Rockefeller Campaign Speech [Audio]

"I appreciate this opportunity to talk to you about my hopes for Arkansas. Two years ago, I promised you that I would run again in 1968. I knew then we would need four years to complete a program that would leave a permanent imprint of progress on Arkansas. In the past two years, we've made progress in many, many areas. We've accomplished things that were considered impossible. You've heard me say before, don't tell me what we can't do. I've traveled around the state, and I know what we can do. I began my service as governor with this very basic belief and now I believe more than ever that our state can and will achieve greatness. All we have to do is to continue to work together.

I know that you have greater confidence in your state government because of the reforms which should have been made. The road has not been smooth. We've met with controversy and criticism. This is to be expected. Adjustments are not easy for those used to the old patronage form of government and one-party political system. I am proud of our gains in the past two years and know that you are too. More reform legislation has been passed during the past two years than in any prior session of the General Assembly. We've been able to make great progress in prison reform, insurance regulations, [and] law enforcement. We paved the way to update our constitution of 1874 which needs revising to meet our present needs. More money has been provided for education than ever before. Last year's salary increases for teachers and the proposed 500 increase for 1968-69 school year assure us that we can attract and keep better qualified teachers. We introduced and obtained approval of Arkansas's first statewide minimum wage law which revised the living standards of many individuals. Employment in 1967 reached new levels. 659,000 people to employ; a gain of 12,500 over 1966. At the end of 1967, Arkansas was leading the nation in terms of increasing industrial take home pay increases. Our new task force idea for the Arkansas Industrial Development Commission helps us to speed up the state's progress in getting more and better industry.

During the last year, 277 new and expanded manufacturing and processing plants were programmed in Arkansas. When these facilities are in full operation, an additional 14,500 jobs will have been created, [the] second highest new job increases in Arkansas's history. In many areas. Arkansas has been a model for the nation. The reorganization of our National Guard brought national recognition for the smoothest reorganization in the United States. Last year's Citizens Youth Camp has inspired other states to organize similar retreats for their disadvantaged youths. Arkansas will be the first state to have every county covered by anti-poverty programs. By January of 1969, all 75 counties in our state will receive federal money to fight poverty. Arkansas has proved that it can create a better way of life for all people.

The Citizens Advisory Council was formed during my administration because we believe that this is your government and your state. We also believe that your voice should be heard. I have therefore encouraged the creation of a Governor's Youth Council and a Commission on Human Resources to get you, the people, more involved in state government. My traveling office, that big bus that many of you have seen, has brought the state government to more than 21,000 people. Many have written to say that since these events you feel more aware of how your government operates. I'm pleased by this. Your participation and suggestions have helped me better understand your needs and what you expect from your government. For all these reasons, I feel that you share my pride in this administration and agree that we need two more years to complete the program of service to you."