There’s some great news in a generally routine announcement of gubernatorial appointments today.

Ted Suhl has been replaced on the Child Welfare Review Board. (In answer to a question: He was not reappointed when his term ended.) His position there had been akin to putting the fox in charge of the henhouse on an agency that oversees treatment of kids with needs in Arkansas. He’s the operator of the Lord’s Ranch, the secretive operation up in the North Arkansas hills that had a lot of trouble with state regulators until Suhl and associates became huge and regular supporters of Gov. Mike Huckabee and assorted legislators.

Advertisement

There is still much more to be unearthed about Suhl’s multi-faceted operations. These include the admixture of religion with a federally financed child treatment center, a resistance to state inspectors and lots, lots more. Should Mike Huckabee make the John McCain presidential ticket, I can guarantee you that you’ll read more about Suhl, who provided air travel to Huckabee in his presidential exploratory efforts.

Beebe stood up to jackals in the immensely lucrative business of residential mental health treatment for youth at the 2007 session and there’s every indication that people in his administration like Jay Bradford intend to continue casting a careful eye on them.

Advertisement

Suhl will be replaced by Beverly Foti of Little Rock.

Invest in the future of great journalism in Arkansas

Join the ranks of the 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts who know that the Arkansas Times is the go-to source for tough, determined, and feisty journalism that holds the powerful accountable. For 50 years, our progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock has been on the front lines of the fight for truth, and with your support, we can do even more. By subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers and expand our coverage. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make a difference with your subscription or donation to the Arkansas Times today.

Previous article Fighting high food costs Next article Pop! in the Park