OPINION | GWEN FORD FAULKENBERRY: A candidate for all Arkansans |
Democrat-Gazette online
I first heard of Colt Shelby when the link to his podcast kept popping up in my Facebook feed. He and two friends who call themselves the Franklin County Rough Riders sit around a table in front of barn doors. Colt is positioned in front of a Winchester case one might assume is full of rifles, and wears a ball cap. He sips from a metal coffee cup.
The inaugural episode provides this description: "The Franklin County Rough Riders Podcast exposes the lack of transparency from the governor's office and the poorly chosen site for a proposed 3,000 bed-prison in Franklin County, Arkansas. We dive into Arkansas politics and whatever else grabs our attention, exposing lies, delivering facts, and standing firm on the true principles of Arkansas. No 'Southpark'-style smugness here ... we reject the elitist attitude of those who think they're above the taxpayers, pushing government overreach and secrecy to bully local communities into unwanted projects. Join us for raw, truth-driven conversations that fight for the people. Regnat Populus: the people rule."
It has been nothing short of thrilling for me to watch the community of Charleston become politically engaged and stand up against the prison forced on them by the bully we elected governor. I am happy to see the community winning. I was born in Charleston and live not far from there now. The prison site is 20 minutes from my house. God knows I don't want it.
And on another........