The Arkansas Patriot is a conservative organization dedicated to equipping citizens with the truth, insuring transparent government, and encouraging citizens to question their government boldly. The editor can be reached at arkansaspatriot@gmail.com Follow The Patriot on Twitter and Facebook.
By Nicholas Horton
I am confused. For the past year, the people of Searcy have been told that the proposed A&P tax was designed to improve our parks system. I personally thought this was a bit silly, considering our parks are wonderful, and have been for several years. I spent my youth on those fields and spent several years working out there as an umpire. We have hosted many competitive tournaments and been praised by visitors for the quality of our facilities. What needs do the parks have that are so dire that we must raise taxes? I would like to hear some from the proponents of the tax. Don’t they know that we built the new soccer fields, expanded the baseball facility, and remodeled Spring Park without raising taxes?
Now the proponents’ message has changed. We have gone from “improving parks” to “promoting Searcy.” read more…
This is perhaps the most exciting political news/church service you will ever see…ever.
Dr. Smith passed this along with her message, “I know you will have lots of laughs over my expressed excitement – I did!”
Tolbert thanks us for the tip.
The Arkansas Patriot is a conservative organization dedicated to equipping citizens with the truth, insuring transparent government, and encouraging citizens to question their government boldly. The editor can be reached at arkansaspatriot@gmail.com Follow The Patriot on Twitter and Facebook.
Joe “The Plumber” Wurzelbacher is coming to Searcy. Joe gained national attention during the 2008 Presidential election after a conversation with then-Senator Obama in which Senator Obama famously stated, “I think when you spread the wealth around, it’s good for everybody.” He went on to stump for McCain-Palin ticket, speaking on small businesses issues and taxes.
Joe will be in Searcy January 26th at the Lightle Center campaigning for Col. Conrad Reynolds for U.S. Senate. The event begins at 7:30 p.m.
The Arkansas Patriot is a conservative organization dedicated to equipping citizens with the truth, insuring transparent government, and encouraging citizens to question their government boldly. The editor can be reached at arkansaspatriot@gmail.com Follow The Patriot on Twitter and Facebook.
By Nicholas Horton
The House voted this afternoon to formally condemn South Carolina Congressman Joe Wilson for his outburst during President Obama’s partisan rant to a joint session of Congress last week. This vote is little more than a slap on the wrist for Wilson who has seen his campaign bank account rise over $1 million since the incident.
These photos from the 9-12 March on D.C. were submitted to The Arkansas Patriot:
Tom Martin of Quitman, AR (far left) and other patriots march on D.C.
By N. Horton
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By N. Horton
The current political forecast for the establishment in Searcy: ‘cloudy with a strong chance of severe thunderstorms.’ The imposition of the new A&P Tax during what has been called “the worst economic recession since the Great Depression,” plus the new yard sale regulations proposed by Mayor LaForce and passed by the City Council, seem to send a loud and clear message to the citizens of Searcy–this mayor is done. 
She has no intentions of running for re-election as clearly evidenced by her overreaching, overbearing actions. Her continual thwarting of the people’s will rings true to that tone.
So who will be the next mayor of Searcy? read more…
By N. Horton
Ok, maybe 27 is a slight exaggeration…but only slightly.
Last night I received an email from the White County Republican Committee about our upcoming meeting next Thursday night. The speaker and apparent U.S. Senate candidate was announced as Dr. James “Buzz” McNair of Heber Springs. read more…
By Garret Myhan, M.S.N., C.C.R.N., C.R.N.A.
Sometimes it just comes down to the numbers. President Obama would have us believe that his plan for liberal health care reform, if implemented, will not effect those of us who are happy with our current doctor, hospital, or health insurance plan. He would have us believe that his health care utopia would not result in service rationing or long wait times for care. The dozens of health care bills floating around Washington DC contain thousands of pages of complicated legal language that is close to undecipherable for the layman. Fortunately we don’t have to look very deeply to discover the truth. Just look at the numbers; the numbers don’t lie. read more…
By N. Horton
Long-time 1st District Congressman Marion Berry (not to be confused with Marion Barry) seems to be rather confused on a number of issues, particularly reckless, out-of-control spending. It seems that Mr. Berry is content to justify President Obama’s reckless spending by pointing to President Bush’s reckless spending. After all, “Bush lied, the economy died.” In fact, let me go on the record now–this will be the mantra of the Democrats in 2010. Perhaps they will not use those exact words, but they will continue to try and blame this ailing economy on President Bush while ignoring “Stimulus” bill, the irresponsible conduct of Democrats in regards to Fannie and Freddie Mac, and numerous other factors that caused the economic meltdown. In fact, The Washington Post reports that this is already happening in some key gubernatorial races across the country. read more…
If you would like, you can learn about each of these potential candidates by clicking here.
