We see this for what it is: An effort to circumvent our state’s initiative process and the will of 100,000 Arkansans who signed petitions to get this issue on the ballot. This lawsuit is not only meritless, but disingenuous, as evidenced by the fact that the attorney for this group, Mr. Trotter, contacted our campaign on multiple occasions during the certification process in support of the amendment. We believe the Attorney General was diligent and correct in reviewing this ballot title, and we have no doubt that it will withstand this legal challenge.Scott Trotter responded:
I disagree with the statement.
I recall having one phone conversation in May with counsel Alex Gray, telling him that while I would be against the casino proposal as I understood it from press reports, I was troubled that the Attorney General was consistently rejecting so many popular names and ballot titles on multiple initiative proposals dealing with different issues. I said that if there was a court hearing dealing with the AG’s many rejections of multiple proposals on different issues, then I would consider being a witness as to the importance of the Attorney General’s office in successfully revising and approving ballot titles and popular names. I indicated that as a witness I might recount my own experiences on ballot title submittals. I did not discuss with Mr. Gray the substance of the proposed casino amendment or its popular name and ballot title, which at the time of the conversation I had not read. I had no role in the drafting of the casino proposal or its popular name and ballot title.
As for serving as counsel for the petitioners who have brought the lawsuit, I have committed to not charging them or anyone else fees for my own time spent on the case.
Showing 1-1 of 1
Cover Story / Arkansas Reporter / The Week That Was / The Observer / Editorial / Max Brantley / Ernest Dumas / Gene Lyons / Jay Barth / Words / Guest Writer / Letters
A&E Feature / To-Do List / In Brief / Movie Reviews / Music Reviews / Theater Reviews / A&E News / Art Notes / Media / Dining Reviews / Dining Guide / Calendar / Gallery Listings
What a mess. Will the appellate court hear issues that were not raised in the…
Yep, I remember that also. Cato. Frank Broyles' worse moment, showing that he never got…
concerned is correct, especially laws written specifically to benefit rich people at the expense of…