Our View Meddling politics with the Highway Commission

Our View

Meddling politics with the Highway Commission

From what we view as, yet another attempt, for elected officials to take more control in the form of a political power grab, we hear Rep. Andy Davis, RLittle Rock, is proposing to possibly circumvent Amendment 42 of the state Constitution to have final say in the decisions made by the independent five-member state Highway Commission.

You see, Amendment 42 was specifically created that established the independent commission and there is concern being expressed that Davis’ power grab could very well be in violation of the Arkansas Constitution.

It comes as no real surprise to hear this politician make the point he wants to require the Highway Commission to put its funding process into a proposed rule requiring his and other lawmakers’ approval so “they will have buy-in about that process.” Davis says he is doing this to avoid skepticism about the funding process, which to us is nothing more than political interference.

Now, we could be all wrong about what Davis is attempting to pull off but again, it appears this is similar to what lawmakers did when they conveniently abolished the citizen committee that oversaw the Arkansas Lottery last year.

It is clearly perceived to be yet another control thing that politicians are cleverly good at. So then, Rep. Davis, let’s make the assumption at this point it your intent goes well beyond the sales pitch that it will eliminate skepticism.

Anyone who has been familiar with Arkansas politics knows very well how some elected officials have a very difficult time now being able to control the decisions of the state independent Highway Commission.

Even State Rep. Prissy Hickerson, who chairs the House Public Transportation Committee, said that “this could be unconstitutional in that this act grants approval of programs and processes solely to the Highway Commission.”

While Davis intends to convince his colleagues to consider the measure during the second upcoming special session that convenes at the conclusion of the regular fiscal session, it is most likely going to need more clarification as to its legality.

Let it also be made clear that the existing transportation committees can and do receive reports on highway projects and the state Highway and Transportation Department could present any additional information that lawmakers request or are interested in to the House and Senate transportation committees, a point that was made very clear by Rep. Hickerson.

We bring this to the forefront only because it is important for concerned Arkansans to stay abreast as to what these elected officials are doing when they get together in Little Rock.

BIBLE VERSE

Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts. To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin. The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want. The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death. The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment. The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right. is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house. The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes. When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.

21:2-11

Proverbs