Then come back and cast your vote.
By C. Catania
As we watch Governor Rick Perry and Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison gear up for the Texas gubernatorial primary, it’s now time to start asking the tough questions. The question on all of our minds is the elephant in the room that nobody wants to touch— well, nobody but Governor Perry. read more…
By C. Catania
Most of America takes for granted that they may drive to their local ice cream parlor, buy an ice cream cone, and proceed to take a walk in the town square. However, in the mid-1980s, that would have constituted a crime in Carmel, California. It took the publicity and action of Mayor Clint Eastwood to overturn a town ordinance that forbade the purchase of takeout in the downtown area. In doing so, Mayor Eastwood, through his actions, unknowingly and quite figuratively, placed himself in the middle of a national controversy over ideology that would take place over two decades later. The controversy: Illegal immigration. The ideologies: Will we work to better the laws of America, or simply diminish them by ignoring those in which we disagree?
by Garret Myhan
By now the Searcy Advertising and Promotion Commission and the Department of Parks and Recreation have been collecting A&P tax funds for well over a month. The tax, which is paid by Searcy consumers when they patronize local restaurants and hotels, was voted into law by the Searcy City Council, bypassing a special election in which Searcy voters would have had to approve the plan. According to Arkansas state statute, implementation of an A&P tax does not require a special election, so the Council was well within their legal bounds when they took this action. However, shortly after the tax plan was passed, a concerned group of citizens petitioned the city for the opportunity for Searcy residents to vote on the matter. Their argument: shouldn’t potential taxpayers have the opportunity to decide whether or not to turn over a greater percentage of their paychecks to the city? This seemingly sensible petition was ignored. So who is correct? Does the city have the moral right to tax its residents without their direct consent? read more…
The following is an email from a local law firm to two Searcy Alderman, Mary Ann Arnett and Mike Chalenburg, warning them of the perils of appointing A&P Commissioners who do not live in Searcy:
Sent: Monday, June 15, 2009 10:34 AM
To: Mary Ann Arnett (Ext); Mike Chalenburg (Ext); sowellsfurniture@earthlink.net
Cc: Belinda Laforce; Buck Gibson; s_streit@sbcglobal.net
Subject: A&P Commissioner Question
Attorney at Law
Lightle & Raney, LLP
211 West Arch
Searcy, AR 72143
Direct Fax 501-279-7733
Email d_raney@sbcglobal.net
Read the full legal opinion by clicking here.
All emails contained herein were obtained legally through the Freedom of Information Act.
By N. Horton
This past week was just one of those weeks where I took everything with a smile and a nod. I went with the flow–which is very atypical for me–and I tried not to raise a fuss about things that I have seen first hand going on within the Republican Party. But I just cannot be silent any longer.
Why do Democrats win? It is not because they share the values of mainstream America. It is not because they are more intelligent than Republicans or because they are harder workers. It is not because they have more money, are better looking, or communicate better. Democrats win because they do not eat their own. read more…
By N. Horton
The Patriot does not endorse primary candidates and, as previously mentioned in “A Primary Rant,” The Patriot will not make personal attacks against any Republican candidate for the sake of party unity. However, we will hold their feet to the fire when it comes to the issues. We will question boldly and hold their feet to the fire. We will commend them for their strengths and express our concerns for their weaknesses. If they want to represent us, they must prove their worthiness for such a great honor.
With that said, Republicans have got to get their act together quickly and unite behind a candidate. The Party currently has 7 candidates in the race with 2 0r 3 still considering a run.
Therefore, over the next few weeks, The Patriot will take on the daunting task of reviewing the major candidates for U.S. Senate in Arkansas. First up: Mr. Curtis Coleman. read more…
By C. Catania
First, I’d like to thank those of you who are taking the time to read this blog. Perhaps what is so special, at least to me, is not only our devoted readership, but also the depth in which folks from coast-to-coast are responding. I enjoy reading the comments left at the end of the articles, but I also enjoy reading, and responding, to each and every one of your emails. Some of the emails that I’ve received since our inception, but particularly over the past week, are heartwarming and encouraging for a conservative during these turbulent times of liberalism, while others are just plain amusing. read more…
By N. Horton
Today is the day (not yesterday) that the A&P Tax lawsuit will be heard before Judge Tom Hughes in Searcy.
