From My Desk 9/2007

Here are some steps you can take to safeguard your identity and credit records.  I hope you find this helpful 1.  The next time you order checks have only your initials (instead of first name) and last name put on them.  If someone takes your checkbook, they will not know how you sign your name, but your bank will know 2.  Do not sign the back of your credit cards.  Instead, put "PHOTO ID REQUIRED 3.  When writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the "for" line.  Instead, just put the last four numbers.  The credit card company knows the rest of the number and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check processing channels won't have access to it. 4.  Put your work phone # on your checks instead of your home phone.  If you have a PO Box, use that instead of your home address.  If you do not have a PO Box, use your work address.  Never have your SSN printed on your checks. 5.  Place the contents of your wallet on a copy machine.  Copy both sides of each license, credit card, etc.  You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel.  Keep the photocopy in a safe place.  Carry a photocopy of your passport when traveling either in the United States or abroad. IF YOUR WALLET IS STOLEN: File a police report immediately.  The proves to the credit providers you were diligent and this is the first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one). Call the 3 national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number.  The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit.  This could prevent additional damage from being done. 1. Equifax: 1-800-525-6285 2. Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742 3. Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289 4. Social Security Administration: 1-800-269-0271

We provide parents a free "Managing Information on Lost Kids" (MILK) kit. This includes free fingerprinting and digital photos. Farmers has partnered with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) to highlight our common goal of getting children where they belong SAFE AND SOUND.

Appropriate funds for the expenses of the county in a manner prescribed by law.   Elected as Committee Budget Chair in September 2007, my goal will be to spend responsibly and have a government as good as the people it serves.

Use higher deductibles. Ask for a list of discounts you may qualify for. Pay ahead or make sure the payment gets to the company by the due date. With most companies, credit ratings have a large impact on your auto insurance rates.  Always be aware of your credit scores. Insuring both your autos and your home with one company is not only smart coverage wise, but can save you as much as 20% on both your auto and home premiums. Farmers Insurance offers discounts on almost every policy you write with the company.   Farmers offers a 20% discount for drivers over 55 who have completed a certified, classroom only, drivers safety course.  Our office offers this course often no matter what company or agent you are insured with.   * Youthful drivers under age 25 can get a discount after completing a classroom safety course offered by the Allen Kerr Insurance agency.  ** Contact our office for full details about these discounts and to see if anyone in your household might qualify..

Currently serving as Justice of the Peace in Pulaski County, Arkansas.  Working to make Arkansas an even better place to live.