Gov. Asa Hutchinson on Friday encouraged graduates of a leadership training program to use knowledge as a way to shape public policy and opinion.
The governor used his written statement he issued on the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on same-sex marriage as an example of his advice to the graduates of the 30th class of Leadership Greater Little Rock hosted by the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Hutchinson said he "worked hard all morning" on his response to the ruling, which states he will "direct all state agencies to comply with the decision."
"As a leader, we should not just simply play to public opinion," Hutchinson said. "We should help shape public policy, increase knowledge and calm emotions. That's leadership."
The governor said he had no other comment beyond his written statement on the ruling.
Hutchinson also spoke to graduates about his priority for job creation in the state.
"We'll keep strangling ourselves in terms of budget until we grow our economy," he said. "That's my primary objective across the board."
The governor detailed his economic development trip to Europe and talked about his high school computer science initiative passed by the Arkansas Legislature during the general session this year.
"I've been knocking on doors and saying 'Arkansas is the right place to do business,'" Hutchinson said. "We have a story to tell and I'm there to compete and make a difference."
Hutchinson told the graduates a story about visiting Facebook's headquarters in Menlo Park, Calif., and noticing an unfinished counter in the building.
Facebook officials told Hutchinson that they intentionally left items unfinished as a message to employees that "their mission is not complete," he said.
"I think of that in terms of Arkansas," the governor said. "We are just beginning and I've never been more excited about this state and the economic development opportunities."