Became Flowers fan

State Sen. Stephanie Flowers received attention for speaking in a notably forceful manner recently. I don’t know her personally, but have been viewing Arkansas Legislature videos frequently online.

In February I told my own senator I’d become a fan of Senator Flowers. She consistently asks pertinent questions about why any bill is necessary and its ramifications. She doesn’t make assumptions or rubber-stamp things. She’s the kind of well-informed, experienced, principled legislator we need.

That hard-earned respect colored my perspective of her heartfelt outburst in March 6’s judiciary committee meeting. She unleashed angry words, phrasing some points so strongly she surprised me. It was uncomfortable. She defied expectations.

Those who, like me, have watched some of her many previous hours of work likely already agree Senator Flowers benefits all of Arkansas. Newcomers should consider: Whether she spoke purely from the heart or deliberately aimed to shock, she did make her colleagues face unintended consequences that needed to be seen and perhaps couldn’t be adequately communicated any other way.

She’s a Democrat; I’m an independent, which I note to emphasize my praise isn’t due to party affiliation. I commend committee chair (Republican) Sen. Alan Clark for always handling meetings well, including during this challenging situation. And Senate President Pro Tempore Jim Hendren (Republican too) handled the aftermath perfectly. I concur with Senator Flowers’ statement Monday that the scrutiny this elicited is useful.

Kudos to all and thanks for your diligence, passion, and discretion. Keep up the good work.

TREVOR STILWELL

Fayetteville