Home /
Ballot-printing to wait while Occupy candidates seek certification
This article was published August 24, 2012 at 11:19 a.m.
PHOTO BY GAVIN LESNICK
Attorney David Couch speaks beside Occupy Little Rock member Kaitlin Lott after a hearing Friday in Pulaski County Circuit Court.
- Comments (46)
- aAFont Size
LITTLE ROCK — Two Occupy Little Rock members who were not certified for the ballot for at-large Little Rock city director positions will submit affidavits in a bid to show they should be allowed to run, officials agreed at a court hearing Friday.
A judge will then decide next week whether Kaitlin Lott and Adam Lanksy should be certified as candidates.
An attorney for the pair filed a motion Thursday seeking their certification after the city clerk determined neither had enough signatures from registered, eligible voters to qualify for the race.
Lott and Lansky each handed in more than the required 50 signatures, but each petition had several names stricken when the address listed on the form didn't match voter registration records.
David Couch, an attorney representing Lott and Lansky, countered that the stricken signatures should be counted if they belong to registered voters in Little Rock who simply have outdated voter registration information.
In a hearing Friday morning before Pulaski County Circuit Judge Jay Moody, the two sides agreed to delay printing of the ballots while Couch submits affidavits from the signers in question affirming their status as eligible city voters.
"Our position is they're registered voters," Couch said. "They count."
The printing of the ballot has been delayed until next Friday at the earliest so the issue can be resolved. The affidavits are to be turned in by Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Lott and Lansky will be allowed to participate in drawing names for position on the ballot, an event scheduled Friday afternoon.
Lanksy filed for the at-large Position 8 seat currently held by Joan Adcock while Lott filed for the at-large Position 10 seat currently held by Dean Kumpuris.
Read tomorrow's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.
Thank you for coming to the website of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. We're working to keep you informed with the latest breaking news.
Comments on: Ballot-printing to wait while Occupy candidates seek certification
To report abuse or misuse of this area please hit the "Suggest Removal" link in the comment to alert our online managers. Read our Terms of Use policy.
You must login to make comments.
DoWhat says... August 24, 2012 at 11:39 a.m.
The only comment I can come up with is..........wait for it......wait for it......LOL
( permalink | suggest removal )
rbrooks715 says... August 24, 2012 at 11:46 a.m.
so many americans are not aware that the real problem in politics is the inability to have someone placed on the ballot. which is why we keep getting the same old career crooks to choose from.
( permalink | suggest removal )
CordisK says... August 24, 2012 at 11:57 a.m.
The guy has obviously been bought and paid for by the Arkansas Fast Food industry. I smell corruption. And french fries.
( permalink | suggest removal )
Anon74 says... August 24, 2012 at 11:59 a.m.
Sounds like they should have had the forethought to get at least double the signatures they needed...
( permalink | suggest removal )
Hogdude says... August 24, 2012 at 11:59 a.m.
I love cows, too, but I leave my T-shirt at home.
( permalink | suggest removal )
nandtbearden says... August 24, 2012 at 12:01 p.m.
Over the past year, my involvement in a ballot initiative and other political organizing have led me to understand that the hoops citizens must jump through to be engaged, active citizens; to demand redress of grievances; and to engage in the legislative process are onerous and obsolete. We need to reform this system. BTW, for those in LR, Kaitlin plans to run a strictly volunteer-driven campaign. I'm not sure whether Adam is doing the same. Kudos to both Adam and Kaitlin for seeing this through. I'd vote for you both but I live in S. Arkansas. Look for their pages on Facebook, if you'd like to help.
( permalink | suggest removal )
occupycitycouncil says... August 24, 2012 at 12:11 p.m.
the guy in the t-shirt is not Lansky or Lott, he's a bystander.
( permalink | suggest removal )
DoWhat says... August 24, 2012 at 12:28 p.m.
@occupycitycouncil...
It really doesn't matter.....this photo is why the folks up north think we are goobers here in Arkansas....
( permalink | suggest removal )
Ferdinand says... August 24, 2012 at 12:51 p.m.
@occupycitycouncil
Bystander? I'd be willing to be his signature is on both of those petitions...
( permalink | suggest removal )
SteveInsurgent says... August 24, 2012 at 1:10 p.m.
I am glad to see people starting to take interest in politics. Unlike some of the idiots posting on here. I do not see them trying to change the world. I hope they follow what the people they are representing want and not there for their own fame.
( permalink | suggest removal )
leekissinger says... August 24, 2012 at 1:36 p.m.