Many of the tax proponents see this as the defining day in their political careers–if they win the suit, they walk forward with their noses higher than ever. If Judge Hughes rules in favor of the Searcy Friends of Voters (SFV), the plaintiffs in favor of letting Searcy citizens vote on the tax, the tax proponents will still walk forward with their noses higher than ever. They think this is a win-win political situation for them. If they win, they win and if they lose, they will still declare themselves the noble victors. After all, they know best. They have never been wrong.
They can (and will) claim bias if the judge rules against them. If the judge rules in their favor, they will continue to lecture us with moral indignation about how “they know best” and how “they were elected to make these decisions for us.” It is all too predictable. read more…
The following is an exchange between the mayor and the city attorney in response to the legal opinion that was posted last week, citing the legal concerns with the A&P tax and the unconstitutionality of the commissioners who DO NOT live in the city of Searcy; these emails are a chronological dialog:
—– Original Message —–
From: Buck Gibson <bgibson@millargibson.com>
To: Belinda Laforce
Sent: Mon Jun 15 10:33:00 2009
Subject: FW: A&P Commissioner Question
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
Buck C. Gibson
Searcy City Attorney
401 W. Center
P.O.. Box 1406
Searcy, Arkansas 72145-1406
Phone: (501) 268-8220
Fax: (501) 278-5995
—-
From: Belinda Laforce [mailto:blaforce@cityofsearcy.org]
Sent: Monday, June 15, 2009 10:48 AM
To: bgibson@millargibson.com
Subject: Re: A&P Commissioner Question
Ive read this. It looks as though we need to dismiss 3 of our commissioners and samend our ordinance? Do we need to do this today or call another meeting of commission to discuss this? Im seeking your advice? Thanks. B
————————–
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld.
—-
Sent: Monday, June 15, 2009 11:20 AM
To: Belinda Laforce
Subject: RE: A&P Commissioner Question
Attachments: Ordinance — A&P v.2 PDF.pdf
One: do nothing and force someone challenging this to raise the issue.
Two: amend it.
Let me know how you wish to proceed. Recall that this is the manner in which we proposed it originally.
Buck C. Gibson
Searcy City Attorney
401 W. Center
P.O. Box 1406
Searcy, Arkansas 72145-1406
Phone: (501) 268-8220
Fax: (501) 278-5995
—-
Editors note: These emails clearly indicate that the city attorney and the Mayor knew that there was/is a constitutional problem with their appointments AND they were willing to thwart the constitution for the sake of political expediency, costing the taxpayers thousands of dollars in legal fees.
The mayor and city attorney indisputably knew they were acting illegally before they acted. This is grounds for removal from office.
In these chronologically sequential emails, the Mayor acknowledges that Ordinance 303 is NOT in the city code of ordinances. This is the ordinance on which their entire legal argument hinges. Allegedly, this ordinance provides a 30 day time limit for the submission of referendum petitions. This ordinance, which is not in the city code and was never signed by a mayor, enforces that 30 day limit and would theoretically invalidate the petitions of the Searcy Friends of Voters who submitted their petitions after 30 days of the tax’s passage.
It seems that the Mayor and city attorney both recognized that there were potential problems with this ordinance, yet they proceeded and are now costing taxpayers thousands of dollars in legal fees.
—-
From: Belinda Laforce [mailto:blaforce@cityofsearcy.org]
Sent: Tuesday, June 16, 2009 9:27 AM
To: bgibson@millargibson.com
Subject: MOU AP Comm
Buck,
Since we have called a meeting of A P Commission for tomorrow – will you have a draft of a Memo of Understanding to present? Chairman Kent Bruxvoort will not be able to attend, he is out of town – so I would not think we need to act on the MOU – but maybe give them a draft of something to think about before the next meeting?
I also have Oaths of Office to distribute to each member to sign.
Kyle Reeves picked up a copy of ORd. 303 this morning. Person inquired of me this morning via radio call in show – why Ordn 303 was not in our Code of Ordinances?
