We've a feeling Arkansas' congressional delegation is gonna stay Razorback red come Election Day, and that's all fine and well. But we do have an item on the wish list for whoever wins: more availability to the public.
Presidential town halls may be the stuff of political theater, but Arkansans deserve more opportunities to hear from the folks they send to Washington.
In towns, voters can attend monthly city council meetings and voice their opinions. They can do the same with quorum courts at the county level. Why doesn't Arkansas have more events with congressional leaders opening themselves up to voters?
There's a website called TownHallProject.com that tracks town hall events in every congressional district across the country. A quick glance at Arkansas shows none scheduled. Voters are going to the polls now, and five of the six members of this congressional delegation are up for re-election. Wouldn't now be a good time for them to host a public question-and-answer session? They could do it over Zoom, as is routine nowadays.
Politicians have to be accountable to voters, and Arkansans deserve, at the very least, annual events in which they can meet with their elected officials to voice concerns.
Arkansans want some accountability. Whoever wins come November needs to increase public availability.