ROGERS — Have you heard about the new game show? It’s called “Are You Smarter than the Lieutenant Governor?”
So come on down, and see if you can answer our first question:
Have you made all your house payments?
Pretty simple question. Yes or no?
Well, it’s simple for most of us. For Lt. Gov. Mark Darr, not so much.
Here’s what happened. Last week, Signature Bank filed suit against Darr and his wife saying the couple was in arrears in their house payments. They had missed four payments on two loans.
I think I would know that, but when asked initially, Darr said, “That’s inaccurate.”
A couple of days later, Darr was backpedaling mightily.
“I was aware I was behind but was not aware of the extent,” he said in a prepared statement.
Prepared statements are what politicians release when they have to say something but do not want to answer questions from inquisitive reporters.
It wasn’t bad enough Darr had to correct himself, he also had to demean the rest of us. At least that is how I took these comments: “Kim and I are certainly not wealthy individuals. Elected officials feel the hardship of this economy as well and over the past two years we have certainly felt it.”
If you borrowed $299,700 and bought a house, then you are wealthier than me and a whole lot of other people. Maybe not Mitt Romney wealthy but better off than many of your constituents.
And if you are an elected official in the Natural State, you have had neither a pay cut, nor a reduction in hours that would affect your take-home pay.
Granted, Darr is considered “part time,” which probably says something about the need for — or the lack of a need for — a lieutenant governor.
As such, he “only” makes $42,219, a salary I doubt would have gotten him qualified for a nearly $300,000 loan.
In 2008 when the house was purchased, Darr was a small-business man. He owned Mad Pizza in Rogers. He may still. His spokeswoman said no, but his website said yes earlier this week. He is also a licensed insurance agent.
Someone will say the change in work status — from real, live working man to elected official — could have caused the financial pinch.
I say malarkey.
Anyone who decides to run for office ought to consider his or her future income. If you can’t make the house payment, either sell the house or don’t run for office.
No matter, I really think even a lieutenant governor ought to know if he is behind in his house payment and be honest if he is struggling with financial issues. Otherwise, he needs to find a real job and forget about seeking re-election.
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And, you know how television loves sequels, right?
Here’s one: “Are You Smarter than the State Treasurer?”
Martha Shoffner, come on down.
The question: Is it a fiscally sound decision to sell bonds and take a loss?
I’m not a whiz kid when it comes to high finance, but this doesn’t make a bit of sense to me. Apparently it didn’t to Shoffner’s chief investment officer, who says she questioned the boss about the decision.
Now it’s my turn.
Martha, Martha, Martha. What were you thinking when you OK’d a sale of bonds auditors say resulted in an $835,000 loss to the state’s coffers?
Were you thinking? You told lawmakers you couldn’t remember why you authorized the sale of the bonds before they matured. Really, I think if you make such a serious decision, you ought to remember.
Shoffner’s chief investment officer, Autumn Sanson, testified last week she questioned the boss. She had notes that seem to back up her claims. Shoffner said Sanson did not raise any concerns.
My hope is the state treasurer would be on the ball enough not to have to be questioned by a subordinate, but if she were, she would take seriously those questions.
Shoffner is term-limited so she will be out of office soon — hopefully it is soon enough to prevent further financial damage to the state.
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One of the best political ads this season is for Michigan judicial candidate Bridget Mary McCormick. The ad supports her nonpartisan candidacy but is one of the most educational, yet entertaining, ads I have seen.
Curious? Go to moveon.org and enjoy a retro television moment.
Leeanna Walker is editor of the Rogers Morning News and the Springdale Morning News. Follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/NWALeeanna.