Don’t disgraced officials resign any more? Yes, it happens on assuring occasion. Paul Bookout left the state Senate after misusing campaign funds and let his employer-the Arkansas taxpayer-elect another in his place. It was one way to perform a last public service and walk away with a shred of dignity. Let it also be noted that Martha Shoffner, who is no longer state treasurer, thank goodness, quit her office as she awaited trial, which is now scheduled for next year. Hudson Hallum, now a decidedly former state representative from Marion, resigned his post after pleading guilty to various charges of election fraud. Nothing so befit their time in public office as their leaving it.
Then there are those “public servants” who refuse to quit when the clearest conclusion of their maculate careers is that they need to. Today’s example: Mark Darr, who is still lieutenant governor of Arkansas despite a $44,000 problem with his handling of campaign funds. A problem now confirmed by investigators with the state’s ethics commission. A problem that can’t just be swept under the rug without leaving an awfully big bump.
It’s a scandal that’ll follow Mark Darr and embarrass Arkansas as long as he remains in the lieutenant governor’s office-just a heartbeat away from the governorship itself. Indeed, his official noun of address is “Governor Darr.” Disgraceful. Much like Jim Guy Tucker’s insistence on staying governor till legislators were threatening to impeach him-on the inauguration day of his successor, a long day of uncertainty that was as unnecessary as it was embarrassing.
Now it’s Mark Darr who can do the state, and his own much-tattered reputation, at least one service in office: Leave it. Now.
Yet the man refuses to resign. He won’t even promise not to run for re-election. Which means he’d make a perfect candidate at this point-for impeachment.
Editorial, Pages 19 on 12/20/2013