A capacity crowd filled the Garland County Library Auditorium last night to listen to Garland County candidates. Office seekers were invited to speak to the Garland County Good Government Group.
The audience was well-mannered as each candidate was applauded before and after their speaking opportunity.
Mr. Bob Driggers of the GGGG welcomed the crowd of concerned citizens and potential office holders. He then introduced the moderator, Mr. Dick Antoine. Each of the candidates were given three minutes to speak.
Candidates stayed after the speeches to answer questions.
Since the new Wings of the Wind has veered from its former journalistic leanings, here are my impressions:
I am thankful for the freedoms that we have in this country.
It is going to be nice to see a local election without so many unopposed seats.
It is wonderful to see those with no political experience stepping into the ring. Many have a wealth of experience in fields that would make them good decision makers and leaders.
I was impressed with the current office holders who showed up. Because the GGGG desires transparency in local government, office holders who came made a statement by their presence.
The local newspaper has once again snubbed the GGGG. The GGGG press release that was printed in the paper before the event was microscopic. It must have been 10 percent of its former self. There was no article in today’s paper; the day after. Many candidates, Democrat and Republican, were at the event, but the only paper in town wasn’t.
I am grateful for those who have stepped forward in an attempt to make our community a better place to live.
The GGGG organizers did an excellent job. The screen behind the candidates identified each of those running for office and the office desired.
I am blessed to live in a community that has so much talent.
Since we have the talent, let’s use it.
If the same thing that happened last night at the library is happening across America, there is still hope.
Not only do we need to pray before this election, but after it. Those who win elections in 2010 will face a challenging situation.
I would like to thank all who participated in the GGGG forum. If we all work together, we can make Hot Springs a better place to live.
Chris Reimers
Pictures were sent by Barbara Anable and taken by Julie Bosson
Wings of the Wind 
Great article and perspective. Thank you for being an important part. Your readers should know that it was Chris Reimers operating the green-yellow-red lights which kept all the candidates on time.
Glad to help out at such an important event, Bob. Looking forward to one of the most interesting local elections since I’ve been watching them.
Thanks for the coverage in Wings of the Wind. It really was a very professional and informative event. There is a very high caliber of candidates running for office. I believe that voters in this election will be some of the best informed in recent history.
You’re welcome, Brian. And thank you for your involvement with the GGGG. The mission statement of the GGGG is a goal to which government at all levels should aspire. I am also impressed with our local candidates. May God bless us in 2010.
God’s blessings…