Mayor Belinda LaForce
401 West Arch Avenue
Searcy , AR 72143
PH: 501-268-2483
Fax: 501-279-1050
blaforce@cityofsearcy.org
___
From: Buck Gibson [mailto:bgibson@millargibson.com]
Sent: Tuesday, June 16, 2009 9:26 AM
To: Belinda Laforce
Subject: RE: MOU AP Comm
It’s a good question. I understand from Mike that he asked around for an ordinance that did this but was told it did not exist. We might want to look going forward to see if there is something we can find repealing it.
That would be bad.
Buck C. Gibson
Searcy City Attorney
401 W. Center
P.O. Box 1406
Searcy, Arkansas 72145-1406
Phone: (501) 268-8220
Fax: (501) 278-5995
—-
From: Belinda Laforce [mailto:blaforce@cityofsearcy.org]
Sent: Tuesday, June 16, 2009 9:32 AM
To: Buck Gibson
Subject: RE: MOU AP Comm
Okay – will do (but I do not recall one) this is the same ordinance we used in the Labitcus case on filing the referendum petition to the best of my memory.
Mayor Belinda LaForce
401 West Arch Avenue
Searcy, AR 72143
PH: 501-268-2483
Fax: 501-279-1050
blaforce@cityofsearcy.org
—-
From: Buck Gibson [mailto:bgibson@millargibson.com]
Sent: Tuesday, June 16, 2009 9:35 AM
To: Belinda Laforce
Subject: RE: MOU AP Comm
Thanks.
Mike also recalled that the code of ordinances was initially adopted in the 1960s not, as I understood, in the 1990s. We should probably try to find that adopting ordinance when you have the chance.
Buck C. Gibson
Searcy City Attorney
401 W. Center
P.O. Box 1406
Searcy, Arkansas 72145-1406
Phone: (501) 268-8220
Fax: (501) 278-5995
_____________________________
This morning, Judge Tom Hughes ruled that the Searcy city council had no legal right to deny the Searcy voters a special election on the A&P Tax. The judge said that the 1938 ordinance indicating a 30-day deadline for the submission of referendum petitions was repealed by a 1969 ordinance. Therefore, the SFV’s petitions were timely and the council should have/will set the election date.
This is a huge victory for the Searcy Friends of the Voters. read more…
By Scott Biddle
Shortly after Judge Hughes ruled that the city of Searcy does NOT have an ordinance establishing a 30 day limit for the filing of referendum petitions, somebody asked me “What does this mean? Is it over?” As I thought about how to respond to this inquiry, an image popped into my mind from a movie that was ingrained in my memory after I was taken to see it in the theater as a young boy. We, the faithful few freedom fighters, had made our stand and had blown up the city’s death star ordinance and were now awaiting the opportunity to celebrate our victory over the forces of tyranny with a grand ceremony (the special election). Of course, this analogy brings with it its own lessons and warnings. read more…
By Chuck Catania
As the new session in the Supreme Court gets underway, we are obliged to re-examine the Roberts Court. This summer, rhetoric of Sonya Sotomayor’s confirmation left Republicans and conservatives split. To oppose or to confirm, that is the question. Opposition, in many ways, was purely political, as is most opposition to Supreme Court appointees nowadays. Senator Jeff Sessions, among others in the more conservative side of the Republican Party, showed fierce resistance, and not surprisingly, in the end, symbolically rejected her nomination.
I’d like to take the time to point out that Justice Sotomayor is, despite what our politics may like to suggest, very qualified to serve on the bench. read more…
This is a great video that The Patriot recently discovered via The Tolbert Report.
Love him or hate him, Huckabee issues quite a challenge to Christians:
The “I Am Second” series is a series of very inspiring collection of testimonies from celebrities like Joe Gibbs, Jason Castro, Josh Hamilton, and Jason Witten. Watch them all at www.iamsecond.com
Dear Mr. Niblock,
I am confirming by this email that I am in receipt of your request to be placed on the upcoming City Council Agenda to address the Council regarding the Advertising & Promotion Tax.
However, I do not believe it would be appropriate for you to address the City Council at this time since you represent the Plaintiffs of pending litigation with the City of Searcy concerning this very issue.
Therefore, I am denying your request. read more…
The city attorney claims it is “wholly inappropriate” for Mr. Niblock to address the Searcy city council:
_____________________________________________
To: oz_in_searcy@hotmail.com; blaforce@cityofsearcy.org; pmeads@cityofsearcy.org
From: bgibson@millargibson.com
Date: Wed, 7 Oct 2009 19:43:47 +0000
Seems to me wholly inappropriate to address the parties you are suing. What do wish to address and I will visit with my clients regarding that matter. Seems to me also far more consistent with the rules governing our profession.
