Op-Ed: Modernizing Arkansas Government for the 21st Century

As I advocate for overhauling the Executive Branch of the State of Arkansas, I firmly believe that the proposed legislative changes will lead to a more efficient and effective government. This reform builds on Governor Asa Hutchinson’s transformative policies, aiming to streamline operations and enhance accountability.

Consolidation of Departments and Agencies: The proposed legislation will consolidate the remaining departments and agencies into 15 main executive-level departments reporting directly to the Governor. This consolidation aims to eliminate redundancy, improve coordination, and ensure a more cohesive approach to governance. By streamlining operations, we can allocate resources more effectively and deliver better services to the people of Arkansas.

Transition from Elected Offices to Appointed Positions: I advocate for moving away from the current system of seven elected constitutional offices, with the exception of the Lt. Governor. Instead, the Governor will have plenary power to nominate and appoint executive heads of departments, subject to confirmation by the Arkansas Senate. This shift will promote greater accountability and enable the Governor to assemble a team of qualified professionals who are aligned with the administration’s vision and priorities.

Rationale for Cabinet Structure: In forming my cabinet, I propose appointing 15 executive heads with the titles of Secretary and their Deputy Secretaries of their respective departments. This structure will provide clear lines of authority and accountability within each department, facilitating decision-making and implementation of policies. Additionally, replacing titles such as division directors with Deputy Assistant Secretaries will streamline communication and ensure efficient operations.

Specific Departmental Changes:

1. Department of Health and Human Services: Combining the Arkansas Department of Health and the Arkansas Department of Human Services into one department will eliminate duplication of efforts and improve coordination of healthcare and social services.
2. Department of Transportation: Expanding the role of the Department of Transportation to include the management of all public transportation and paratransit services in the state will centralize oversight and ensure consistent standards of service delivery.
3. Department of Justice: Establishing a new Department of Justice to replace the Department of Public Safety will consolidate law enforcement agencies, homeland security, and legal advisory functions. Removing the constitutional office of the Attorney General will streamline decision-making and enhance collaboration between law enforcement and the executive branch.

Elevating the Department of Justice:

The establishment of the Arkansas Department of Justice (ADOJ) marks a significant departure from the traditional model of governance. By consolidating law enforcement agencies, homeland security functions, and legal advisory roles under one department, we can achieve greater efficiency, coordination, and accountability in the administration of justice.

The Role of the Attorney General:

In this restructured system, the Attorney General will serve as the head of the ADOJ, overseeing all aspects of law enforcement, legal representation, and homeland security. By appointing the Attorney General as the head of the department, rather than maintaining it as a constitutional elected office, we can ensure that the chief law enforcement officer is directly accountable to the Governor and aligned with the administration’s priorities.

Abolishing Outdated Constitutional Offices:

The decision to abolish the offices of the Treasurer, Commissioner of State Lands, Secretary of State, and Auditor of State is rooted in the recognition of the evolving needs of 21st-century governance. These positions, originally established in a different era, no longer serve a practical purpose in our modern government structure. By consolidating their functions under executive departments and appointing qualified professionals to oversee them, we can streamline operations and eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy.

Governor’s Authority in Appointments:

Under this proposed system, the Governor will have the authority to nominate and appoint executive heads of departments, subject to confirmation by the Arkansas Senate. This approach ensures that the Governor retains the final say in selecting individuals who are best suited to lead their respective departments. By empowering the Governor to assemble a team of qualified professionals, we can promote efficiency, accountability, and effectiveness in government.

Classifying Candidates as Political Appointees:

In this restructured system, individuals appointed to executive positions will be classified as political appointees. While this term may carry connotations of partisanship, it simply denotes individuals who are appointed by elected officials to serve in key leadership roles within the government. Political appointees bring a wealth of experience, expertise, and dedication to their roles, and their appointment ensures that the administration’s vision and priorities are effectively implemented.

Conclusion:

The proposed restructuring of the Executive Branch represents a bold step forward in modernizing and reforming governance in Arkansas. By elevating the Department of Justice, abolishing outdated constitutional offices, and empowering the Governor to make strategic appointments, we can create a more responsive, efficient, and accountable government that better serves the needs of all Arkansans.