Audio: Bill Halter Avoids Questions from Reporter Kelly MacNeil
KUAR reporter Kelly MacNeil captured the audio of what is likely the best interview of fiscal session with Lieutenant Governor Bill Halter in the hall of the state capitol. If only I had been there with my flip cam.
As previously noted, the Joint Budget Committee discussed an amendment offered by Rep. Keith Ingram (D-West Memphis) that would have cut the Lieutenant Governor’s office staff from four down to one. As a diligent reporter on the capitol beat, MacNeil wanted to know what Halter’s opinion was on the proposed cuts. So she caught up with him leading to this exchange.
Halter: I am literally running to the Senate floor.
MacNeil: Okay, do you have an opinion on the questions about the size of your staff… (interrupted by one of Halter’s staff members)
Halter: We’ve already put out a statement.
MacNeil: Okay, but I am inquiring and just asking you if you have an opinion.
Halter: About…uh…about what? (rather indigent tone) I mean you are asking me…I don’t even know what you are asking me.
MacNeil: Do you think the size of your staff is reasonable?
Halter: Uh..yes, but I would point out to you that the legislature has approved a staff for the Lieutenant Governor from the very beginning of the office. And we don’t have anything to do with other than, the legislature approves the budget. Look we are going up to the floor.
It has been a tough week for Halter.
Tags: 2010 Candidates