs in their communities.”

 “There are a lot of small businesses in Arkansas that are doing great work and deserve the same opportunities for receiving transportation contracts,” Berry said. “This is a great effort toward acknowledging many of our minority and female contractors, and giving them the support they need through training and other resources so they remain a viable and important part of our economy.”

 “This funding is a win-win,” Snyder said.  “Helping qualified contractors in Arkansas be fully competitive ultimately creates jobs and strengthens small business within our state.” 

 “The Arkansas Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Contractors Association has been very successful in carrying out the activities of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Supportive Services Program Work Plan, which has benefited the DBE community,” said Dan Flowers, director of the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department. “This new money will be helpful in continuing this important program.”

Senator Mark Pryor made the following statement on the death of Private First Class Bryn T. Raver from Harrison, AR, who was killed in Nangahar, Afghanistan, when his vehicle was hit by rocket-propelled grenade fire. Pfc. Raver was assigned to the 1^st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 101^st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

 Today I join all Arkansans in mourning the loss of Private First Class Bryn T. Raver, who gave his life defending our freedom.  Pfc. Raver had a deep love for his country and his family, and was inspired to join the military by his grandfather, who served in the Korean War.  He was known as an “action person,” never hesitating to fight for what he knew was right. 

 My thoughts and prayers are with Pfc. Raver’s family and friends during this difficult time. Pfc. Raver served our nation with courage, dedication, and honor, and we will never forget his sacrifice.

Little Rock – U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln today released the following statement upon learning of this morning’s medical helicopter crash in Van Buren County:

 “I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the emergency responders who lost their lives today.  Along with all Arkansans, I recognize the courage, bravery, and dedication of our first responders, who risk their lives each day to save the lives of patients in need. We must honor and remember these individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as their family members, friends and fellow emergency responders. I thank them for their service and sacrifice.”

Little Rock – U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln today released the following statement upon learning of the passing of Private First Class Bryn T. Raver, 20, of Arkansas, who died on August 29, 2010, in Nangahar, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. According to initial reports, Private First Class Raver died of injuries sustained on August 28, 2010, when his military vehicle was hit by rocket-propelled grenade fire

 “My heart goes out to the family of Private First Class Raver who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our nation,” Lincoln said. “Along with all Arkansans, I am grateful for his service and for the service and sacrifice of all of our military service members and their families.

 “More than 11,000 Arkansans on active duty and more than 10,000 Arkansas reservists have served in Iraq or Afghanistan since September 11, 2001.  These men and women have shown tremendous courage and perseverance through the most difficult of times. As neighbors, as Arkansans, and as Americans, it is incumbent upon us to do everything we can to honor their service and to provide for them and their families, not only when they are in harm’s way but also when they return home.  It is the least we can do for those whom we owe so much.”

 Private First Class Raver was assigned to the 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He is survived by his wife, who resides at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington; a daughter in Alpena, Ark.; and his father of Everton, Ark.

Washington - U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor today announced that the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville will receive a $1,701,988 National Science Foundation grant to enhance computer research capabilities for students who study the sciences at the University of Arkansas and the other four-year, public universities in the state.

 Funds will be used to improve the facility that houses the supercomputers at the University of Arkansas. Funds will be used to purchase air conditioners for the supercomputers and equipment that ensures that electricity can run around the clock, since many research projects require programs to run for several days and cannot sustain a power outage.  The supercomputers support science research requiring massive data files and advanced visualization programs.

 The funding will also enhance the network speed available to University of Arkansas researchers, and will enhance the network speed from the state’s high speed optical network to the supercomputers. The high speed optical network, the Arkansas Research and Education Optical network (ARE-ON), allows researchers using computers for advanced scientific research at Arkansas’s four-year universities to have better access to the state’s supercomputing resources. The Arkansas Research and Educational Optical Network is a high-speed network owned and operated by the Arkansas higher education community. 

“I am pleased to announce this Recovery Act investment that will enhance cutting-edge science research at universities throughout Arkansas and benefit hundreds of students,” Lincoln said. “It is crucial that we support research infrastructure in Arkansas to attract students and keep our state competitive.”

“This undertaking will expand our research capabilities at Arkansas universities, and bring us closer to finding groundbreaking solutions and technologies,” Pryor said. “This stimulus investment by NSF and taxpayers will be met with strong results.”

 “In building a better infrastructure for the institutions that are a part of the Arkansas Research and Educational Optical Network, we are helping to support advancements in research that could lead to better medication, computer technology, and other fields that will grow our economy and keep Arkansas competitive in the sciences,” Berry said. “Continuing to fund research and innovation in our universities is beneficial to all Arkansans.”

