You should always be ethical, but you should especially be ethical tomorrow.

Gov. Asa Hutchinson
has proclaimed Friday, December 9 as Arkansas Anti-Corruption Day.

“Global Anti-Corruption Day is observed by the United Nations and serves to bring awareness to the threats posed by corruption to our society,” said David Sachar, executive director of the Judicial Discipline & Disability Commission, in a statement. “Arkansas joins in the worldwide fight by asking our citizens to help in the fight against improper influence.” The proclamation, Sachar added, is an effort to “remind our citizens that they have watchdog agencies they can turn to and that each one of us can play a role in making sure that our state and local government is free from corruption.”

Advertisement

Here’s a free idea on that front: the state legislature should pass Rep. Clarke Tucker’s bill to remove judicial immunity from judges who commit criminal acts by taking bribes. This would allow folks harmed by the treachery of crooked judges to seek damages (for example, former Circuit Court judge Mike Maggio, who pled guilty to taking a bribe to reduce a jury verdict in a nursing home case).

Advertisement

50 years of fearless reporting and still going strong

Be a part of something bigger and join the fight for truth by subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times. For 50 years, our progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock has been tackling powerful forces 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 email subscribers, it's clear that our readers value our commitment to great journalism. But we need your help to do even more. By subscribing or donating – as little as $1 –, 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. Take a stand with the Arkansas Times and make a difference with your subscription or donation today.

Previous article Support Central High School’s art program: Shop tonight Next article The Thursday line and video round up