Buck C. Gibson — This message was sent from a BlackBerry handheld wireless device
_____________________________________________
From: Greg Niblock, oz_in_searcy@hotmail.com
To: bgibson@millargibson.com
Subject: RE: Council Agenda
Date: Wed, 7 Oct 2009 20:38:04 +0000
How, then do the people seek redress of their government?
And as far as the ”ethics” of the matter, there will be no questioning to elicit information, merely a statement and rational of the citizen’s concern as well as a plea for the legislative body, the city council, to consider action that the citizenry desires, additionally, you will be sitting at their side as their attorney.
The Arkansas Patriot is a conservative organization dedicated to equipping citizens with the truth, insuring transparent government, and encouraging citizens to question their government boldly. The editor can be reached at arkansaspatriot@gmail.com. Readers can follow The Patriot on Twitter and Facebook.
Question boldly. Dare to dissent–it’s American.
The Arkansas Patriot is a conservative organization dedicated to equipping citizens with the truth, insuring transparent government, and encouraging citizens to question their government boldly. The editor can be reached at arkansaspatriot@gmail.com. Readers can follow The Patriot on Twitter and Facebook.
The following three videos are from tonight’s Searcy City Council meeting. The mayor has clearly lost control and all objectivity when it comes to the conduction of meetings.
Here the council votes to table the motion to become non-partisan for 30 days. Pay attention to 8:25 -
In the following clip, the council discusses the reconstruction of the parking lot across from The Cookie Basket on Main Street -
More discussion of the parking lot renovation -
As you will see in an upcoming video, the Mayor denied Alderman Nutter’s motion to set a date for the A&P Tax special election. Things got a bit testy. Stay tuned.
The Arkansas Patriot is a conservative organization dedicated to equipping citizens with the truth, insuring transparent government, and encouraging citizens to question their government boldly. The editor can be reached at arkansaspatriot@gmail.com. Readers can follow The Patriot on Twitter and Facebook.
By Garret Myhan
I attended the Searcy City Council meeting on the evening of October 13 and was truly shocked by what I saw. I was under the impression that Robert’s Rules of Order were used to conduct meetings of the Council, but apparently I was mistaken. read more…
By Chuck Catania
I would like to note that this article is not written in response to Barack Obama’s theft of the Nobel Peace Prize, but instead, something that we must view in all aspects of his “administration.” In the recent months, the subject of the presidency has often been broached. Many, in fact, have been singing a tune much to the same effect, “Well, you have to respect President Obama. You don’t have to respect Barack Obama, but you must respect the Presidency.” Well, in thinking about it, in one way, yes, they are correct; however, in another, they are dead wrong. As Americans, we have a duty and responsibility to respect the presidency. That said, “The Presidency” is bigger than any one man. In fact, the presidency has little to do with the president; it is the administration that is run by the president. read more…
Alderman Nutter motions to appropriate funds for the A&P tax special election–DENIED
Alderman Carl Nutter motions to appropriate funds for the A&P Tax special election that is mandated via the referendum petitions. Note the “I’ll second” at 0:21 by Alderman Brewer–the Mayor conveniently did not hear this.
Also note Sterling’s “explanation” of why he is motioning to “indefinitely suspend” Mr. Nutter’s motion to appropriate special election funding:
These people’s blatant disrespect for the law is simply shocking at this point. You saw them for yourself, right down the line–Sterling, English, Chalenburg, Arnett, and Dixon–all voting to indefinitely suspend any discussion of a special election. read more…
The following email (legally obtained through the Freedom of Information Act) details the resignation of Searcy A&P Commission Chairman Kent Bruxvoort from the Parks and Recreation Board.
It will be interesting to see how the city council/commission fill the vacancy, especially considering, legally speaking, the commission does not even exist:
From: Kent Bruxvoort [mailto:kbruxvoort@mega-tech.net]
Sent: Thursday, October 08, 2009 9:22 PM
To: Brian Smith
Cc: Belinda Laforce
Subject: Parks and Rec Advisory BoardBrian,
This week I started my new job in Fort Worth. Sometime in the next few weeks Cheri and I will be moving to the Fort Worth area. At this point, while I am officially still a resident of Searcy it does not seem proper to continue to serve on a board that I am unable to be a part of. Please accept my resignation as of your meeting on Tuesday, October 13.
