DFA/ABC DISPLAYS LACK OF ALACRITY IN RESPONSE TO FOIA REQUEST

LARRY WALTHER

A Freedom of Information Request was made to Larry Walther, the recently appointed Director of the Department of Finance and Administration, on March 27, 2013. The FOIA request sought information about the ABC's operations.

When no response nor notification of delayed response was received within the mandatory three day period that is specified in the Arkansas Freedom of information Act § 25-19-101 et seq., a follow up inquiry was sent on April 7, 2015.

The explaination from DFA was that the request was "overlooked". The next day one of the attorney's for ABC had his secretary send an email seeking a point of clarification regarding a requested item.

A quick response suggested that the attorney or secretary ask the ABC Asst. Director what "Community Outreach Programs" meant as it was a listed fuction of his job on the DFA/ABC webpage.

Readers of this blog will be glad to know that ABC advises that no funds whatsoever have been spent on Community Outreach in the last two years.

CARL KIRKLAND DIRECTOR OF ABC ENFORCEMENT SACKED - REPLACED BY REPUBLICAN CRONY BOYCE HAMLET - UPDATED 07/15/15

Boyce Ashley Hamlet, the newly appointed ABC Enforcement Director is excited
about his new job and the $65,000.00 salary.                                               

Boyce Hamlet is 40 years old and lives in Conway. Boyce is from Warren and graduated from Warren High School (Class of 1993).

Boyce then attended the University of Arkansas at Monticello...

and then the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff where he claims he was able to obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice. If true, that is an accomplishment as UAPB's graduation rate is only 24%. 

UAPB is a historically black university that was founded in 1873 with the primary objective to educate black students to become teachers to teach in the state's black schools...

and it's student body is predominately black...

CLICK TO LEARN MORE ABOUT UAPB

After college Boyce applied and was appointed as an Arkansas State Trooper in the summer of 2000. Boyce, not being blessed with a high IQ, was caught cheating.  Boyce then lied multiple times to investigators with the ASP Special Investigation unit and was fired on September 1, 2000.

The next few years Boyce drops off the radar, maybe he worked at the Mad Butcher for his father or was too depressed about what happened with the ASP to leave the house.

Then Boyce then went to work for the Arkansas Department of Community Correction as a probation officer from 2004-2007.

2007 was a busy year for Boyce. He was named "Young Republican of the Year" an award that had recently been named after Win Rockefeller and he got married.

CLICK TO VIEW HAMLET'S MARRIAGE LICENSE

Boyce and his wife moved to Mississippi and he went to work for the Mississippi Department of Corrections and then the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.while his wife attended law school at Mississippi College.  

In 2010 his wife obtained her law degree and subsequently passed the bar.  She obtained employment with an Arkansas law firm and they moved to Conway in late 2011.

After returning to Arkansas in 2011, Boyce went to work for the Faulkner County Prosecuting Attorney as a Task Force Coordinator.  In April 2012, he changed positions and became an investigator. Boyce also shows up being associated with the Arkansas State Council for Interstate Commission of Adult Offenders in 2013. It has been reported to this blog that Hamlet was involved in used car sales and had some trouble in that endeavor, but we have not been able to verify that information at this time.

Boyce has worked on several political campaigns, most notably for Asa Hutchinson.

Little Known facts about Boyce:

Boyce was in the drama club in high school and did some stand up comedy...

Boyce was also a cheerleader...

Boyce also did some modeling in high school...

Boyce was a huge fan of the television show Growing Pains and had a man crush on Kirk Cameron...

When Boyce gets drunk he flashes gang signs...

Boyce doesn't like crust on a sandwich...

Boyce is obsessed with the West Memphis Three (WM3) case...

Boyce is a powerlifter...

ABC EMPLOYEE OF THE WEEK - JUDY CHWALINSKI

Fashionista Judy Chwalinski shows off a trending hairstyle.

Judy has worked for ABC since 1987.  Besides being interested in cutting edge fashions, she likes country music and the Arkansas Razorbacks. WPS. A little known fact about Judy is that she believes in ghosts and the paranormal.

Judy strikes a pose in patriotic headgear.

UPDATE - GARY "BUD" ROBERTS QUESTIONABLE QUALIFICATIONS

In an earlier post you may recall that when Gov. Hutchinson announced that Bud was his choice to be the new director of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission Administration, he stated:

      “I am pleased to announce Bud Roberts as the new Director of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Bud’s breadth of experience in Arkansas law, in addition to the knowledge he possesses of the issues related to ABC, makes him the right choice as new director.”

