Post by Logan on Jun 5, 2016 11:04:23 GMT -6
First lady Susan Hutchinson demanded final approval and sometimes sole say in decorating choices at the Arkansas Governor's Mansion -- despite a commission that was tasked by law with overseeing the process, according to emails released this week under the state Freedom of Information Act.
The relationship between the first lady and the Governor's Mansion Commission has attracted attention because of a bill passed during the brief special session that ended May 23. The session was called to address highway funding but included unrelated bills, including legislation that eliminates and changes a number of state panels and agencies.
As a result of the new law, Gov. Asa Hutchinson will be able to remove members of the Governor's Mansion Commission at will starting July 1. The law does not define a role for the governor's spouse.
The governor's office declined numerous requests for comment from Susan Hutchinson and declined requests for her emails to the commission. Emails were provided under the Freedom of Information Act by the commission. Commissioners named in the emails also declined requests to be interviewed. Mansion Administrator Don Bingham provided meeting minutes to this newspaper last week.
Read more: www.arkansasonline.com/news/2016/jun/04/in-emails-first-lady-firm-on-mansion-wa/?f=news-politics
The relationship between the first lady and the Governor's Mansion Commission has attracted attention because of a bill passed during the brief special session that ended May 23. The session was called to address highway funding but included unrelated bills, including legislation that eliminates and changes a number of state panels and agencies.
As a result of the new law, Gov. Asa Hutchinson will be able to remove members of the Governor's Mansion Commission at will starting July 1. The law does not define a role for the governor's spouse.
The governor's office declined numerous requests for comment from Susan Hutchinson and declined requests for her emails to the commission. Emails were provided under the Freedom of Information Act by the commission. Commissioners named in the emails also declined requests to be interviewed. Mansion Administrator Don Bingham provided meeting minutes to this newspaper last week.
Read more: www.arkansasonline.com/news/2016/jun/04/in-emails-first-lady-firm-on-mansion-wa/?f=news-politics