I am disappointed to be leaving at a time when I think our hard work over the last 10 years is finally starting to pay off. Hopefully you will find someone with more time to devote to the Searcy Parks and Recreation Department than I have for the last few months.
I guess this also ends a long run of playing city league basketball as well. I wasn’t too good anymore anyway!
Thanks,
Kent
The Arkansas Patriot is a conservative organization dedicated to equipping citizens with the truth, insuring transparent government, and encouraging citizens to question their government boldly. The editor can be reached at arkansaspatriot@gmail.com. Readers can also follow The Patriot on Twitter and Facebook.
By N. Horton
Thanks to The Tolbert Report’s coverage, I have been obsessively following New York’s 23rd Congressional District race. This is a three-way race between Democrat Nominee Bill Owens, “Republican” Dede Scozzafava, and Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman. I gather that most of our readers care little about Mr. Owens, but let’s dig deeper into the other two candidates.
First, Scozzafava.
Dede Scozzafava has been closely aligned with the Working Families Party, a socialist affiliate of ACORN. In fact, her close friend and supporter, Bertha Lewis, is the vice chairman of WFP.
Scozzafava’s husband is a New York union organizer. She supports “card check” legislation that would remove the secret ballot from union elections. And, this just breaking, her husband called the police on a Weekly Standard reporter who was asking her some tough questions about fiscal policy and health care.
Scozzafava is pro-homosexual marriage and pro-abortion. She supported a $180 million bank bailout in Albany, NY. Visit Doug Hoffman’s website for a side-by-side comparison of these two candidates.
*It is important to note that Scozzafava was not nominated by the voting electorate. Instead, she was appointed to be the party’s nominee by the GOP establishment–the eleven GOP county chairman within her district. read more…
We received this email late this evening. We cannot confirm its validity, but figured it was worth posting
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact : Drew Pritt at drew@prittforarkansas.comDrew Pritt, a political activist and small business owner, has decided to provide a “progressive” primary challenge to incumbent U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas.
“The fact remains we are at a historic moment in our country’s history. So it’s very upsetting, when we see a Democratic U.S. Senator who doesn’t support a public option for health care reform. It’s very upsetting when we see a Democratic U.S. Senator who doesn’t support the Employee Free Choice Act. It’s very upsetting when we see a Democratic U.S. Senator who waivers and waffles on basic civil rights. And the only explanation that is given is, she is a Senator from the deep South,” says Pritt. read more…
By C. Tuthill
Meatless Mondays in Baltimore schools. I am sure that PETA is pleased with the choice of the school district NOT to provide a choice on Mondays. While the diet of a child is a legitimate concern for parents, it is not a political issue and should not be taken on as such bya school district.
Because Meatless Mondays can only be followed by a careful assessment of the fact that many children have weight problems and a proper response to that would be Foodless Fridays. read more…
Mr. Myhan, a contributor to The Patriot, sent a request to the City Clerk to be on the agenda for the next Searcy City Council meeting. The following includes his email and the Mayor’s response–think it would hold up in court?
In September, Judge Tom Hughes ruled that the City of Searcy illegally denied the Searcy Friends of Voters’ petitions to have the A&P Tax placed on the ballot. Nonetheless, the city is still refusing to set the election date.
Friends, the battle for liberty is here and now. We have laws for a reason. It is time we demanded that our elected officials stop stomping on the state constitution and the city code.
It is time to call your Alderman and tell them to set the election date–find their contact information by clicking here. Not sure what Ward you live in? Click here for a map of Searcy.
Also, show up to the City Council meeting, this Tuesday night, November 10th, at 7 p.m. The meeting will be held at City Hall on Arch Street. read more…
Tonight, many good citizens were denied the right to address the Searcy City Council. Being the defenders of liberty that they are, two citizens would not take no for an answer. After the meeting was adjourned in the middle of Alderman Nutter’s comments, the people booed and mockingly clapped as the aldermen rose from their seats and made their way out of the room. Steve Sterling, Jim Dixon, Dale English, and Belinda Laforce huffed and puffed their way out the door, some yelling at the people, while the people yelled “You cowards!”
They settled just outside the window when they saw Mr. Niblock take to the podium. He asked the people if they would like to hear “the case for liberty.” The people cheered and remained seated for his remarks:
After Mr. Niblock finished speaking, Mr. Garret Myhan took to the podium (full text posted below):
These men deserve the respect of every Searcy citizen for their courage and their devotion to the cause of American liberty. Tonight’s events were a huge step towards the reclamation of The People’s rights, but this is just the beginning. Continue to fight the good fight.