From documents obtained from the Department of Finance & Administration we can see Bud has little or no experience with issues related to the ABC.  His own resume lists his limited expertise to Workers' Compensation and Medicare. His greatest achievement appears to be that he was valedictorian at Dumas High School.

In 2011, Dumas High School was ranked No. 1,584 of 2,008 high schools in the nation rated in the Challenge Index with an index score of 1.316. In 2012 and 2013, Dumas improved its ranking with a 2.640 and 2.820 index scores, respectively, and are ranked No. 548 (2012) and No. 534 (2013) of evaluated high schools, although the school's AP exam pass rate was below 10 percent. Dumas Highs School has approximately 298 enrolled students this year.

However it is very clear that Bud is in the job only due to his relationship (financial contributions to campaign and favor to his brother who employs one of Asa’s sons) to the governor as evidenced by the letter the DFA Human Resources Manager sent to Kay Terry, the DFA OPM Administrator. Valentine makes no reference to Bud’s knowledge and experience of ABC issues.  She does point out that his salary of $88,968.00 is midpoint for the position. Valentine definitely points out that exceptional salary for a “new hire” with minimal experience and who just meets the minimal job requirements ( educational equivalent of a Juris Doctorate; plus seven years of legal experience, including three years of managerial experience) is getting the job because the governor wants him to have the job.

CLICK TO VIEW ALL DOCUMENTS

GET TO KNOW THE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL BOARD

Five board members are appointed by the Governor for six-year terms or until replaced by the Governor.

Janet Moore (Chairperson).  Moore is from Hot Springs. Moore is an attorney. Moore was a Municipal County Judge in Mississippi County from 1981 through 1991. Moore then worked as an attorney in Osceola until 1996 and from 1997 through 1998 she was a Circuit Court Judge. Moore then moved to Hot Springs and went to work for Regions Bank as a trust officer from 1999 through 2000. Moore opened another law office in Hot Springs in 2002 where she continues to work. 

There are a couple of unexplained gaps in her resume. Moore was appointed by Gov. Hutchinson to chair the board on March 5, 2015. Moore's appointment expires January 14, 2017 (she replaced Michael Ellis).(https://courts.arkansas.gov/print/directories/certified­mediators/ms­janet­moore)

Email: jkmoorelaw@gmail.com

Phone: 501- 318­-0538

Fax: 501-262­-2468

JANET MOORE - CHAIRPERSON

Jean Hervey.  Hervey is from Plumerville. Hervey is a retired labor union organizer and is active in the Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church. Hervey was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1996 and 2000.  Hervey has been appointed to different boards by both Republican and Democratic governors for many years.

Hervey was quoted in a Bloomberg Business article about the 2012 Charlotte, Democratic National Convention NC Jean Hervey stared at rows and rows of Obama campaign buttons at the Charlotte Convention Center and couldn’t find the one she wanted — a button that would signal the support of black voters for the first African-American president. “You have buttons for everything from beach bums to bike riders, and they don’t have anything that says African-Americans for Obama,” said Hervey, who came from Plumerville, Arkansas. “They just don’t think.” A sales clerk went looking for a button that would meet Hervey’s request. She went on to say, “He’s got to dig for it,” said Hervey, who thinks Obama has been subject to “blatant racism” during his first term in office. “It’s a shame.” Hervey holds record for most missed board meetings and has even left meetings before votes were held.   Hervey was first appointed to the board by Gov. Beebe on January 20, 2010 and then re-appointed to the board by Gov. Beebe on January 25, 2013. Her current appointment expires on January 14, 2018.  I suspect she will be replaced by Gov. Hutchinson if he can find a black Republican.

Email: bjhervey@gmail.com

Phone: 501-208-5808

Hervey and AG Dustin McDaniel's at her retirement party in March 2013.

Thomas P. "Mickey" Powell, Jr.  Powell is from Batesville and is a retired realtor. Old dude (born in 1945), not quite dead yet. His Zodiac Sign is Taurus. Powell was the chairman prior to Moore's appointment.

Phone: 870-793-9394

Powell relaxing at the firing range in Batesville

Powell used his younger wife to curry favor with Governor Beebe to get re-appointed to the ABC Board.

Martin B. Silverfield.  Silverfield is from Little Rock and works at Raymond James & Associates. Silverfield previously worked for Regions Morgan Keegan which was sold to Raymond James in 2012 after Regions Financial Corp agreed to pay $210 million to settle allegations that its Morgan Keegan brokerage fraudulently marketed mutual funds. 

Silverfield has also served on the board of the Arkansas Public Employees Retirement System. Silverfield was appointed to the board by Gov. Beebe on January 20, 2010 and his appointment will expire on January 14, 2016.

