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Hardin proves careless mistake Wednesday, Jul 9, 2008 By David J. Sanders Careless is not a word that comes to mind when attempting to describe Lu Hardin. In fact, any description of Hardin usually focuses on his more personal attributes. To be in Hardin's presence is to enjoy his company. The high-profile University of Central Arkansas president possesses Bill Clinton's skill to block out everything and focus on whomever he engages in conversation. He also enjoys Mike Huckabee's ability to display passionate conviction about whatever subject he discusses. He is warm, personable, always appearing to be more interested in others, but carefully steers any discussion onto the topics that interest him. Hardin, a lawyer, college professor, former state senator, university president, is the type of person who pays close attention to the tiniest details. Ever the skilled politician, he knows perception is always more important than reality. That said, on Monday, Hardin was contrite - almost apologetic - as he acknowledged that the controversy in which he is currently embroiled and largely of his own making risks sullying his reputation he worked so hard to protect. The controversy has been well chronicled and it stems from Hardin being less than forthcoming, almost evasive and cagey, about the details of the UCA Board of Trustees' recent decision to accelerate payment of a $300,000 deferred compensation package it first approved for him in 2005. As it goes, the board, in a secret vote, demonstrated its "appreciation" and "support" for a president it doesn't want to risk losing. They feared that Hardin, who also served as the director of the state Department of Higher Education in the Huckabee Administration and has amassed a significant record of achievement at UCA, might be lured away from Conway to lead the University of Arkansas System when Dr. B. Alan Sugg decides to step down. The advance was given at a time when university faculty and staff weren't receiving a bump in pay, but Hardin now says there is money to take care of them. The controversy isn't settled. There are still questions about the source of the money the board tapped to reward him. Hardin pointed out that of the handful of awards he'd received as a state senator, the two from Arkansas Press Association lauding his commitment to the state's Freedom of Information Act, which are prominently displayed in his office, are those he is most proud to have received. The irony, which he acknowledges, is rich. He claimed that his unjustifiable evasiveness, was not borne out of a desire to hide anything, but rather to understand the details, and I suppose the legality, of what the board did. Hardin reminded me that throughout his tenure at UCA he has enjoyed a reputation for being very open with the press, the public, and with those within the university regarding its operation. He said his default position is to be open. A couple editors with news organizations around Little Rock confirmed what Hardin said. There is a huge political element to this story. Assuming that his friend Gov. Mike Beebe is re-elected in 2010, it's likely that he will run for governor in 2014. Hardin, a Republican, doesn't shy away from questions about possibly re-entering politics. He acknowledged that he is a large target for any perceived or potential political opponents and that this story could complicate any future political viability. Moving forward, Hardin says things will be different, or at least go back to the way things were. As for his reputation, he has some work to do. Acknowledging his carelessness is only a first step. ------- David Sanders writes twice weekly for the Arkansas News Bureau in Little Rock and is a host of the Arkansas Education Television Network's "Unconventional Wisdom." His e-mail address is DavidJSanders@aol.com. |