Yeah right. Like she's going to get a lot of votes anyway.
( permalink | suggest removal )
RBBrittain says... August 24, 2012 at 1:36 p.m.
The delay is correct, no matter what you think of Occupy. First of all, if the law on initiative & referendum petitions also covers ballot-access petitions (I understand it does), the city is wrong. Secondly, even *IF* less than 50 signatures were valid, since they met the signature requirement "prima facie" (i.e., they actually DID submit 50 signatures INCLUDING the invalid ones), per I&R law they are entitled to MORE TIME to collect valid signatures (I believe it's 10 days for local petitions--definitely *not* the 30 days allowed for statewide petitions).
( permalink | suggest removal )
RBBrittain says... August 24, 2012 at 1:48 p.m.
Not to mention that LR imposing a higher standard for signatures on ballot-access petitions than ANY OTHER city in Pulaski County (or the state, for that matter) raises SERIOUS equal-protection issues.
.
One HUGE problem is that the city-manager statute has its OWN ballot-access rules, DIFFERENT from those of ALL OTHER Arkansas cities & towns. Even WHERE the petitions are filed is different (only city-manager cities file with the city clerk; all other cities & towns file with the county clerk); that is what allowed LR to impose its own standard. The legislature needs to make the rules the SAME for ALL municipalities in this state, INCLUDING filing with the county clerk (NOT the city clerk).
( permalink | suggest removal )
BarichMilhusseinObamaNixonPOTUS says... August 24, 2012 at 2:24 p.m.
You gotta love Leisure Suit Lawyer Larry's retro haircut; that style could come back if he wins this motion
( permalink | suggest removal )
MenLR2 says... August 24, 2012 at 3:29 p.m.
Maybe I am a bit vain.... But I would not even show up in traffic court dressed in a cut off t shirt and shorts.... no matter what the shirt may say.
( permalink | suggest removal )
Packman says... August 24, 2012 at 4:27 p.m.
Bless their hearts.
( permalink | suggest removal )
T6 says... August 24, 2012 at 4:43 p.m.
They have a certain je ne sais quoi!! LOL!
( permalink | suggest removal )
AmericasDoomed says... August 24, 2012 at 5:05 p.m.
The poster children for the Occupy (bowel) movement.
( permalink | suggest removal )
drs01 says... August 24, 2012 at 5:50 p.m.
These two "candidates" have taken a course of action typical for the so-called movement they endorsed. The "occupy" gang wanted someone other than themselves to provide a permanent encampment , provide police protection, and waste disposal. When finally forced to vacate, they left the property in lest than pristine condition. Now they want the courts to give them ballot status because they failed to do what the law requires. How difficult is it to get 50 signatures? It might require a person to work at it for a few days. If either of these candidates were serious about running for office, they would have taken the necessary steps and followed the current law rather than cluttering the courts with a trivial matter. If they win out, remember them at election time, and add them to your "no vote" list.
( permalink | suggest removal )
Casstoro05251411 says... August 24, 2012 at 7:09 p.m.
Yep! This pretty much sums up the Occupy movement...
( permalink | suggest removal )
RBBrittain says... August 24, 2012 at 7:51 p.m.
Drs01, you missed the point. They *DID* get 50 signatures, but the CITY rejected several of them for technicalities--some of which (i.e., incorrect address) simply DO NOT FLY!
( permalink | suggest removal )
Hamburgler says... August 24, 2012 at 8:22 p.m.
Hey guys, since you liked my shirt so much, I found some other pictures I thought you might enjoy. Go check them out at the Web site of peopleofwalmart. =p
I know most of ya'll won't accept any excuses for my appearance, but I had several other errands to do today and felt I needed to dress comfortable. If I'd have known I would be in the news, I would've endured an itchy polo and jeans. C'est la vie.
By the way, some of your comments were hysterical. You gave my friends and I some good laughs - just remember that the grungy fatty you make fun of on the internet might actually see your comment. If I didn't have such a loving, supportive wife, ya'll might've torn me up ;)
As to the disparaging Occupy comments - you're entitled to your opinion of course, but remember that anyone who cares enough about their home - whether at the city, county, state, or national level - to participate in protests to try to change it is someone who is willing to give of themselves to fight something they think is wrong.
This is true of pro-life protesters and pro-choice protesters; and of Tea Partiers and Occupiers. If you care enough to fight then you're a step ahead of the crowd in my book - even if I feel you're on the wrong side of the fight.
Peace!
( permalink | suggest removal )
T6 says... August 24, 2012 at 9:19 p.m.
