ICYMI: Boozman Visits Spa City

Press Release

Hot Springs and Garland Çounty officials on Friday met with Sen, John Boozman, R.-Ark., to discuss area issues.

"A lot of the problems you have are just getting through bureaucracy and we can use the power of the office to do that. We really are committed to do that ... we all need to work together to move things forward," said Boozman during the afternoon session at City Hall.

"I know it's very difficult, and you don't have a lot of resources," he said, noting that in Washington D.C., lawmakers are trying to create more jobs, promote local industries, provide more business stability and lower gas prices.

"The only way you're going to mess up with me is when something comes up and you don't let us know," he said.

City Manager Lance Hudnell asked Police Chief David Flory and Garland County Sheriff Larry Sanders to voice their concerns first.

Both law officers told the senator how additional funding would be needed to better assess drug-related crimes.

"In order to continue to enforce methamphetamine problems, we're going to need more funding. We're trying to petition the Environmental Protection Agency about some funding but if EPA doesn't have the money, that's a big issue for us here locally," Flory said.

Sanders touched on the overpopulated jail, filled with "80 percent substance abusers" and Flory highlighted the importance of officer safety and how national funding would help provide additional training to protect law enforcement officers when dealing with drug-related crimes.

"We also have some communication issues, as far as our radios. During an emergency, we're not able to communicate back and forth at the present time," Sanders added.

Hudnell stressed how the city's downtown area "needs to be revitalized."

"It's the heart of the whole city and it needs some type of incentives," said Cynthia Keheley, a Hot director for District 3. And Peggy Maruthur, director for District 1, stated the importance of security and public safety for tourists and residents.

"We will help anyway we can," Boozman said.

Tim Stockdale, Garland County treasurer, brought up the issue of veteran's benefits, with Karen Garcia, director for District 5, addressing how more assistance should be provided for the growing population of female veterans in the state.

"We've got hundreds and thousands of veterans across the state. We've really worked hard supporting the state. We've got good health care facilitiesand that's just an ongoing challenge," Boozman said, adding that facilities are being updated to meet female veterans' needs.

Garland County Judge Rick Davis brought up the oil crisis and the hope that someday governments will be be able to provide natural gas vehicles for city and county officials.

Boozman stated the importance of utilizing the state's natural resources but added that cost is often the biggest problem.

"Up front, it's a lot of money, but long term, with the wear on the engines, it's less cost ... we just need to figure out incentives, but I'm on board with that idea," he said.

Sanders also raised the issue of the economy and gas prices and Boozman again emphasized the importance of utilizing all resources and fiscal discipline.

Hot Springs Mayor Ruth Carney asked the senator about the health care bill, which Boozman said he opposes. The senator said there are plans to "chip away at it" because of its cost to families and how it will hurt local hospitals.

Source