Arkansas Region Lay Banquet Visited by Governor Mike Bebee
Little Rock, AR (June 19, 2007)—The Arkansas Region Annual Conference entertained the state’s number one citizen as Arkansas Governor Mike Bebee was guest speaker at the annual Lay Luncheon. The governor was received by Senior Bishop William H. Graves, presiding prelate of the 1st Episcopal District, which includes the states of Arkansas and Tennessee. Mrs. Donna Graves joined her husband, Bishop Graves, and the many clergy and lay in attendance. Brother Manuel A. Twillie gave greetings at the afternoon affair and introduced the governor. Other guests were State Senator Emma Brown (D-Little Rock), former State Senator Bill Walker, the governor’s deputy chief of staff, Lamar Davis, and Renee Bullock, the governor’s liaison for Minority Affairs. Along with Twillie and Presiding Elder Larry Ross, all were instrumental in securing Governor Beebe for the luncheon. Also present was Dr. Kenneth E. Jones, Editor of The Christian Index. In addition to the governor’s address, several laypersons were honored during “Lay Recognition.”
In his address, the governor used the opportunity to thank his supporters, many of whom were in attendance at the luncheon, for their efforts in helping him achieve his goals in the recent governor’s election. He went on to talk about successes and priorities in his administration. Among these were reductions in state sales tax and the goal of free education for pre-schoolers. In general, however, the governor said what was most important is keeping promises. The governor said that even when goals you have set ultimately are unattainable, you must at least be able to say you tried. “Keeping your promise is the most important thing you can do,” said Governor Bebee.
Mike Beebe was born in Amagon, AR, in 1946. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Arkansas State University in 1968 and a law degree from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville in 1972, all while serving in the U.S. Army Reserves. Bebee served in the State Senate for 20 years before being elected governor in November of 2006. He is the 45th governor of the State of Arkansas. Beebe and wife, Ginger, have three adult children and are active members of Trinity Episcopal Church in Searcy, AR, where he has served as senior warden and member of the vestry.