Friends, I am writing you at this late hour to let you know that tonight the Searcy Council voted to set the special election date for the A&P Tax. This is a huge victory for the people of Searcy. After months and months of tireless fighting, the people will finally receive their right to vote. I regret that the Council unnecessarily dragged this issue out for nearly six months--the solution was so simple. However, the important thing is that the people will now receive their constitutional right to a referendum election.
The special election will be held on the second Tuesday of April, 2010.
Now, the issue is not entirely settled. There are legal questions that remain unanswered. For instance, what becomes of the $400,000 that the A&P Commission has illegally collected? These issues will likely be decided in court. There is also a special meeting on the 21st of this month to discuss further details of the election. While some uncertainty remains, what is important is that the people of Searcy will get to vote on this tax. Justice will be served.
Many thanks to Alderman Nutter for his relentless pursuit of justice and liberty for the people of Searcy. Also many thanks to Scott Biddle, Chairman of the Searcy Friends of Voters, who organized the petition drive and spent countless hours conducting legal research. Let me also thank Attorney Greg Niblock who has so graciously given his time and energy to this cause. He was the only attorney in Searcy that was willing to take this case and fight for the people. God bless all of these men.
Be sure and check out The Arkansas Patriot tomorrow for full-length video of tonight's events.
God bless,
