Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders really was watching how Trump ran the country. We have noted all the similarities before and she is certainly her own biggest fan, claiming to do more in five weeks (on education) than Biden in five decades. Very Trumpian.

Now she’s appointing family! And she’s even Trumping Trump!

Arkansas is looking to reform itself into a state that boasts a huge tourism industry akin to Colorado. Even though I would shoot more realistically and say, “akin to New Mexico,” I do fully support the idea. Arkansas has had a remarkable ability to keep its unique beauty and wilderness well hidden, especially in NW Arkansas. It doesn’t matter who the governor is; it’s a great idea because they have the goods. Now, they need the right people for this “right idea.”

Except Sarah appointed her husband to lead the committee, though he’s not taking a salary.

Appointing your husband to head the large committee, one with a Walton, a Dillard, and other powerbrokers, is a terrible idea! It’s a terrible idea, especially when your husband admits he lacks the expertise to do it! He is not a park ranger, head of a guide service, or ever had a role in government overseeing anything environmental. That is pure nepotism, and – even in Arkansas – that is needlessly stepping on a rake. If your husband “must” be on the committee, put him on it but don’t make him the chair. And just because you’re trying to overhaul Arkansas doesn’t mean you limit yourself to Arkansans. If you’re determined to go “big,” go poach Wyoming’s expert, or Montana’s, or Maine’s – whatever, just someone who’s proven this IS his or her expertise and has a fantastic record.

Putting a guy in charge who readily admits he has no expertise isn’t going to get you to rival “Colorado,” which has a built-in advantage called the ROCKY MOUNTAINS! But with real commitment and real experts, it’s possible that Arkansas could rival New Mexico, Vermont, Maine, and maybe Oregon. Arkansas truly does have the environmental landscape to get there.

While at it, beef up the University of Arkansas with real scientists (swallow hard, Sarah) who want to contribute to succeeding, knowing how to keep forests healthy, wildlife management, guest talks… all that. I am sure the university has some. Get more, get some of the best.

It takes commitment to build roads and other infrastructure, passing lots of new laws and regulations, an incredible advertising campaign, and a lot of other stuff that I don’t know is needed because I have no expertise in this area.

Good idea. But Sarah hucked it all up.

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[email protected], @JasonMiciak, with Nicole Hickman