Phone: 501-225-2424

Silverfield is the old guy on the right that resembles actor Wilford Brimley.

Steven Smith.  Smith is from Springdale. Smith owned a car dealership for 29 years then sold it and married an eye doctor. Smith is on the Rodeo of the Ozarks board and the Springdale Airport Commission. Smith raises cattle and does whatever his wife tells him to do.  Smith was appointed by Gov. Hutchinson to the board on January 26, 2015. Smith's appointment expires January 14, 2021 (he replaced Jeff Mitchell).

Email: ssmith0203@aol.com

Phone: 479-799-2230

Smith with his younger looking wife.

What's up with the crease in your jeans Steveo? A carry over from your early days back in Oklahoma?  Jeans are casual wear bro.   Fashion Tips for Steveo.

ABC DIRECTOR'S BADGE FOR SALE

Has Bud listed his badge for sale? Has a former director hit hard times and needs a little quick cash?  We don't know what the story is behind this but this badge has a opening bid of $1.00 on FVStore.com.

The listing states:

Used :  Director Arkansas ABC badge #1. Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Shield. An item that has been used previously. 

“Very good condition, with a little wear to the finish here and there visible only on close inspection, and a very small area of verdigris on the badge tip which should clean off. See listing for more details.”

You are bidding on a vintage Arkansas Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (A.B.C.) badge in its original leather case. This is an especially scarce director's badge, numbered 1. It's made from thick gold tone metal and measures 1.5" x 1". The badge reads:

DIRECTOR

ARK. DEPT.

A.B.C.

1

and has a detailed shield emblem in the center. The reverse is unmarked. It closes with a rollover clasp. The shield is in very good condition, with a little wear to the finish here and there visible only on close inspection, and a very small area of verdigris on the badge tip. This should clean off easily with a soft brush and some water. I did not notice it until after I'd taken photographs. The metal does not appear to be compromised in any way.

The leather case snaps closed and measures 2" x 1-5/8". Over the years, it has conformed the shape of the badge and developed some light wear. It has a couple of small spots of verdigris on the inside.

CLICK FOR LINK TO BUY BADGE

GET TO KNOW THE ABC STAFF

Gary “Bud” Ray Roberts - Position Title: Director ABC Administration. Annual Salary: $88,967.84. Gender/Race: Male/White. Start Date: 02/23/2015. Phone: 501-682-1105.  Email:  Bud.Roberts@dfa.arkansas.gov.  As of 2015, Roberts’ salary is 163% greater than the average of all Arkansas government employees ($33,861).

Rick J. Crisman - Position Title: (Deputy Director) Education & Instruction Analyst.  Annual Salary: $54,872.69. Gender/Race: Male/White. Start Date: 05/15/2011. 
Phone: 501-682-1105 Email:  Rick.Crisman@dfa.arkansas.gov .  As of 2015, Crisman’s salary is 62% greater than the average of all Arkansas government employees ($33,861). 

Judy K. Chwalinski - Position Title: Administrative Analyst. Annual Salary: $46,724.29. Gender/Race: Female/White. Start Date: 05/11/1987. Phone: 501-682-1105.
Email:  Judy.Chwalinski@dfa.arkansas.gov.  As of 2015, Chwalinski’s salary is 38% greater than the average of all Arkansas government employees ($33,861).

Kathey D. (McGee) Gibson - Position Title: Legal Support Specialist. Annual Salary: $42,902.08. Gender/Race: Female/White. Start Date: 08/25/1980. Phone: 501-682-1105.  Email:  Kathey.Gibson@dfa.arkansas.gov.  As of 2015, Gibson’s salary is 27% greater than the average of all Arkansas government employees ($33,861).

Nikeil M. (Barefield) Payton – Position Title: Legal Support Specialist. Annual Salary: $33,512.34. Gender/Race: Female/Black. Start Date: 01/11/1997. Phone: 501-682-1105.  Email: Nikeil.Barefield@dfa.arkansas.gov.  As of 2015, Payton’s salary is 1% less than the average of all Arkansas government employees ($33,861).

Brandye F. Pruss – Position: Administrative Specialist III. Annual Salary: $26,031.20. Gender/Race: Female/White. Start Date: 10/03/2010.  Phone: 501-682-8174.
Email: Brandye.Pruss@dfa.arkansas.gov.  As of 2015, Pruss’ salary is 23% less than the average of all Arkansas government employees ($33,861).

Milton R. Lueken – Position: Attorney Specialist. Annual Salary: $83,741.84. Gender/Race: Male/White. Start Date: 07/04/1982.Phone: 501-682-1105. 
Email: milton.lueken@dfa.arkansas.gov.   As of 2015, Lueken’s salary is 147% greater than the average of all Arkansas government employees ($33,861).

