Two Arkansas politicians who worked closely with the late Jimmie Lou Fisher, Arkansas’ longtime treasurer, reflected on her contribution to state politics.
Dr. Chuck Welch, ASU System President, worked for Fisher when he returned from a stay in Washington, D.C. in the early 20s.
“I moved back from Washington D.C., and Senator Pryor retired, and I asked him, ‘Well, what should I do then?’ And I will never forget. He said, ‘You have to go and work for Jimmie Lou Fisher. I’ll call. She’s someone who just really loves helping young people figure out what their next step is.’ And he was absolutely right, ”Welch said.
“I will never forget the first meeting I had with her in her office, and she asked me what I wanted to do. And I really did not know. And she said, ‘Well, here’s what we have to do. We must “find out what you want to do and then you get started. And I will help you every step of the way,” he added.
Welch worked for Fisher for a year and eventually earned his PhD and began his career in higher education.
“She was someone she very much preferred a hug to a handshake. She was someone who constantly reminded me that it’s about doing the right thing and about taking care of people,” Welch said.
Janet Harris, CEO and CEO of the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute, worked with Fisher and her office as a deputy in the offices of Charlie Daniels, former Secretary of State and Secretary of State.
Harris is also based in Greene County, where Jimmie Lou Fisher served as county treasurer before expanding to nationwide politics.
“She was the first woman I ever saw to serve in an elected office, both as a county treasurer in my home office in Greene County, but later as an elected official and the first woman to be nominated for governor of Arkansas. So [she was] a pioneer in politics and public service, “Harris said.
She recalls Fisher’s 2002 line-up as governor against incumbent GOP governor Mike Huckabee. Harris said Fisher’s endurance and gravel were on display for them behind the scenes.
“When she ran for governor in 2002, she had a lot of back pain. And I remember there were days when it was really hard for her to take the stage or take the podium and shake hands. But she did it, and she did it with a smile and with grace and was so interested in getting in touch with Arkansans and telling stories, ”Harris recalled.
“I was talking to one of my friends who has been working with her for a long time. And she told me the day after Jimmie Lou lost the governor’s race in 2002 and she said all the staff were in a way at headquarters, and that they were all down, and she [Fisher] came in just whistling and smiling and said, ‘Let’s move on.’ I think she, as a politician and public servant, left an incredible legacy of service. left a legacy as a person that I think we can all learn a lot from and I know she will be greatly missed, “Harris said.
You can see Welch’s and Harris’ comments in the videos below.
