Page 39 - Bart Hester News Today

In serious jeopardy

On the eve of todays general election, the foes and proponents of the proposed constitutional amendment that would legalize recreational marijuana in Arkansas jousted as candidates for state, federal and local offices made their closing pitches to persuade voters to cast ballots.

On the eve of todays general election, opponents and proponents of the proposed constitutional amendment that would legalize recreational marijuana in Arkansas jousted as candidates for state, federal and local offices made their closing pitches to persuade voters to cast ballots.

Attorney General Leslie Rutledge plans to use money obtained through lawsuit settlements to fund weapon detection systems at the east and west entrances to the state Capitol to replace the existing metal detectors, Rutledge spokeswoman Amanda Priest said Thursday.

The odds of success are low for the Arkansas Cannabis Industry Association (ACIA) to get legislation approved in the 2023 Arkansas General Assembly that would expunge records and/or alter jail sentences for those with marijuana convictions.

Attorney Phillip Treat has been hired to be the Arkansas Senates new legal counsel and Zachary Rogers, who has worked in higher education circles, has been hired as the assistant to the Senate president pro tempore for the 94th General Assembly.

Every two years when Arkansans walk in the voting booth, they weigh in on several "issues" that take the form of constitutional amendments and initiated acts. This is voters opportunity to help determine the direction of their government, in addition to the elections for state, local, and federal offices. Our states motto is "Regnat Populus," which is Latin for "the people rule."

“As Americans it is our right to boycott or not boycott anyone we please and it is none of the government’s business,” Arkansas Times Publisher Alan Leveritt tells Mondoweiss.

In the general election, Arkansas voters will decide whether to join Florida in requiring approval by 60% of voters rather than a simple majority of voters for passage of a proposed constitutional amendment.

EUREKA SPRINGS -- Prosecutors say a candidate for mayor of Eureka Springs cant legally run for the office because he has a felony conviction on his record.