Brenda Gullett, a former Arkansas Democratic Representative and Senator from Fayetteville will be speaking on the above  topic at the monthly Benton County Democrats luncheon meeting on February 27, 2012.   She is also the owner of “Brenda Gullett Associates” which specializes in maximizing human potential.  She currently serves on the Arkansas state Board of Education and has served 6 years on the Jefferson County Quorum Court.  She remains active in a variety of community organizations.  Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity to hear her intriguing presentation.

Meeting will be held at the Elks Lodge, 501 S. 40th St, Rogers, AR, beginning at 11:15 a.m.

A catered buffet lunch  is available beginning at 11:30 a.m. by advance reservation on or before Wednesday, February 22.    Contact Georgi Sterry by calling  876-5843 or email oldgrip@att.net

Tickets are $10 per person and provides important  funds for BCD treasury.

Tickets will be available at the general membership meeting on February 27th, or by calling Mary Lee Hay at 855-3516.

The DCCC’s Red to Blue program highlights top Democratic campaigns across the country, and offers them financial, communications, grassroots, and strategic support. 

Past President, Mary Lee Hay presented a certificate and a $50 donation to the charity of Bill’s choice with the following introduction:

“Each year the BCD recognizes a member who encourages and supports the Benton County Democrats.  In the past we have recognized Agnes Williams who at age 100 attended a gathering at Lake Atlanta to support a Democratic candidate for Congress, and the Roberts sisters, Mary Margaret and Lucille….Democrats through and through.   For the year 2011,  the Benton County Democrats say thank you to ….our Bill.  Bill Beck.  Bill is an involved and supporting member of  BCD.    He  keeps us informed about issues that are being pursued in Congress.    He is our very own David Axelrod.  Bill is passionate and knowledgeable about environmental issues.   Through the past years,  Democrats of Benton County have  benefited from the hundreds and hundreds of dollars we receive from our Movie Night Out fund raising events.  With proceeds from these fund raisers BCD has had the opportunity to donate needed funds to Democratic candidates……But also the incentive for members to turn off the T V and join friends at the Malco to see Oscar winning movies.  We thank you for that.”

Watch this space for news of the next movie night planned for May 2012.

Judge Keith spoke from his knowledge and experience to the topic “How the Judicial System Works”.   An attorney since 1973, Judge Keith was Benton County’s first public defender.  In 1982 he was elected Rogers Municipal Judge where he became widely known for his demand for proper courtroom etiquette. He was elected in 1986 to Benton County Circuit Judge where he went on to become the Senior Circuit Judge. He has served on several state committees regarding the administration of justice.

Today he is of counsel  with the firm of Keith, Miller, Butler, Schneider, and Pawlik PLLC.  His practice focuses on criminal defense and civil litigation.  Additionally he serves as a replacement Judge across the state when there are conflicts with the local judges serving. He has consistent office hours and is involved with many different cases within the firm. He and his wife Henri reside in Bentonville.

Don’t Cave on the Volcker Rule! Don’t let the financial industry do it again! The Volcker Rule can prevent risky trades by banking institutions that led to near catastrophe and massive bailouts in 2008. Final issuance by the regulators is subject to public comment until Feb 13, 2012. See below for contact info.

Google “Volcker Rule”; then submit a comment of your own via regulations.gov. Here’s a shortcut link for sending one to the Office of the Controller of the Currency (one of four regulators soliciting comments).

http://1.usa.gov/s7b9xj

Sample Comment: “Please don’t yield to industry attempts to emasculate (“rewrite,” etc.) the Volcker Rule. Protect the public interest: limit trading by banks to that using customers’ money.”

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Ref.: http://www.regulations.gov/#!submitComment;D=OCC-2011-0014-0026

Ken Aden For Congress

A frequent columnist for the Northwest Arkansas Times, Grisham is a graduate of the University of Mississippi. His experience growing up in Mississippi in the days of the struggle for Civil Rights made a big impact on him, and Grisham left law school to enter the seminary in 1976. He feels strongly about the need for tolerance in a diverse society.

Steve presented information and maps related to redistricting of Arkansas Senate and House districts that will be voted into effect on July 29, 2011.

Phil Pumphrey, Executive Director of Ozark Regional Transit, was the featured speaker at the regular monthly meeting of Benton County Democrats on Monday, June 27, 2011.  He presented an overview of ORT’s services and plans for future expansion.  ORT is asking for a 1/4% increase in sales tax to fund these expansion plans but the Benton County Quroum Court has denied the opportunity to have that increase placed on the ballot for voter approval.  Other avenues are being explored and opportunities for citizens to help will be posted here as soon as plans are complete.

Dustin McDaniel took office in January 2007 and is currently the youngest Attorney General in the nation. He serves as the Chair of the southern region and member of the Finance Committee for the National Association of Attorneys General; Co-Chair of the Democratic Association of Attorneys General; and has been awarded an Aspen-Rodel Fellowship in Public Leadership. McDaniel began his career as a uniformed patrol officer in his hometown of Jonesboro, Arkansas. He was also a Democratic Member of the Arkansas House of Representatives.