It says Kaitlin Lott is a full-time volunteer and activist and is studying computer science at UALR...... Does she have a JOB? Probably not
( permalink | suggest removal )
Hamburgler says... August 24, 2012 at 9:27 p.m.
T6 - she certainly hopes to have a job after November!
( permalink | suggest removal )
BarichMilhusseinObamaNixonPOTUS says... August 24, 2012 at 10 p.m.
Is the Occupy Movement's idea of a job to be a city director? Reminds me of Dumb and Dumber when one said to the other that there were plenty of jobs but you would have to work 40 hours a week. If we start electing people who can't hold a regular job to be a city director we have major problems.
( permalink | suggest removal )
Hamburgler says... August 24, 2012 at 10:07 p.m.
@RazorbackRedwing - I understand why you might feel that way - but I wouldn't sell someone so short who is a full-time student, and a mother of two young children, as well as a political activist - I often wonder how she finds time for her current activities. Thankfully, one of those activities is regularly attending Board of Directors meetings to keep abreast of the problems in our city, so winning the election wouldn't produce any more of a burden on her time than already exists.
Out of curiousity, which candidate for Position 10 do you plan on voting for Razorback?
( permalink | suggest removal )
BarichMilhusseinObamaNixonPOTUS says... August 24, 2012 at 10:25 p.m.
I'm thinking anyone but Lott will be my vote
( permalink | suggest removal )
Hamburgler says... August 24, 2012 at 10:36 p.m.
What about Lott exactly do you think keeps her from being an appropriate servant of the people's will in the Board of Directors?
You've made your general opinion clear, but I'd like to know what qualities you think translate to a good Director, and why you feel Lott lacks those qualities.
And I would recommend researching the other candidates so you can see if they're any better than she is. Please bring back the information you find. ;)
( permalink | suggest removal )
T6 says... August 24, 2012 at 10:45 p.m.
Hamburgler..... If Lott is a full-time student, and a mother of two young children, as well as a political activist.... How does she support herself and her kids? From taxpayers by way of welfare?
( permalink | suggest removal )
Hamburgler says... August 24, 2012 at 11:09 p.m.
As a matter of fact, her husband (that would be me) works 48-hour weekend shifts to provide as much as possible for the family.
I also attend school full time and take care of the kids when she is busy attending meetings and trying to improve our city.
Since you asked if she is on "welfare," and therefore supported by taxpayers, the short answer is yes. But then again, any person who attends public schools is taking advantage of social programs provided by "welfare;" as does anyone who drives on public roads.
My wife and I draw SNAP (previously known as food stamps) benefits which assist us in feeding ourselves and our kids while we further our educations. We must be in good company, because 1 in every 6 arkansans is eligible for the SNAP program. Of course, once we achieve our degrees, we hope to be fortunate enough to find gainful employment and no longer require SNAP or other "welfare" benefits. Also, Lott is considering stalling her education after this semester to pursue employment by a non-profit so she can continue to do good work.
Do you feel that poor people should not run for public office, Razorback? If so, wouldn't that lessen their representation in government? That doesn't seem terribly fair.
Do you have any other questions about Lott or any reasons you think that she is a bad candidate?
( permalink | suggest removal )
inquire says... August 25, 2012 at 2:44 a.m.
Hamburgler, I don't follow local Little Rock politics, as I live in another district, but I think your showing up here to defend yourself is one of the funniest things I've seen in a while. Good for you! And if you think the vitriol at you and your wife was bad, check out some of the other boards on here!
( permalink | suggest removal )
inquire says... August 25, 2012 at 2:53 a.m.
Saying someone "who can't hold a job" shouldn't be in city government is a pretty far reaching statement. There are millions of people unemployed right now through no fault of their own, with all kinds of experience, including management, many with degrees, whose life experience could be very valuable to a community.
( permalink | suggest removal )
Hamburgler says... August 25, 2012 at 7:02 a.m.
Thank you, inquire. I find I concur with everything you said. After all, many people become more active in their communities after retiring. Since they are no longer working, should we tell them that they are not wanted and send them packing? I certainly don't think so.
( permalink | suggest removal )
LETSBEREALISTIC says... August 25, 2012 at 7:14 a.m.
Tell these liptards to pack it in and get outa town. No Arkansan is going to vote for these fools.
