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Gwatney a ‘great mentor,’ Saline politicos say |
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Thursday, 14 August 2008 |
‘Great businessman’ never ‘lost touch with others’
Elected officials and political party members in Saline County expressed shock and grief over the shooting death Wednesday of Bill Gwatney, who was chairman of the Arkansas Democrat Party.
Following are reactions from Saline Countians:
State Sen. Shane Broadway, D-Bryant — “Bill was a great mentor to all of us in many ways. He was a great businessman. He understood that he was more fortunate than many people ... he never lost touch with others and never lost his understanding that there were those less fortunate than him. He knew his own faults and was not afraid to express them, but he also had a deep understanding for those who struggled every day. I think that’s a fitting tribute to his career as a state senator.”
“Today, people are still trying to process all the events of yesterday. I had just left the Capitol and was at Bauxite High School for the annual back-to-school luncheon when I heard about the shooting. Rep. [Dawn] Creekmore [D-East End] called and told me what she had heard and I immediately called the governor’s office and found out tidbits. I immediately headed back toward the Capitol, where senators started gathering to try to learn more information. As details started to emerge, we were all shocked and stunned and there was a sense of helplessness to a degree. We wondered what we could do outside of praying, which really was all we could do.
“Then we obviously started talking about Bill and our shared experiences over the years with him, and some of us decided to go to the hospital to express our thoughts to the family. At that point, we still didn’t have any details and really didn’t when we left the hospital. After coming back to the Capitol, we received the news about the time that everyone else did that he had passed, just shortly before the press conference. It was a difficult day.
“He was a super guy to serve with. I came to the [Arkansas] House when he was in the Senate and worked with him over the years when I served as speaker of the House. He was chairman of the State Agencies Committee, which was in charge of redistricting for the constitutional districts. I got to work closely with him on that. I learned, during my term as speaker, that Bill would try to size you up and see what you brought to the table. He would almost challenge you ... .
“We’re all still trying to find out the ‘whys’ related to the incident. Why did he [shooter] come there? Why Bill Gwatney? Why did he go to to the Baptist Convention headquarters two blocks away? Could he have thought he was entering the state Republican headquarters?
“[Bryant resident] Dennis Milligan, chairman of the state Republican Party, called to offer his condolences. I have been really concerned about the governor and his chief of staff. They all served with Bill.
“Charlie Cole Chaffin [former state senator from Benton] was out of town and called. She was one of those who served directly with him. It’s like any group you belong to. You become personal friends with them, even if you disagree with them, you know each other’s families, their history, little things, funny things ... that’s what I was thinking of last night, about all of those who had been close to Bill.”
State Rep. Janet Johnson, D-Bryant — “It’s really sad. Bill was my friend and he was a friend to so many people in the state. I’m sure that’s why he stood up from his desk and went to greet this man. I never saw him turn anyone away. He would never refuse to answer anyone’s question. He was a man respected in the business community as well as the political community and by people who casually knew him, and I’m really going to miss him.
“What I’m hearing now is pretty much what we’re all hearing regarding the investigation by the Arkansas State Police. They have to be careful on releasing information. We’re all wanting information and are trying to rationalize this. There had to be somebody who knew who he was, or knew something he had said or what he represented ... we’re all looking for answers.
“I’m thankful the shooter didn’t injure any of those wonderful young people who work in Democratic headquarters. Their lives will never be the same. Bill bragged on them all the time. He said he couldn’t do anything if it wasn’t for them.
“This is a tragedy for the state, for all Americans, for all people who serve ... . He served in that position (state chairman) without pay and willingly did so. He had just stopped by the office to sign letters and gets murdered ... it’s a really sad day for all of us.”
“He asked me to chair the state party convention a few weeks ago. I told him, ‘You must have been scraping the bottom of the barrel to ask me to do this,’ but he said, ‘Oh, no, I know you can do this.’ Afterward, he praised me and thanked me and said I had done a good job, and that meant so much coming from him because I have so much respect for him.
“When he was state senator, he got involved in the right things ... . I know he was the governor’s dearest friend. He was a friend to so many people in so many ways. He meant a lot to me and we’re going to miss him. I feel so sad for his family. I pray the good Lord will hold their hand through this.”
State Rep. Lamont Cornwell, D-Benton — “It’s just a tragic loss — not only for the state of Arkansas, but for the Democratic Party. How do you replace a man of that caliber, of that integrity? My heart goes out to his family — his wife and children. It’s a very sad time for us.
“He was not only chairman of our party, but just a great man to go along with it. He will be sorely missed. He was a man that had the best interests of the state at heart ... he’s a hard man to replace. The state will miss his integrity and his business sense. It’s a pretty sad time.”
Rick Meyer of Bryant, chairman of the Saline County Republican Party — “At the time I heard about it, I was on a trip in Yellville and I just felt very sad. I don’t understand it. It was senseless and beyond comprehension. This is a great loss for the state. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, the citizens of Arkansas and the Democratic Party. I think this will heighten awareness [in the state Republican Party]. I think we have to make sure we take care of our campaign workers and may change some of our security measures.”
Patrick Rhodes of Hot Springs Village, former county GOP chairman and a member of the county Election Committee — “It is a sad day anytime something like this happens. Just like everyone else in Arkansas, I was in shock when I found out. If there was any political motivation behind it, this is certainly not the way we handle things in America. Mr. Gwatney was such a fine man and we may have different political views, but we was just a great person and a great leader. My sympathy and prayers go out to the Gwatney family.”
Doyle Webb of Benton, former Republican state senator — “I served in the Senate with him for nearly eight years from 1995 and I always found Mr. Gwatney to be a person with great integrity, love and great work ethic. He was always a good person to get along with and he had great aspirations. This is a great loss for his family and for the state of Arkansas.”
State Rep. Dawn Creekmore, D-East End — “I was very saddened by this tragedy and my heart is breaking for his family. Mr. Gwatney was a very personable and friendly person. If I ever needed anything, he was very responsive. I think the Democrat Party will remain strong, but it will take some time to get over this ... . It is just such a sad day in Arkansas.”
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