Tribute to a True-Blue Trooper for the Delta: Harvey Joe Sanner

Posted on February 03, 2025 at 01:46 PM

Tribute to a True-Blue Trooper for the Greater Delta Region: Harvey Joe Sanner

(NOTE: This message was published as an article in the editorial section of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette on Feb. 7, 2025.)

The Greater Delta Region lost a veteran true-blue trooper with the passing of Harvey Joe Sanner of Des Arc, Arkansas.

Harvey Joe Sanner tirelessly advocated for family farmers, the Greater Delta Region as a whole, infrastructure improvements, economic growth, and the fight against hunger and poverty.

A half-century of grassroots advocacy: Harvey Joe was president of the American Agriculture Movement, a stalwart partner of the 8-state Mississippi Delta Grassroots Caucus, an activist for the Democratic Party at state, local and national levels, and a friend and loyal supporter of prominent Arkansas leaders including Gov. and then President Bill Clinton, US Sen. Dale Bumpers, US Sen. David Pryor, Congressman Bill Alexander, and many others.

Tractorcade: In 1979, Harvey Joe Sanner was one of less than 3,000 farmers from all over the country who drove their tractors to Washington, DC to call attention to the national government the dire economic plight of many family farmers in America.

One of Harvey Joe’s sons,Matt Sanner of Searcy, Arkansas, said to the Delta Caucus that “He was the very greatest dad and man, and I still aspire to be like him.” Many other leaders from across the region expressed similar sentiments and several of them are quoted below in this message.

Opening up markets for farmers: He was a strong and knowledgeable advocate for developing trade–especially in food and medicine–between the United States and Cuba. He believed–accurately, in our view–that the embargo did not change Cuban policy domestically or internationally, prevented the Cuban people from gaining access to nutritious American farm products, and deprived American producers of substantial markets in Cuba.

Sanner traveled to Cuba to meet in person with then Cuban leader Fidel Castro to discuss the economic benefits to both countries of opening up trade. The Arkansas was a member of a family that included generations of farmers. He often pointed out that Arkansas’ prolific rice farmers would be among the greatest beneficiaries of trade to Cuba.

He emphasized that opening up trade in food and medicine would benefit both countries, and would of course not provide the Cubans with any materials that might have any military potential.

Sanner had great political courage and would stand his ground on the issues regardless of whether it was controversial or not. One poignant example was his constant, outspoken support for Congressman Alexander when he was sharply criticized in right-wing quarters for calling for farm and medicine trade to Cuba.

Delta Caucus Director Lee Powell said “Harvey Joe Sanner was a stalwart, knowledgeable and effective advocate for the Greater Delta’ community and economic progress. He was a strong presence at every Delta Caucus meeting and most other public policy meetings in Arkansas and other Delta states for over 50 years. He will greatly be missed.”

Powell recalled that his father, James O. Powell, who was editorial editor and later senior columnist of the old Arkansas Gazette from 1959 to 1987, referred to the “ubiquitous” Harvey Joe Sanner, because he was always there at every public policy meeting for half a century.

Powell added that “Harvey Joe was a very intelligent man who was probably one of the few people in Arkansas who knew what the word ‘ubiquitous’ meant” (just kidding).

Powell recalled that in the mid-2000s at a packed Delta Caucus in the Clinton School of Public Service, President Clinton rose to speak, saw HJS in the crowd and immediately called out to him, “Hey, Harvey Joe”–he was one in a crowd of 100 people singled out for that heart-felt greeting.

Powell, a former aide to Rep. Alexander, recalled that when the Congressman was Chief Deputy Majority Whip and senior member of the Appropriations Committee, “Harvey Joe was a constant supporting presence for Alexander, who deeply appreciated his loyalty and advocacy for their mutual causes.”

Harry Truman Moore, attorney in northeast Arkansas, trusted friend and adviser to President Bill Clinton, Congressman Bill Alexander and other Arkansas leaders, said “Harvey Joe Sanner was one of the true believers and stalwart advocates for the Delta’s progress for many years.”

Kevin Smith, former aide to Gov. Bill Clinton on the Lower Mississippi Delta Development Commission, Arkansas senator, businessman and regional leader based in Helena, Arkansas, said “I knew Harvey Joe Sanner since the 1980s, as he fought at every opportunity to give a voice in particular to the every-day row crop farmers in Arkansas, and in general to stand up for the Delta region.”

Smith said “Harvey Joe is a hero of the Delta region. He worked closely with the late US senators Dale Bumpers and David Pryor and they were crazy about him as an advocate for agriculture and the Delta economy.”

Smith said “His impact and legacy might not ever be appreciated by many people who don’t know what he did for our state and region, but he didn’t do it for the recognition. He just loved the land and the people.”

Wilson Golden, Presidential appointee in the Clinton administration, Delta Caucus senior adviser, attorney, Mississippi native now residing in Georgia, said, “Harvey Joe Sanner was there every time the Delta Caucus met or the Clinton administration held a meeting in the region. He was always going to bat for the Delta in his common-sense, down-home style.”

Harvey Joe Sanner was 81. He was predeceased by: his parents, Joe Roscoe and Gladys Mae Chandler Sanner of Des Arc; and his brother Buddy Otis Sanner.

