Best choice for leader

In Arkansas PBS’ debate of candidates for governor, Chris Jones showed us what an affirmative, energetic and pragmatic statesman we can elect.

Our next governor must negotiate with General Assembly members rather than endorse their extreme solutions to problems that don’t exist. To do that, he’ll need to stay home and tune in to everyone all over Arkansas. He is showing how to do this by sincerely engaging with people in every county.

Compare that with Sarah Sanders, who spends much time in political events outside Arkansas. She also told us that she’d defend the state from the federal government (which gives back to Arkansas in economic, educational, medical, social and other benefits more than Arkansas pays).

Jones proved himself directing the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub.

His eyes are now on other needs: preparing our children from early ages to learn better and for expanding high-speed communications for rural and urban citizens alike. Both of these mean more and better jobs throughout the state. Disregarding the people’s will, legislators are forcing their religious views on parents’ family decisions and ruining good medical practice. Sanders shares their extreme views. Jones, married to a well-qualified doctor, opposes such dangerous folly.

He also doubts that cutting taxes is the panacea for every challenge, partly because he knows math. Already budget-stressed state services (recall so many unnecessary deaths and illnesses during the pandemic) would only further struggle. Chris Jones clearly seems the best choice for governor.

JIM WOHLLEB Little Rock