There is so much discussion in our country about how government should work. Each day brings angry digital posts about government waste and agencies that some feel are long overdue for budget cuts. I thought about that anger on a recent Wednesday morning as the Arkansas Highway Commission convened for a meeting at ARDOT headquarters in Little Rock. People tend to arrive early and mingle around the room, drinking weak coffee laid out on a small table. The faces are familiar. The infrastructure community in Arkansas is a cordial group that has interacted for decades.

There is a protocol to these meetings; there is also civility. People who attend often dress in an old-school manner. The men are still in suits and ties, the women in dresses. This is not a gathering of raised voices and people demanding to speak. There is a sign-in sheet for any public member who wants to say a few words, and there has never been a debate over whether that is appropriate.

There was a time when anyone would have expected a meeting like this to be civil, but that’s not always the case in government in 2025. Perhaps the lack of anger and division is precisely what sets this meeting and culture apart.

On this day the meeting is different. Change is in the air. Highway Commissioner Philip Taldo is taking over as Chairman of the Commission today. The long-standing protocol is that each commissioner serves as chair during their final year on the commission. Jared Wiley is sitting at the end of the table in his first meeting as ARDOT Director. Wiley grew up in the system at ARDOT. He is thoughtful, soft-spoken, and fully engaged when he speaks with anyone. He will continue the tradition of ARDOT having respectful relationships with contractors and community leaders.

The third new face in a new seat is Jerry Halsey of Jonesboro, appointed to the highway commission by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. The chairs may have been rearranged today, but the flow of the meeting is unchanged. The faces change, but the work gets done: older roads get repaired, bridges get inspected, major new projects get funded, and the effort continues to keep the commission’s work non-political.
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In this issue of our magazine, you will read about the largest road construction project in Arkansas history. Many things worked flawlessly as 30 Crossing improved the roads and interchanges at the heart of Little Rock. It was under budget and ahead of schedule, which means it didn’t get much news coverage, but ultimately, the department will try to use the lessons from the effort in future projects.

You will also find in these pages a profile of Jared Wiley written by Deborah Horn. What’s apparent is that, before all else, Wiley is a devoted family guy who understands both Arkansas culture and the direction he wants ARDOT to take in the years ahead. His transition into the new role has been quietly seamless. It’s an understatement to say everyone involved is pleased.

And finally, in the months ahead, we will tell you about the dedication of the new Fallen Workers Memorial on ARDOT property. This would not have been possible without the donations our members made in terms of both funding and donated labor and materials. A profound thank-you to those of you who helped get us to where we are today. The money has been raised, a contractor has been identified, and construction should be underway by the time you read this.

As always, thank you for supporting our efforts. Please put your cell phone down when you drive through work zones.