Know your constituency

Dear editor:

I am a resident of the Saline County portion of Arkansas House District 22. In this morning’s edition of The Sentinel-Record, one of the announced Republican candidates seeking to fill the seat vacated by Mickey Gates made some interesting statements regarding how he will function if elected. Mr. Don Pierce is quoted as saying initially,” … I’m going to have to make a decision on what I think’s best for the state and best for Garland County.” He went on to declare, ” … I want to be available for our people in Garland County.” And finally, ” … I’ve done a service for the community and now I’m ready to take it and try to make a difference in the state of Arkansas and Garland County.”

A couple of things are interesting about Mr. Pierce’s quoted statements. The first is he is making his second try to be State Representative for District 22. So one would hope he knows the district. Moreover, the article says he is a resident of Hot Springs Village. Yet Mr. Pierce apparently doesn’t realize or wish to acknowledge that District 22 covers most of Hot Springs Village, including a good portion in Saline County. So I’m wondering, as I’m sure other Saline County residents are if Mr. Pierce intends to represent just the Garland County portion of District 22? Or, having run before, will he become aware of and include his Saline County constituency this time around?

Steve Rittenmeyer Hot Springs Village