( permalink | suggest removal )
lazybar says... August 25, 2012 at 12:37 p.m.
hamburgler,do these elders who have become more active not draw some sort of retirement or pension to support themselves?with this free education you are getting,what do the tax payers get back out of thier investment?not that the olr movement would ever be favorable but it might have had more credit if its protest were during business hours at the capital instead of trashing the parking lot.
( permalink | suggest removal )
inquire says... August 25, 2012 at 5:48 p.m.
You people are SO insulting. I like the lawyer's hair. It looks clean and lush. Much nicer than some razered nearly to the scalp style. As for Hamburglar, I believe his education will propel him on to a better and more productive place in life. Why? He is very well spoken, quick witted, and can keep his cool and be polite. I'm a proponent for dressing appropriately, but sometimes looks can fool you. The next time you see a person not dressed to your standards, remember that there may well be an excellent mind in those clothes.
( permalink | suggest removal )
BarichMilhusseinObamaNixonPOTUS says... August 25, 2012 at 6:46 p.m.
Hamburglar the painful reality is that I believe this picture will hurt your wife's cause. I think most people want someone who looks professional representing them no matter what level they are from City Council to POTUS. It is one thing to run errands in sleeveless t-shirts or whatever sleeveless thing your wife is wearing, but showing tats on the bicep when you know you are going to be in the city clerks' office is just not smart. I'm not saying it is right but that's the way life is; sometimes you have to look the part whether you like it or not. She very well could win but when you need every vote you can get you have to be smart about it
( permalink | suggest removal )
Hamburgler says... August 25, 2012 at 7:14 p.m.
I am also quite fond of Mr. Couch's hair. Of course, mine currently is razored near to the scalp because the heat of longer hair is too much for my already-overheated obese body to cope with, so I'll never be attempting to match it.
Lazybar - some elders do draw retirement or a pension, but its possible to go your whole life not working more than 5 years at a single job. Some people never find the stability to "earn" a pension, even if they do more than enough work in their life to have shown themself as a productive member of society.
I certainly do hope that the education that I am getting will assist me to make enough money to pay back into the system for the costs that I've incurred. Maybe I won't. With the unpredictable job market and the continual devaluing of college degrees, its impossible to assure that I'll ever escape the system.
It's not all fun and games though - as I said, I work 48-hour weekend shifs, while attending school full time and spending as much time with my kids as I can. There's a lot harder lives out there of course, but I don't think that I fit the description of someone who is just coasting along taking government handouts because they can.
I take full advantage of the programs I qualify for so that I can try to improve the lot in life that my family has. If I am successful at improving it, then the money I make will lead to me being taxed enough to - over the course of my productivity - pay back my debt to society.
And don't think that I'm not in debt. My education is not "free." I have more debt in student loans than I like to think about. It will take me a very long time (as it does most college graduates) to pay that debt back.
But the alternative? Without a degree, all I qualify for is entry-level jobs where people are commonly fired on whims, preventing them from obtaining the kind of job security that people dream of. Furthermore, I would be locked at or near minimum wage, like I currently am. In that scenario, I would probably stay stuck on the system the rest of my life.
The conclusion of my argument? This "free education" is the only way that I can escape poverty and escape being a drain on the system.
( permalink | suggest removal )
Hamburgler says... August 25, 2012 at 7:15 p.m.
As to Occupy protesting at the Capitol - the Occupy movement did do some protests there if I recall. I know they've spoken with several lawmakers about some of the issues that sparked the movement in the first place.
Those issues - illegal foreclosures and corrupt politicians being among them - were in some ways better represented by a "camp" protest than a protest on the doorstep of the politicians. For some people, the system in place in our country is exceedingly difficult and unfair. By holding a long-term protest in public spaces, Occupiers wanted to gather enough attention to shed light on the topics, and on what they felt the problems were. This was successful to a great extent - many people spent a lot of time researching important topics because Occupiers spoke out about them.
The laundry list of Occupy-related issues is very lengthy, but some of the chief local concerns include: The preservation of the Maumelle Watershed against over-development by Deltic Timber; a non-binding city resolution urging the state government to denounce the Citizens United vs FEC Supreme Court ruling that granted Corporate Personhood; getting money out of politics; and the education of the public on many other important issues.
Lott has worked with her fellows to educate the Pulaski County Quorum Court on the dangers of over-developing the Maumelle Watershed. She has helped urge Little Rock's Board of Directors to adopt a city resolution against Corporate Personhood, and has been succesful in helping get North Little Rock to adopt such a resolution. By refusing to accept monetary campaign donations, Lott has shown her commitment to getting money out of politics, and by spending several hours a week at an education booth on the UALR campus, she has shown her commitment to educating the public on these and other matters.