By Derek Glover
I attended the Searcy city council meeting last Tuesday, which was eventful to say the least. More than anything, I am disappointed in my city officials.
The decision by our council to become a non-partisan body is another in a long line of cowardly moves by many of our officials. read more…
By Scott Biddle
Recent events have caused me to sit back and ask the question “What makes a leader?” After serious consideration, I think I can boil my conclusions down to 4 words: Leaders listen, dictators don’t. My experiences with leadership throughout the years have shown me that people with leadership ability not only listen, they actively solicit input from those they are leading. They may not always like what they hear and they may not always agree with what they hear, but they always seek to understand what the people they lead are saying on any given topic. read more…
The current political buzz in Searcy—a new mayor is coming to town. Earlier this week a local businessman conducted a scientific phone poll, pitting four potential mayoral candidates against the incumbent Belinda Laforce.
Kyle Reeves, Dan Hodges, Dale Brewer, and Steve Sterling were all matched up against Laforce—read their full profiles: “Coming Soon: New Mayor to Searcy.”
AP cannot release all of the details of the poll at this time, but each of these four potential candidates beat Laforce in head to head matchups. One potential candidate beat Laforce by as many as 20 points. The closest race was separated by ½ of a percentage point, resulting in a Laforce loss.
One thing is sure: trouble looms for this incumbent mayor who has raised taxes, thwarted the state constitution, operated under a closed-door policy, and turned a deaf ear to The People.
You decide:
The Arkansas Patriot is a conservative organization dedicated to equipping citizens with the truth, insuring transparent government, and encouraging citizens to question their government boldly. The editor can be reached at arkansaspatriot@gmail.com. Follow The Patriot on Twitter and Facebook.
A concerned Searcy citizen submitted this letter to The Patriot:
“I met Jesse Boyce at Congressman Vic Snyder’s recent meeting at the Lightle Center in Searcy. When I introduced myself to him, realizing he is a candidate for State Representative, I asked him what his personal position is on abortion. His response: “I’m not going to tell you.” Then I asked him, if he had an opportunity to vote on the abortion issue, how would he vote (pro-choice or pro-life). His response: “I’m not going to tell you.” read more…
Searcy Boy Scouts pledging their allegiance.
By Nicholas Horton
Today it is all too easy to simply exclaim “Happy Thanksgiving” without taking time to appreciate the many blessings that we have been given by our Creator. Sure, many will give thanks for the turkey, the day off of work, or even the football games–I will join in those overtures. But what about real thanks? read more…
Recently Nicholas Horton, a candidate for city council in Ward 1, sat down with Taelor Aebi of Harding University’s “The Link” to discuss his campaign:
“Taking political matters into his own hands, Harding graduate student Nicholas Horton is running for City Council in Searcy. Horton is running for a position in Ward 1 and will likely take on republican incumbent Mary Ann Arnett in the May election. read more…
By Nicholas Horton
I arrived in Springfield, MO at approximately 10:00 p.m. CST on Tuesday night after a five hour drive from Searcy, AR (I made a few detours along the way). There were already over 100 people in line at Border’s Books, awaiting the arrival of Governor Sarah Palin at 10 a.m. I bundled up: three long sleeve shirts, three pairs of pants, one hooded sweatshirt, a parka vest, a heavy jacket, three pairs of socks, two pairs of gloves, an “eskimo” hat, and a 
1,500 BTU propane heater. I was warm…sort of.
About midnight, men from TGI Fridays (now officially known as “TGI Hot Chocolate”) brought free cups of hot cocoa and coffee to us Palin faithful. About 1 a.m., a local entrepreneur showed up with some pretty classy Palin buttons for sale. About 2 a.m., another local entrepreneur showed up selling snazzy Palin t-shirts; someone screamed, “SHE’S HERE!” as all 250 of us jumped up to see their grandmother walking towards the crowd. “She’s 81 years old!,” they yelled. Very impressive, but slightly disappointing since, for some reason, we were all expecting that “she” to be Sarah Palin! read more…
This will be a busy week in Searcy politics. Please join us for as many events as possible.
