Dual offices
State Rep. Sen. Irma Hunter Brown asked the attorney general for an opinion tailored on behalf of Bill Walker, a paid member of the state parole board, who has announced as a candidate for Little Rock mayor. The response came today.
Under Arkansas law, can an individual who currently holds a salaried position with a definite term on an Arkansas state commission run for non-partisan municipal office, specifically for mayor of a city of the first class?
RESPONSE: In my opinion, generally, the dual service of an individual on a state commission and as mayor of a city of the first class would likely be authorized under state law as long as no specific statute applies to the particular state commission position so as to prevent such service, and as long as the particular state commission position is not incompatible with that of mayor. I cannot definitively decide the issue, however, without knowing precisely what state commission position is involved.
Comments
I'd like to see a bio on Walker; anybody know where I can look?
Posted by: Anonymous | July 27, 2006 03:48 PM
Regardless of the official legality of Walker holding both offices, doesn't there seem to be a conflict of interest in a candidate on the parole board who is campaigning on a platform of reducing crime? Every time he cites rescidivism as a significant problem (which he seemingly must do), won't he be pointing his finger at himself?
Posted by: Anonymous | July 27, 2006 03:53 PM
when does the Lt. Gov poll come out?
Posted by: an interested observer | July 27, 2006 04:20 PM
When did Brown become a Rep.?
ARK. BLOGSorry about that mistake. She was a rep. once
Posted by: panther '06 | July 27, 2006 04:25 PM
After Tracy Steele was allowed to suckle at the public teat as a legislator and MLK Commission exec all else will be possible.
Posted by: Janus | July 27, 2006 04:26 PM
Maybe he should just resign from the commission and jump with both feet into the Mayor's race.
Posted by: The BusDriver | July 27, 2006 04:27 PM
" I cannot definitively decide the issue, however, without knowing precisely what state commission position is involved." Typical lawyer-speak. As if he did not know.
Posted by: Jim | July 27, 2006 04:30 PM
Why didn't she ask more specifically? And, why didn't she ask about the potential conflict with his contract at the airport?
Posted by: Rockwatcher | July 27, 2006 05:08 PM
" I cannot definitively decide the issue, however, without knowing precisely what state commission position is involved."
And this guy sez he wants to be Governor?
What a maroon...
Posted by: Up The Road | July 27, 2006 05:20 PM
Bill Walker has made his fortune living off of conflict of interests that no ethical individual would even consider much less pursue. BTW, has Bill really decided to run for mayor or is he "considering" a run as the DemGaz reported? Has he decided to become a bona fide Little rock resident or does he plan to commute from Atlanta? I can't wait for the Walker dirt to hit the fan.
Posted by: AnybodybutBill | July 27, 2006 05:29 PM
Bill Walker has made his fortune living off of conflict of interests that no ethical individual would even consider much less pursue. BTW, has Bill really decided to run for mayor or is he "considering" a run as the DemGaz reported? Has he decided to become a bona fide Little rock resident or does he plan to commute from Atlanta? I can't wait for the Walker dirt to hit the fan.
Posted by: AnybodybutBill | July 27, 2006 05:30 PM
Hunter Brown's question begs another question as to whether the highly paid legal counsel to the LR Airport Commission or his firm can hold their position once the counselor has filed to run for LR Mayor. Hmmm....
Posted by: legaleagle | July 27, 2006 05:44 PM
Of course he can, until he is elected Mayor.
Posted by: whatadumbass | July 27, 2006 06:37 PM
What can you say they take care of their own! Nothing wrong with that!! God knows the opinion will be good for the Senator and Bill Walker!!! Beebe can't lose that vote unless he is willing to give them more money!!!
Posted by: The Truth | July 27, 2006 07:28 PM
He(Walker) will not get my vote, but we would like to know what dirt you have on him. And, if this 'dirt' is common knowledge, it is going to get out.
Posted by: honestone | July 27, 2006 09:21 PM