Leaders listen at Springdale's 'Politickin' event, attendees say

SPRINGDALE -- Northwest Arkansas' biggest non-partisan political get-together evolved Thursday into an event where the state and region's political leaders listen more than they give speeches.

The Springdale Chamber of Commerce annual "Chickin', Peelin' & Politickin'" dinner was the first in which no visiting political figure opened the proceedings with a speech. Instead, the district's U.S. House member, a number of its legislators, business and community leaders and anyone willing to buy a ticket attended discussed a wide range of issues in detail while in small groups, according to participants interviewed.

"It's a good idea to get to know your politicians," said Laurie "Storm" Winters of Springdale, secretary of the Northwest Arkansas chapter of Riders United 4 Children. "Here you can talk to them personally." Her advocacy group helps abused or neglected children and was founded by motorcycle enthusiasts.

Third District Rep. Steve Womack, R-Rogers, agreed after finishing a talk with Margarita Solorzano, director of the Hispanic Women's Organization of Arkansas. "This is a social setting where you can have a constructive conversation," Womack said and Solorzano agreed. "The issues we discuss here run the spectrum from minutiae to the biggest issues, and you see people I don't get a chance to see that much any more," he said.

Her conversation with the congressman was about the growing diversity in the region and the fact the congressman has a much more varied constituency than he and his predecessors have had, Solorzano said. The more inclusive the community becomes, the better off it will be, she said.

The event sold about 450 tickets and was held outdoors at the Shiloh Square in downtown Springdale. It routinely draws politicians from around the state and lawmakers from the region -- which gives local officials and businesses the chance to show those leaders what people are talking about when local issues are raised, said Kathy Jaycox, a member of Springdale's City Council.

Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin said he made the seven-hour round trip from Little Rock just to attend Thursday's event, which began at 4 p.m. He planned to travel back to the capital city that night, he said. Representatives from Gov. Asa Hutchinson's staff also attended.

Perry Webb, Springdale chamber president, said he noticed more small business owners at the event this year compared to years past. "You expect elected officials to come, and the corporate leaders and the people who work for big companies, but we noticed more small businessmen buying tickets this year," Webb said. Those small businessmen realized long ago that government decisions affect them. What they are increasing realizing is that they can affect government decisions at events such as the "politickin'" dinner.

Bobby Hill, incumbent candidate for Washington County treasurer, said the Springdale event is a place where elected officials come "to be seen and not necessarily heard. It's not the fall yet, and we're not in the thick of campaigning season. Nobody wants to hear us campaign yet. This is getting out and meeting with people."

NW News on 09/21/2018

Upcoming Events