The morning after HB 2140 was unanimously effectively killed by the House Committee on Education, I wrote members of the Little Rock School Board inquiring as to the district's policy on supporting or opposing prospective legislation.
Wed, Mar 23, 2011 at 7:46 AM
Members of the Board,
Yesterday, I, a citizen and parent of your district, had two ultimately unsuccessful bills before the House Committee on Education, both sponsored by Representative Barry Hyde.
HB 1551 would have changed school elections from the by design low voter turnout September to the more inclusive Primary election and comparable date in non-primary years. That bill was pulled for study
HB 2140 would have empowered the people in zoned school districts, not incumbent school boards, to determine how they will be represented. The committee unanimously voted to send it to interim study, effectively killing it.
From what I recall from the sign-up sheet, Chris Heller, identifying himself as attorney for the Little Rock School District, was signed up to speak against one or both bills.
When and how was Mr. Heller given authority by the board to oppose one or both bills? If he has standing authority to oppose or support prospective legislation, what are the parameters by which he is authorized to make that determination?
Over the past few weeks, I have been deliberately public and transparent in my advocacy for these and other measures. I've reached out to opposed groups and individuals in attempts to address concerns, recognizing that most folks have the ends in common, even when disagreeing on the means.
When initially asked by the chairman, no one in the audience rose to speak against 2140. When asked again later in the discussion, Representative John Walker, who had since entered the room, spoke in opposition.
Representative Walker, who does not know me and never discussed the bill with me, proceeded to recklessly or deliberately mischaracterize me, my motives, and my initiated bill.
I understand. All seems fair in politics. However, I had to wonder if Mr. Heller and Mr. Walker were working in concert to oppose the bill, and if so, by what board authority was Mr. Heller acting.
I'll look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Gary Newton
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