In part 2 of our interview with Clarke Tucker, Glen & April hear Clarke's account of recent work in the 2023 legislative session, including being able to get some long-sought measures in criminal justice reform included in a bill that became law. He describes its benefit in reducing recidivism and yet notes the many ways that some of that recent legislation is likely to prove counterproductive, failing to actually make Arkansans safer. He worries about the strong divisiveness between the parties in Arkansas and the country. Clarke provides an in-depth explanation of the factors that are contributing to or even worsening the current high level of tribalism and polarization, along with how certain democratic reforms that he feels would help reduce this problem. This conviction has led him to regularly file legislation that would help reduce this division by changing the primary system, but he has not yet been able to get enough support for its passage. However, he sees some hope for more bipartisan work recently in a couple of key areas, where persons across the political spectrum have been collaborating to support measures that would improve education in Arkansas and would strengthen and protect government transparency. He concludes with a humorous story of an experience he had while going door to door to garner support for his re-election.
Janet Harris, CEO of the Rockefeller Institute in Arkansas, 4-2-24, part 2: OTOH Episode 66
Janet Harris, CEO of Rockefeller Institute in Arkansas, 4-2-24, Part 1: OTOH Episode 65
Breanne Davis, AR state Senator & sponsor of 2023 LEARNS act, Part 2, Feb 20 2024; OTOH Episode 64
Breanne Davis, AR state Senator & sponsor of 2023 LEARNS act, Part 1, Feb 20 2024; OTOH Episode 63
Blake Perkins, ASU-Beebe history professor, Part 2, 2-2-24:OTOH Episode 62
Blake Perkins, ASU Beebe history professor, Part 1, 2-2-24:OTOH Episode 61
Wendall Griffen, pastor, ex judge and social justice activist, Jan 30 2024, Part 2: OTOH Episode 60
Wendall Griffen, pastor, ex judge and social justice activitist, Jan 30 2024, Part 1: OTOH Episode 59
Ryan Norris, Director of Americans for Prosperity Arkansas, 11-13-23, Part 2: OTOH episode 58
Ryan Norris, Director of Americans for Prosperity Arkansas, 11-13-23, Part 1: OTOH episode 57
Robert Richards, Asst Prof, Clinton School of Public Service, 12-5-23, Part 2: OTOH Episode 56
Robert Richards, Asst Prof, Clinton School of Public Service, 12-5-23, Part 1: OTOH Episode 55
Clarke Tucker, AR state senator and attorney, 10-6-23, Part 1: OTOH episode 53
Nate Bell, former AR legislator, political consultant, government transparency activist, 10-18-23, Part 2: OTOH episode 52
Nate Bell, former AR legislator, political consultant, government transparency activist, 10-18-23, Part 1: OTOH episode 51
Marquis Hunt, recording artist, interfaith leader, author and thought leader, 9-25-23, Part 2: OTOH episode 50
Marquis Hunt, recording artist, interfaith leader, author and thought leader, 9-25-23, Part 1: OTOH episode 49
Rex Nelson, veteran journalist and political/governmental figure, 9-27-23, single episode: OTOH Episode 48
John Brummett, prominent and long-time Arkansas journalist & columnist, 8-25-23, Part 2: OTOH Episode 47
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