Editor, The Commercial:
I heard some disturbing and less-than-truthful ads on Power 92 radio against incumbent state Sen. Stephanie Flowers, from the camp of her opponent Effrem Elliott. I don’t think it will affect older voters…but for the younger (40 and under) voter that may not know candidate Flowers, the ads may have some impact.
What the Elliott ads don’t tell the voters is that he is a co-sponsor of the original bill that allows the department of correction to parole prisoners into halfway houses in our neighborhoods in the first place. So, he was for it before he was against it in his ads. Ms. Flowers did not vote for the bill establishing these halfway houses. It suggests that Mr. Elliott is working both sides of the coin here.
My understanding of Sen. Flower’s current support of this parolee/halfway house situation comes from what I consider an admirable position based on a Christian attitude…which I feel most blacks will/should have compassion for. And I say this because as blacks, many of us have relatives that are affected by the correctional situation. And the senator feels that most law offenders should be given an opportunity to ease back into the society and work toward redemption and productivity. I also believe many can.
I believe as well, that for those that do, it will alleviate a great burden on their families and the rest of us that support them through city, county and state government programs etc. The senator does not advocate this position for extreme instances, however!
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The senator does and must represent District 25 in its entirety, which includes black and white. And so far, she’s done pretty much that!
Adell Adams
Pine Bluff