The Arkansas Lottery Commission met today and welcomed new lottery director Ernie Passailaigue. The commission did not take any action today although they did discuss important challenges now facing the commission including promulgating procurement rules and finding suitable office space. The big attraction at today's meeting, however, was the director's report. In it, Passailaigue offered his thoughts on how the lottery should be organized, suggesting a vertical organization led by two vice presidents with lottery experience who would be paid around $200,000 per year. He also defended his salary, which has drawn some criticism, saying that starting a lottery from scratch, and running an existing one, are two completely different things. Passailaigue said he expects to be selling tickets by early November.
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