Ron Oliver, a former Arkansas Democratic Party chairman worked his last day yesterday as director of the Arkansas Racing Commission. He was informed recently by the Hutchinson administration that a change was in the offing for the job, which oversees regulation of dog and horse racing in Arkansas plus the casino gambling at the Southland and Oaklawn tracks. Officially, Oliver retired.

I don’t have word yet on Oliver’s successor. UPDATE: I’m told the appointee is Smokey Campbell of Hot Springs. I believe he’s the same Smokey Campbell who has served on the Lottery Commission, among other state posts.

Advertisement

The agency is part of the state Finance and Administration Department. Oliver had been director of the office for 15 years. The job pays about $77,000.

Be a Part of the Fight

Step up and make a difference by subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times, the progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock that's been fighting for truth for 50 years. Our tough, determined, and feisty journalism has earned us over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, all of whom value our commitment to holding the powerful accountable. But we need your help to do even more. By subscribing or donating, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be supporting our efforts to hire more writers and expand our coverage. Join us in the fight for truth by subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times today.

Previous article Oshkosh wins military truck contract; Arkansas finishes out of the money Next article Bradburys make $500,000 gift to ASU gallery