Karen D. Blagg - Position Title: Legal Support Specialist. Annual Salary: $40,257.15. Gender/Race: Female/White. Start Date: 09/23/1984. Phone: 501-682-1105.  
Email: karen.blagg@dfa.arkansas.gov.  As of 2015, Blagg’s salary is 19% greater than the average of all Arkansas government employees ($33,861). 

Mary R. Casteel - Position Title: Attorney Specialist. Annual Salary: $67,296.74. Gender/Race: Female/White. Start Date: 01/06/2013.  Phone:  501-682-1105.
Email: mary.casteel@dfa.arkansas.gov.  As of 2015, Casteel’s salary is 99% greater than the average of all Arkansas government employees ($33,861).

Karan L. Henry - Position Title: Legal Support Specialist. Annual Salary: $45,446.34. Gender/Race: Female/White. Start Date: 10/29/1977.  Phone:  501-682-1105.
Email: karan.henry@dfa.arkansas.gov. As of 2015, Henry’s salary is 34% greater than the average of all Arkansas government employees ($33,861).

Ebony Bland – Position Title: Administrative Specialist III. Annual Salary:  $22,045.30. Gender/Race:  Female/Black.  Start Date: 01/05/2014.  Phone: 501-682-1105. 
Email:  Ebony.Bland@dfa.arkansas.gov.   As of 2015, Bland’s salary is 35% less than the average of all Arkansas government employees ($33,861).

Carl E. Kirkland (Captain) - Position Title: DFS Director ABC Enforcement. Annual Salary: $71,227.31. Gender/Race: Male/Black. Start Date: 08/08/1971. Phone: 501-682-8174. Email: Carl.Kirkland@dfa.arkansas.gov.  As of 2015, Kirkland’s salary is 110% greater than the average of all Arkansas government employees ($33,861).

Milinda D. Brown - Position Title: Administrative Specialist III. Annual Salary: $27,759.89. Gender/Race: Female/White. Start Date: 02/25/1984.  Phone:501-682-8174 Email: Milinda.Brown@dfa.arkansas.gov.  As of 2015, Brown’s salary is 18% less than the average of all Arkansas government employees ($33,861).

Aaron D. Farmer – Position Title: DFA ABC Enforcement Officer.  Annual Salary: $34,199. Gender/Race: Male/White. Start Date: 12/08/2012. Phone: 501-682-8174.
Email: Aaron.Farmer@dfa.arkansas.gov .  As of 2015, Farmer’s salary is 1% greater than the average of all Arkansas government employees ($33,861). 

Charles W. Davis - Position Title:  DFA ABC Enforcement Officer.  Annual Salary:  $61,861.90.  Gender/Race: Male/White. Start Date:  08/29/1997.  Email:  Charlie.Davis@dfa.arkansas.gov .  Phone: 501-682-8174. As of 2015, Davis’ salary is 83% greater than the average of all Arkansas government employees ($33,861). 

Ricky J. Hickman (Corporal) - Position Title:  DFA ABC Enforcement Officer. Annual Salary: $38,318.59. Gender/Race: Male/White. Start Date: 01/16/1993. 
Phone:501-257-7668. Email: Rick.Hickman@dfa.arkansas.gov .  As of 2015, Hickman’s salary is 13% greater than the average of all Arkansas government employees ($33,861). 

Darryl D. Talley - Position Title:  DFA ABC Enforcement Officer.  Annual Salary: $36,654.80.  Gender/Race: Male/Black.  Start Date: 06/28/1998.Phone:  501-682-8174.  Email:  Darryl.Talley@dfa.arkansas.gov.     As of 2015, Talley’s salary is 8% greater than the average of all Arkansas government employees ($33,861). 

Howard B. Robinson, Jr. - Position Title:  DFA ABC Enforcement Officer.  Annual Salary:  $39,490.88.  Gender/Race: Male/White. Start Date: 02/18/2005.  Email:  Howard.Robinson@dfa.arkansas.gov .  Phone:  501-682-8174.  As of 2015, Robinson’s salary is 17% greater than the average of all Arkansas government employees ($33,861). 

James E. Chandler - Position Title:  DFA ABC Enforcement Officer.  Annual Salary:  $37,200.59. Gender/Race: Male/White. Start Date: 11/18/2007.
Phone: 501-682-8174. .Email:  James.Chandler@dfa.arkansas.gov. As of 2015, Chandler’s salary is 10% greater than the average of all Arkansas government employees ($33,861). 

