Put aside talk of war

Another Arkansas election season is now in full swing and, predictably, there are myriad campaign ads, speeches, and events across the state featuring candidates and their messages. This year, however, the messages seem more worrisome than ever. For much of recent Arkansas history our state leaders have not been wholly consumed with partisan politics. Yes, we’ve seen it from time to time, and for good reason on certain issues. But generally speaking, most elected officials could put aside lesser differences in favor of finding some common ground for the state and its people.

In this new rage-of-the-day, conspiracy-driven era, the more hateful and vindictive you are, the more political support you’ll receive. This dangerous toxicity is spilling into our state at an alarming pace. Many elected officials seem obsessed with scoring political points against the “enemy,” despite the cost.

Candidates for governor claim we have a war to fight against the radical, tyrannical (insert your hated party here) in Washington, D.C. Arkansas’ political campaigns are becoming nationalized, and folks are proud of it. Millions of dollars are being raised, on both sides, not to fix the problems of most Arkansans, but to wage national political battles.

Arkansas doesn’t need a warrior Legislature or governor hell-bent on defeating an enemy in Washington, D.C. We need leaders who are focused on addressing issues right here. When they don’t, it will be the cities, towns, and everyday Arkansans paying the price. Many mayors and city council members I know understand this. We don’t have time for partisan wars in our offices.

Let’s be better, Arkansas, and then let’s demand it with our support, and our vote, in November 2022.

JONAS ANDERSON

Cave City Jonas Anderson is mayor of Cave City.