This morning (Monday) at 7:00, Attorney Greg Niblock will be on Newstalk 99.1 discussing the lawsuit against the city regarding their refusal to set the special election date for the A&P Tax. I would encourage you all to listen in for the latest information on the suit. Also, please call in and ask Mr. Niblock some good questions. You can listen on 99.1 FM in White County or stream live at www.newstalk991.com
Tonight the White County Tea Party will hold their monthly meeting at the county courthouse in the main courtroom upstairs. There will be information about a new constitutional amendment initiative. The meeting begins at 6:30 PM and all are welcome.
*UPDATE–U.S. Senate candidate Curtis Coleman will be speaking to the TEA Party group tonight. Curtis recently received 33% of the votes at the Republican Party of Arkansas’ Senate Straw Poll, 2nd only to Gilbert Baker’s 35%.
Tuesday night is the monthly Searcy City Council meeting. Over the past few months, as we have been packing out the Council meeting, we have truly seen a transformation in the demeanor of the Council. When we show up with cameras and friends, they know we are watching and they tread carefully. This is democracy in action–The People showing up and reminding the government that they work for us. Please join us at 7 PM on Tuesday at City Hall and help us keep the pressure on.
The Arkansas Patriot is a conservative organization dedicated to equipping citizens with the truth, insuring transparent government, and encouraging citizens to question their government boldly. The editor can be reached at arkansaspatriot@gmail.com Follow The Patriot on Twitter and Facebook.
By Nicholas Horton
I have posted the following on my website, but I decided it was also appropriate to share this great news here on The Patriot:
Friends, I am writing you at this late hour to let you know that tonight the Searcy Council voted to set the special election date for the A&P Tax. This is a huge victory for the people of Searcy. After months and months of tireless fighting, the people will finally receive their right to vote. I regret that the Council unnecessarily dragged this issue out for nearly six months–the solution was so simple. However, the important thing is that the people will now receive their constitutional right to a referendum election.
The special election will be held on the second Tuesday of April, 2010. read more…
There remains some speculation about whether the Searcy City Council’s motives in setting the election date for the A&P Tax were entirely pure. This speculation arises from Mr. Dixon’s “no” vote on the motion to set the election date–a motion that he made. He obviously objected to the amendment by Mr. Nutter that the collection of the tax be stopped immediately. It seems that if the Council is voting to repeal the ordinance that created the A&P Tax, pending a special election, that they would also suspend the tax itself. How can the tax be (legally) collected without an enforcing ordinance? It seems clear that the Council wants to continue to collect as much revenue as possible. Nonetheless, the Council, seemingly confused, passed the motion 5-3.
These videos show the pro-tax/anti-let-the-people-vote aldermen defending their actions of the December Searcy City Council meeting to student reporters.
“Dear Editor:
Justice is finally being served, but it is somewhat delayed. I refer to the contretemps going on between the Searcy City Council and the Searcy Friends of the Voters, which wants the citizens to have the right to vote on the “hamburger tax” imposed by the Mayor and a majority of the council members. The tax began in June, and collection of the tax is now suspended.
Now months later, with petition gathering and much legal maneuvering between the above parties, the tax will be voted upon by the voters of the city sometime in April. That’s the way it should be.
When are the citizens of Arkansas going to get to vote on the “hamburger tax” without having to jump through the petition process hoops that Mountain Home and Batesville did in 2004, and now Searcy in 2009? read more…
It looks like the Searcy Council’s actions have (finally) garnered some real press coverage:
Searcy – The Searcy City Council suspended collection of advertising-and-promotion taxes and will schedule a vote on the taxes. Aldermen voted 7-1 Tuesday to stop collecting the 1% tax on restaurant meals and the 3% tax on hotel stays.
See the full story here.
The Arkansas Patriot is a conservative organization dedicated to equipping citizens with the truth, insuring transparent government, and encouraging citizens to question their government boldly. The editor can be reached at arkansaspatriot@gmail.com Follow The Patriot on Twitter and Facebook.
By N. Horton
Many of us enjoyed the wonderful “Living Nativity” display in Searcy this year. The whole family can enjoy this tour through Searcy’s own Bethlehem with a complimentary cup of hot cocoa. This special, real-life look into the birth of Christ has become a Searcy tradition and a statewide attraction. Not only does the nativity bring many visitors to our wonderful city, but it focuses on what is most important—touching souls with the real message of Christmas. The real message of Christmas is that God came into our sinful situation and saved us. Because of this selfless presentation of Christ’s birth, many will hear this good news! read more…
