THE MAYOR IS IN: Pat Hays announces for Congress. Brian Chilson

Former NLR Mayor Patrick Henry Hays kept it short and sweet today — even turning over a big minute-glass to start the time — in announcing his bid for the Democratic nomination for 2nd District Congress, a decision he said was clinched by “16 days in October” that were a “travesty.”

“Democratic crime is crime and Republican garbage is garbage,” Hays said, and it’s time for Congress to act in concert and in a non-partisan way to solve problems that affect people’s lives. If he had his way, Hays said, he’d send the nation’s mayors and city councils to Washington, D.C., and get things cleared up. “We’re going to carry local government solutions” to D.C., he said; those solutions would not be Republican or Democratic but American. The first thing he’s going to do when he’s in Congress, Hays said in response to questions after the announcement, was “go find a Republican and make a friend out of him.” 

Advertisement

Hays said his anger “kept bubbling up” over gridlock in Congress and convinced him to run before Rep. Tim Griffin, a Republican, announced he wasn’t going to run again. He wouldn’t have voted for the Affordable Care Act, he said, but  “you don’t argue over the windows and let the house burn down.”

He added that  the health care system costs too much and has too much waste and “we’ve got to deal with it.”

Advertisement

His reaction to Republican Congressman Tim Griffin’s decision not to run for re-election? “Shocked.” 

“Tim said it was because of family and I take him at his word,” Hays said, “but candidly, that’s the reason I’m running,” for the next generation’s future. 

Advertisement

Who knows if Hays’ “local government” theme as an argument for more responsive government will carry the day? He’s going to have to come up with something with a little more oomph than the creation of the Patrick Hays Senior Center, his example of leadership and the “can do” spirit he’ll take to D.C. But he can point to other improvements in his era — from a successful river trail to major entertaiment venues and a reviving downtown.

Hays headed up to Conway after the North Little Rock opener.

Advertisement

Help to Keep Great Journalism Alive in Arkansas

Join the fight for truth and become a subscriber of the Arkansas Times. We've been battling powerful forces for 50 years through our tough, determined, and feisty journalism. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, our readers value great journalism. But we need your help to do even more. By subscribing and supporting our efforts, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers to expand our coverage. Together, we can continue to hold the powerful accountable and bring important stories to light. Subscribe now or donate for as little as $1 and be a part of the Arkansas Times community.

Previous article Add Ann Clemmer’s name to GOP 2nd District speculation Next article Well, why did youneven fire him in the first place, Walmart? Detroit hero gets his job back