Shame on Sarah, staff

Arkansans are not stupid. We can see what’s going on with Podium Gate. First, it’s delay the report (sounds like a familiar tactic, doesn’t it?). Now stories are being floated about the purchase to say that Queen Sarah is not bound by state purchasing procedures. The AG is now helping to cover her bases. Even if she is not bound by those purchasing guidelines, the money the governor spent on her podium is ridiculous and inexcusable. And it would be the same if anyone else bought it—Republican or Democrat.

What seems to have been forgotten here is the money that runs the government comes from the taxes Arkansas citizens pay. We expect our tax money to be spent wisely. I bet there are dozens of podiums around our state Capitol. Surely one of them could be modified, if needed. Or— spend $25 and build a riser, if needed.

I had a boss years ago at a large state agency who used to say stupidly that our agency had more money than God. Our purchasing people were always cleaning up messes he made by disregarding the purchasing regulations. Sarah has done the same thing and she got the GOP (and now the AG) to cover her mess. I noticed an almost identical podium to Sarah’s treasure was used at a recent White House press conference honoring World War II Rosie the Riveters. Hmmm …

We live in a state where people are proud, resourceful and frugal. They make do. They do things like create trailers from the bed of an old pickup rather than buy a trailer. Nobody in state government, not even Queen Sarah, needs a $19,000 podium bought with our money. Shame on her and her staff!

JOYCE WILLIAMS

North Little Rock