Our multi-partisan Drafting Committee met this afternoon to jointly review the
Opinion concerning the Arkansas Government Transparency Amendment released today by
Attorney General Tim Griffin wherein he deems government transparency to be a partisan
issue. This leaves us greatly perplexed. We have travelled the state during the drafting
process, sharing rooms with Arkansans of all party affiliations, working together to
ensure access to their government. No one of any party was confused by what “government
transparency” means. No one has in any way viewed this as a partisan issue. In fact, the people
have repeatedly expressed how refreshing it is to see Arkansans of all parties and perspectives
come together on this issue. So, we ask the Attorney General which party opposes government
transparency?

As no citizen asked what “government transparency” means, we did not expect our Attorney
General to ask for that definition. The Constitutions grant rights through broad terms which the
people understand. The Constitutions do not define free speech, free exercise of religion, or the
right to bear arms. Our Attorney General’s Opinion indicates that the right to government
transparency should be more restricted than our other rights in the Constitution.

Because this Amendment was written for the people and with the people, the Drafting
Committee will take any and all appropriate action necessary to empower the citizens of
Arkansas and ensure their right to transparency and openness at every level of government.

Clarke Tucker 
Chair, Drafting Committee

Nate Bell

David Couch

Jen Standerfer

Robert Steinbuch

John E. Tull III

Ashley Wimberley