Speaking of Mark Martin: He ran for office as a budget-cutting Republican, but is off to a rocky start in misspending Board of Appropriation money, buying a new car the state didn’t need and now spending $54,000 plus expenses for a “values-based strategic planning process” by the Soderquist Center at the conservative religious college, John Brown University.

The exercise will include interviews with employees and a retreat for top Martin aides at the Greystone Estate in Rogers about what the office does. Questions to be asked employees include: “What is the secretary of state’s office best known for?”

Advertisement

Also: What would happen to the state if the organization stopped doing business? Answer: Fewer car and strategic planning expenses, for starters.

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 Thursday To-Do: Arkansas Travelers home opener Next article We’re over the hump.