Obviously, as her husband I am biased, but I can imagine no better candidate for local political office than Kaitlin Lott.
( permalink | suggest removal )
Hamburgler says... August 25, 2012 at 7:27 p.m.
Razorback - you are absolutely correct about many things. When I noticed the press had arrived, I felt very nervous about my outfit. When I saw them pull out cameras, I tried my best to get out of the shot - sadly the emotional content of this photo seems to have outweighed my unsightlyness in the decision-making process for the Gazette.
As to her outfit, I think it's stunning and fully appropriate. Obviously, displaying her tattoos will not be earning her many votes with the usual crowd of voters, but she felt that trying to play the politics game as usual and trying to hide who she really is was too dishonest of a path. All you have to do is do a Google image search of her name to come up with her Occupy Little Rock tattoo, so even if she had chosen to be disingenuous, it would not have been successful.
And this photo is actually taken in the Pulaski County Courthouse, across the street from the City Clerk's office in City Hall. Frankly, that makes me even more embarassed about my attire. >.>
We're both trying to be smart about decisions we make. Obviously, my eagerness to show her my support even though I was grossly underdressed was a bad call. As to her outfit, it is just her attempting to be professional and honest at the same time.
By the way, I like your avatar - Ron White cracks me up.
( permalink | suggest removal )
BarichMilhusseinObamaNixonPOTUS says... August 25, 2012 at 7:36 p.m.
Hamburglar you are obviously a good man, and I hope you do well in all of your future endeavors. Good luck in November, just stay off these pages. I just get on here to be a smarta** like many others, don't take anything like this seriously.
( permalink | suggest removal )
MenLR2 says... August 25, 2012 at 7:51 p.m.
@Hamburgler ... If your wife and or you decide to be "public"...learn a few tricks of style. Number one NEVER wear light colors...Cameras wash the colors out and make you look pale.
Always be expecting to meet voters, always. Even going outside to pick up your paper. I once was injured Skydiving, as I landed on a runway and ...and was barely able to walk. Wife drove me home and I darn neared crawled up my stairs into the house. Next day, the old lady across the street is telling anyone who will listen that I came home so drunk my wife would not even help me in the house. I did not even touch a drink in those days.
The people you are talking to are not who will do the voting. Tho it would be great to have a poor students voting on matters, truth is poor students and young adults do not make it to the polls in enough numbers to count. Pander to the older crowd as they have the time to vote. Don't ever allow them to see you look like a clown in the media.....that picture will NEVER go away.
( permalink | suggest removal )
Hamburgler says... August 25, 2012 at 8:41 p.m.
Thank you for the advice MenLR2. I'm sorry to hear about your accident, although I trust you've made a full recovery?
I've been putting off updating my wardrobe for quite some time, hoping to lose some weight first, but it appears I'll need to make a visit to Kohls or the like as soon as my finances allow.
Razorback - thank you for your kind words and the luck!
( permalink | suggest removal )
TedLilly says... August 26, 2012 at 12:43 p.m.
Hamburgler, Do you love cows for the many, many wonderful things they provide, or only because they are the source of giant cheeseburgers? Just curious.
( permalink | suggest removal )
Packman says... August 26, 2012 at 10:38 p.m.
Hey hamburgler - Kudos for weighing in amongst all of us know-it-alls. You're a good man for defending your woman. Alas, in spite of your obvious wit and humble nature you provide good opportunity to illustrate basic differences between conservatives and liberals. The reason Lott had insufficient signatures was nobody's fault but her own. The liberal excuse-makers on this thread illustrate how conservatives believe people are responsible for their own actions while liberals always want to push blame elsewhere. You readily admit to accepting welfare and SNAP to enhance the pursuit of a personal agenda. Conservatives believe welfare is vital to provide necessities for people who are unable to provide for themselves. Liberals see welfare as a personal piggy bank to be used and abused at will. Did Lott pay for those tattoos while simultaneously accepting government assistance?
As to why I wouldn't vote for Lott for City Director, the fact that she didn't have the foresight to over-supply required signatures shows a certain lack of judgment I would not want in an elected representative.
( permalink | suggest removal )
SteveInsurgent says... August 27, 2012 at 12:30 p.m.
After reading some of these comments. Razorback redwing are a complete idiot. Shhh stop talking, I am losing brain cells.
( permalink | suggest removal )
To report abuse or misuse of this area please hit the "Suggest Removal" link in the comment to alert our online managers. Read our Terms of Use policy.