“I applaud the Arkansas institutions for their work in pushing for this funding.  Improving technology in this capacity not only provides more Arkansas students with better research capabilities, but also helps strengthen science, research and development professions especially now when there are shortages – a time when it is most needed,” Snyder said.

“This investment in computer research infrastructure for Arkansas’s universities will help provide the tools and resources needed to ensure our students receive a world class education,” Ross said. “I am committed to fighting for critical federal investments to support our colleges and universities because when we help our children get the best education they deserve, we work to put them on a path to healthy, successful and prosperous lives.”

“This National Science Foundation grant will allow Arkansas to move forward substantially in the area of research computing.  It will provide the infrastructure that we need to house large-scale computers and storage that support several areas of science, and will improve our ability to compete nationally. We are delighted that the National Science Foundation has chosen to support this project,” said Amy Apon, Ph.D., University of Arkansas computer science professor and Director of the Arkansas High Performance Computing Center.

Marcus Vaden, 20th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney, has been named to the Board of Directors of the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas, Inc. 

The purpose of the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas, Inc. is to function as a statewide umbrella organization assisting and supporting the state’s local child advocacy centers and communities through the development, continuation and enhancement of the child advocacy model.  It is the leading resource within the state dedicated to a coordinated and comprehensive response to child physical and sexual abuse and also serves as a link to regional and national support agencies.  More than a dozen child advocacy centers are located across the state of Arkansas.  In 2009, the Arkansas Child Advocacy Centers served more than 3000 child victims of abuse.

      “I am honored to be named to the board of this wonderful organization.  Working with other committed professionals, we will continue the fight against child abuse.  Every child deserves to be happy and protected,” Vaden said.

Washington – U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor and U.S. Representatives Marion Berry (AR-01), Vic Snyder (AR-02) and Mike Ross (AR-04) today announced that the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department will receive a $500,000 U.S. Department of Transportation grant to improve its record-keeping system on crashes and other traffic incidents that occur in Arkansas.

 Funds will be used to develop a statewide system to accumulate traffic accident reports from Arkansas’s local law enforcement agencies and ensure they are stored in a single database.

The widespread use of electronic – rather than paper – crash records will save the state money and resources. In addition, funds will be used to improve ambulance and emergency medical services record-keeping.

 “This funding will enhance our state’s record-keeping capacity and help save taxpayer money by streamlining the process,” Lincoln said. “I am committed to securing federal investments for state and local priorities that save money and make Arkansas stronger.”

 “The more we know about where and when traffic accidents occur, the easier it is to find and fix problem spots and dangerous intersections.  These funds to improve the state’s traffic record-keeping system will save taxpayer dollars and make our roads safer for families,” Pryor said.

 “Investing in this technology to improve efficiency in our records is a great way to save Arkansans money,” Berry said. “I will continue to support efforts to make our taxpayer dollars work better for Arkansans.”

 “Arkansans will benefit from these improvements to highway and traffic safety records,” Snyder said. “In addition to maximizing efficiency and effectiveness, these improvements will help save money and save lives.”

 “One of my top priorities in Congress is to be more efficient with how we spend taxpayers’ hard-earned money,” Ross said. “This funding will allow our state highway department to modernize its record-keeping system, which will cut unnecessary costs and ultimately improve safety on our state’s highways.”

 “These funds will help us to continue implementing significant improvements to the state’s Traffic Records System and to include current efforts to transition from a paper-based manual data entry system for traffic crash reports and citations to electronic data capture. These improvements will make the data more timely, accurate, complete and accessible for use in identifying and evaluating the State’s traffic safety problems, which will help us to better deploy resources,” said Bridget White, Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Administrator.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The largest moving image archive of Arkansas history, which consists of more than 24,000 hours of film and video footage dating back to the 1950s, was gifted to the University of Arkansas by Allbritton Communications and KATV Channel 7 in May 2009. An announcement regarding next steps for the preservation of the collection will be held at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 25, at the Arkansas State Library. The collection will be moved from KATV to the Arkansas State Library and digitized by the David and Barbara Pryor Center for Arkansas Oral and Visual History at the University of Arkansas.

 What: University of Arkansas and KATV announce future home of KATV Collection

When: 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2010

Where: Bessie B. Moore Conference Room, Arkansas State Library, 900 W. Capitol, Little Rock

Speakers:

• The Honorable Mike Beebe, governor
• Sen. David Pryor
• Fred Ryan, Chief Operating Officer and Vice Chairman for Allbritton Communications
• Carolyn Ashcraft, State Librarian
• G. David Gearhart, Chancellor, University of Arkansas