Jay Carl Rider - Position Title:  DFA ABC Enforcement Officer.  Annual Salary:  $39,490.88.  Gender/Race: Male/White. Start Date:  09/28/2003.Phone:  501-682-8174.
Email:  Jay.Rider@dfa.arkansas.gov .    As of 2015, Rider’s salary is 17% greater than the average of all Arkansas government employees ($33,861). 

Jerrell L. Smith - Position Title:  DFA ABC Enforcement Officer.  Annual Salary:  $34,883.89.  Gender/Race: Male/White. Start Date:  05/22/2010. Email:  Jerrell.Smith@dfa.arkansas.gov.  Phone:  501-682-8174.  As of 2015, Smith’s salary is 3% greater than the average of all Arkansas government employees ($33,861). 

  

Jessie M. King - Position Title:  DFA ABC Enforcement Officer.  Annual Salary:  $38,340.85.  Gender/Race: Male/Black.  Start Date:  01/17/2003.  Phone:  501-682-8174.
Email:  Jesse.King@dfa.arkansas.gov. As of 2015, King’s salary is 13% greater than the average of all Arkansas government employees ($33,861). 

Ken L. Coon, Jr. - Position Title:  DFA ABC Enforcement Officer.  Annual Salary:  $40,441.23. Gender/Race: Male/White. Start Date:  03/08/1993. Phone:  501-682-8174.
 Email:  Ken.Coon@dfa.arkansas.gov .  As of 2015, Coon’s salary is 19% greater than the average of all Arkansas government employees ($33,861). 

Kenneth L. Heroman - Position Title:  DFA ABC Enforcement Officer.  Annual Salary:  $52,476.11.  Gender/Race: Male/White. Start Date: 10/04/1999. Phone:  501-682-8174.
Email:  Kenny.Heroman@dfa.arkansas.gov. As of 2015, Heroman’s salary is 55% greater than the average of all Arkansas government employees ($33,861). 

Michael W. Bush – Position Title:  DFA ABC Enforcement Officer.  Annual Salary:  $37,200.59.  Gender/Race: Male/White. Start Date:  09/24/2006. Email:  Michael.Bush@dfa.arkansas.gov.  Phone:  501-682-8174.  As of 2015, Bush’s salary is 10% greater than the average of all Arkansas government employees ($33,861). 

Rickey C. Endsley - Position Title:  DFA ABC Enforcement Officer.  Annual Salary:  $35,581.52.  Gender/Race: Male/White. Start Date:  09/19/2010.  Phone: 501-251-5210.
Email:  Rickey.Endsley@dfa.arkansas.gov.  As of 2015, Endsley’s salary is 5% greater than the average of all Arkansas government employees ($33,861). 

Seletia L. Powell - Position Title:  DFA ABC Enforcement Officer.  Annual Salary:  $34,883.89.  Gender/Race:  Female/White.  Start Date: 07/28/2011. Phone:  501-682-8174.
Email:  Seletia.Powell@dfa.arkansas.gov.  As of 2015, Powell’s salary is 3% greater than the average of all Arkansas government employees ($33,861). 

Sharona Reed - Position Title:  DFA ABC Enforcement Officer.  Annual Salary:  $34,883.89.  Gender/Race:  Female/Black.  Start Date:  08/21/2011.  Email:  Sharon.Reed2@dfa.arkansas.gov .  Phone:  501-682-8174.  As of 2015, Reed’s salary is 3% greater than the average of all Arkansas government employees ($33,861). 

  

Trent A. Vollmer - Position Title:  DFA ABC Enforcement Officer.  Annual Salary:  $36,927.90.  Gender/Race:  Male/White. Start Date:  08/12/2007.  Phone:  501-682-8174.  
Email:  Trent.Vollmer@dfa.arkansas.gov.   As of 2015, Vollmer’s salary is 9% greater than the average of all Arkansas government employees ($33,861). 

William B. Lynch - Position Title:  DFA ABC Enforcement Officer.  Annual Salary:  $52,703.46.  Gender/Race:  Male/White. Start Date:  08/01/1988. Phone:  501-682-8174.
Email:  Bill.Lynch@dfa.arkansas.gov.  Phone:  501-682-8174. As of 2015, Lynch’s salary is 56% greater than the average of all Arkansas government employees ($33,861). 

William J. Kruse - Position Title:  DFA ABC Enforcement Officer.  Annual Salary:  $36,927.90.  Gender/Race:  Male/White. Start Date:  02/23/2004.  Phone:  501-682-8174. 
Email:  Bill.Kruse@dfa.arkansas.gov .  Phone:  501-682-8174.  As of 2015, Kruse’s salary is 9% greater than the average of all Arkansas government employees ($33,861).