Drug agency director gives notice

Arkansas Drug Director Denny Altes has resigned effective June 30 from the $73,865-a-year state job, a spokesman for Gov. Asa Hutchinson said Monday.

Altes, a former Republican state senator and representative from Fort Smith, submitted his resignation on Friday.

The resignation came three days after Sen. Jake Files, R-Fort Smith, said he wouldn’t seek re-election next year and House Republican leader Mathew Pitsch of Fort Smith said he would seek the Senate seat. The filing period for state and federal offices is from noon Feb. 22 to noon March 1.

Altes has served as the state’s drug director since the Republican governor announced Altes’ appointment in May 2015. The drug director’s duties include coordinating the state’s alcohol and drug abuse prevention and treatment initiatives, according to the Department of Human Services.

Asked if Altes gave a reason for his resignation and whether it’s to run for the Senate, House or Sebastian County judge next year, Hutchinson spokesman J.R. Davis said Monday “the governor will leave it to Director Altes to divulge his reasoning.”

Altes couldn’t be reached for comment by telephone on Monday.

Altes served in the state House of Representatives from May 1999-2003, the state Senate from 2003-2011 and the House from 20132015.