The appointee WAS from Texarkana as I predicted. And he is a well-to-do white guy. But not old. I refer to Gov. Mike Beebe's appointment to the state Game and Fish Commission to complete the term of Rick Watkins, who resigned after an alcohol-fueled incident involving use of a firearm.
Governor Mike Beebe has named Ty Patterson of Texarkana as the newest commissioner of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Patterson will serve the remaining 16 months of a term vacated by the resignation of Rick Watkins."Ty has a lifetime of outdoor experience, particularly in Southwest Arkansas," Beebe said. "His enthusiasm and experience will serve him well as he represents that region of our State on the commission."
Patterson, 35, is a partner in the Orr/Patterson Automotive Group in Texarkana. A graduate of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, Patterson grew up hunting and fishing in Southwest Arkansas. He is particularly fond of duck hunting and spring turkey hunting.
Along with current memberships in Ducks Unlimited and the National Wild Turkey Federation, Patterson is a board member of the First Tee of Texarkana and volunteers on committees for Opportunities, Inc.
Patterson's term will expire July 1, 2014.
Patterson is heir to investor in an auto group empire established in Texarkana, Texas in the 1920s. A quick followthemoney.org search shows heavy Patterson contributions to a Texas Republican Party candidate. How's that for a bipartisan spirit?
But ... He is also the son of Cary Patterson of Texarkana, a trial lawyer who's given a phenomenal amount of money to the Democratic Party (he's part of a law firm that's given more than $5 million in soft money to Democratic causes since 1992). They've also given to Blanche Lincoln, Mark Pryor and others. Patterson has been quite successful, judging by his home.
PS — A correspondent who identifies himself as David Orr Jr. corrects my earlier reference to Patterson's auto dealership involvement.
I must correct you on your reference to Ty Patterson being an "heir" to the Orr Auto Group. He is a financial partner only. I should know, as my grandfather, Guss Orr, started out in 1924 as a salesman at what was then known as Cargile Motor Company. My father, David Orr, Sr., and my uncle Maurice took over the business and made it into Orr Chevrolet, and later the Orr Auto Group. Ty Patterson is no relation to anyone in my family. His only connection is through his family's considerable wealth.