Our View

Our View

Governor’s mansion ‘controversy’ anything but

After all the recent hubbub over First lady Susan Hutchinson and the Governor’s Mansion Commission, and the subsequent bill that was passed during the recent special session that gave her husband, Gov. Asa Hutchinson, the power to remove members of that commission, it now appears the mainstream media’s criticism was for naught.

We say that in light of the fact that Gov. Hutchinson has since reappointed every former commissioner that reapplied and then filled the rest of the positions with new commissioners.

Furthermore, it was revealed that Hutchinson drafted a letter, dated May 26, thanking commissioners for their work and asked them to complete an appointment application if they wanted to continue their service, which was completely contrary to the media spin put on the issue.

In one particular news article it was said Susan Hutchinson wanted final approval and sometimes sole say in decorating choices at the mansion.

And, the article was quoted as saying, “As a result of the new law (Act 3), Gov. Asa Hutchinson will be able to remove members of the Governor’s Mansion Commission at will…”

It was clearly pointed out in the article the governor’s office declined numerous requests for comment from Susan Hutchinson and declined requests for her emails to the commission.

This so-called media witch hunt went on to make it clear that these e-mails from the governor’s wife detail a tense relationship with the commission leaving the impression that only the governor and first lady will have a say as to the decorating choices at the mansion.

Now, because of the governor’s latest appointments the Governor’s Mansion Commission is composed of nine members instead of eight. Oh, and yes, because lawmakers approved this so-called efficiency bill that made changes to a number of state committees, boards and agencies, including the Governor’s Mansion Commission, Hutchinson is now able to remove members of the commission at will.

Let us clearly point out this bill was “legislative driven” and Hutchinson has made it clear there weren’t problems with individual commissioners as the media may have led some people to believe. Under this new law, the commission will no longer make rules and regulations pertaining to repairs, improvements and decorations at the mansion. The legislation also gives the governor the sole authority to accept grants, gifts and donations to the mansion. Previously, both the governor and commission had to approve them.

Heretofore, there were simply too many cooks in the kitchen sort of speak, too many chiefs and not enough Indians dealing with the responsibility of addressing maintenance and repair problems at the mansion.

Certainly, the state’s first family should have a say as to the decorating and appearance of the mansion similar to the decisions that are made to remodel, refurnish and decorate the White House.

What we believe has been factors in this situation are egos, personalities and the power of control. Then too, we just wonder about the issue of favoritism has been handled when it came to hiring contractors, service related business and retail suppliers.

Now that we know the accurate outcome of this situation, and not the speculation by the witch hunting media, let’s move on to more important things.

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.

BIBLE VERSE

14:6-10

John