Notice to Media

Lipton named Arkansas Highway Commission Chairman

LITTLE ROCK (11-14) – John "M" Lipton of Warren assumed the Chairmanship of the five-person Arkansas State Highway Commission at the Commission’s November 14 meeting. Lipton had been serving as Vice-Chairman.

He replaces Herby Branscum, Jr., of Perryville who stepped down from the Chairman’s spot at the same meeting. Branscum will remain on the Commission until his term expires in 2001. Branscum said that the upcoming Legislative session was a factor in his decision to step down. “We need someone in this position who will be on the Commission when the Legislature convenes in early 2001,” Branscum said.

J.W. "Buddy" Benafield of Hickory Plains will take Lipton’s place as Vice-Chairman of the Commission.

Lipton, a native of Warren in Bradley County, was first appointed to the Commission in 1993 by then Governor Jim Guy Tucker to replace Ron Harrod. Lipton’s term on the Commission expires in the year 2003. He is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Monticello with a bachelor’s degree in science. Lipton served 12 consecutive terms in the Arkansas House of Representatives. He was sworn in as Speaker of the House when the 78^th Arkansas General Assembly convened in January 1991.

Benafield was first appointed to the Commission by Tucker in 1993 to fill the vacancy left by Rodney Slater. He was reappointed to the Commission in 1995 for a 10-year term. A native of Coy in Lonoke County, Benafield graduated from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. He has served as Mayor of England, a Director on the Little Rock City Board and as Mayor of Little Rock. His term on the Commission expires in 2005.

####