Oct. 29-Nov. 4, 2008

It was a GOOD week for …

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VOTING. Early voters turned out in record numbers in Arkansas to cast a ballot in what was expected to be a historic presidential election. Arkansas, however, seemed unlikely to follow the national trend toward Barack Obama.

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The HOGS. The improving Razorback football team, having lost a couple of squeakers, won a decisive 30-23 victory over previously unbeaten Tulsa.

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CHANCELLOR DAVID GEARHART. The new chancellor at the University of Arkansas showed more skill at dealing with unhappy legislators than his predecessor John White. He also showed a worthy streak of courage by indicating he wanted to find a way to provide financial help to Arkansas high school graduates who, through no fault of their own, might lack residency papers that would allow them to qualify for in-state tuition rates.

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It was a BAD week for …

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DILLARD DEPARTMENT STORES. Investors with a big position in the company’s stock asked for replacement of CEO William Dillard II on account of the company’s poor performance. Dillard family control means that won’t happen, but they can’t be happy about press coverage of the criticism of the raft of Dillard family members in highly paid jobs with the faltering Little Rock-based chain.

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The TEACHER RETIREMENT SYSTEM BOARD OF TRUSTEES. Robin Nichols of Jonesboro resigned as Board chairman after legislative criticism of her free-spending travel. She claimed she gained valuable information in the trips, such as by observing the type of clothing worn by companies that might be hired. The bad news is that such a dunderhead remains on the board of this billion-dollar enterprise.

 

CLARK COUNTY. Petitioners gathered enough signatures to put alcohol sales on the Tuesday ballot. Alas, a challenge struck just enough signatures that the state Supreme Court ruled that the votes should not be counted. OBU students must still drive to Hot Springs for firewater.

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