He is survived by: his wife Marilyn Burnett of Des Arc; his sons, Kelly Sanner of Des Arc and Matt Sanner of Searcy; his stepsons, Rodney Burnett (Sondra) of Cabot and Gary Burnett; and his brothers, Jim Sanner and Steve Sanner of Des Arc. He is also survived by five grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and five step grandchildren.

Please RSVP & Register by Paying Early $75 Registration Fees for June 26-27, 2025 Delta Caucus in Little Rock

Posted on January 23, 2025 at 04:12 PM

Please RSVP for the June 26-27, 2025 Delta Caucus in Little Rock

Jan. 23, 2025

The Delta Caucus conference on regional community and economic development will be held June 26-27, 2025 in Little Rock. Registration, schedule and group hotel information are below.

SCHEDULE

The opening session will be June 26, 2025 from about 4:45 p.m. to 6:10 p.m. in Little Rock. Site TBD, although we will make every effort to use the Rotunda of the Arkansas State Capitol, which they do not reserve this far ahead of time.

There will be an informal session at the group hotel, the Comfort Inn & Suites Presidential restaurant at bar after the opening session from about 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. or whenever people want to stay. (Dinner on your own)

We have reserved the Great Hall of the Clinton Library for the June 27, 2025 session from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

We will invite President Bill Clinton, Gov. Sarah Sanders, Members of Congress, and other federal, state and local leaders from across the 8-state Greater Mississippi Delta Region. This is nonpartisan.

REGISTRATION FEES AND SPONSORSHIPS

You register by paying the $75 early registration fees by June 1, 2025.

After June 1 registration fees go up to $110.

The fastest and easiest way to pay the registration fees is to go on the website at mdgc.us and go to the link that says “Donate.”

GROUP DISCOUNT:

You can get a group discount for a group of four or more down to $50 and a discount down to $35 for a group of five or more.

ADDRESS TO SEND FEES OR SPONSORSHIPS

If you prefer to pay by check, please make out the check to “Delta Caucus” and mail to”

Delta Caucus

5030 Purslane Place

Waldorf, MD 20601

SPONSORSHIPS:

Sponsors will be recognized on the big placard on display at the conference, on the agendas distributed to all attendees, and other communications from the Delta Caucus.

LEAD SPONSORSHIP:

$3,000

MAJOR CO-SPONSORSHIP:

$1,000 for a foundation or other larger organization

$500 for a smaller organization or an individual

SPONSORSHIP:

$200

We have already received two sponsorships:

MAJOR CO-SPONSOR:

Illinois Municipal League

Sponsor:

Wilson Golden, senior adviser to the Delta Caucus, Presidential appointee in the Clinton administration, Mississippi native now residing in Georgia

Please send sponsorship checks to the Delta Caucus address at 5030 Purslane Place, Waldorf, MD 20601.

GROUP HOTEL

The group hotel is:

Comfort Inn & Suites Presidential

707 Interstate 30

Little Rock, AR 72202

To get the group discount of $119 for the night of June 26, 2025, contact the hotel at (501) 687-7700 and tell them you are with the Delta Caucus group.

We have a contract with the hotel and the personnel are thus obligated to include you in the Delta Caucus group, but sometimes if they have a new or not well-informed staffer who does not know about our group, you can ask to speak to the sales manager, Sierra Logan.

Most people stay the one night of June 26, check out in the morning and store their luggage, and then come back and pick up the luggage after the June 27 session on the morning and lunch is over.

We also have some rooms in our group for the night of Friday, June 27, 2025, for anyone who wishes to stay another night. There are significant places to visit in Little Rock including the Clinton Library and Center, the state Capitol, and the River Market area.

Please send in the registration fees ASAP because it complicates our planning and creates bottle-necks if many people wait until the last minute to register.

We hope to see you in Little Rock on June 26-27, 2025. Thanks–Lee Powell, executive director, Delta Grassroots Caucus (202) 360-6347

Statements from National Convention Delegates for Trump and Harris, Respectively

Posted on November 04, 2024 at 12:12 PM

STATEMENTS FROM DELEGATES FROM BOTH MAJOR PARTIES

FIRST WE WILL HAVE RHONDA BELFORD’S STATEMENT FOR TRUMP

PLEASE SCROLL DOWN TO FIND THE STATEMENT OF WILSON GOLDEN FOR HARRIS

Statement from Rhonda Belford, Trump Delegate to the Republican National Convention

Thank you to Lee Powell with the Delta Caucus and Brad Cole of the Municipal League of Illinois for the opportunity to speak for a few moments during the Delta Caucus in support of President Donald J. Trump and J. D. Vance.

As I mentioned, President Trump will make life more affordable for everyday Americans and will unleash a new era of safety, prosperity, and success for our workers, our families and our businesses.

It is proven and no secret that President Trump has a record of economic success.

Recently, during the Bloomberg Interview at the Chicago Economic Club President Trump was in his element and spoke passionately about restoring economic growth, prosperity and opportunity for ALL Americans. He outlined his plan that will return American citizens and businesses to the success achieved in the first Trump administration.

Under the Trump Administration we had 4 years of low inflation He outlined his plan to Stop American Jobs from being shipped overseas

President Trump described his simple position on illegal immigration “ I want a lot of people to come into our country, but I want them to come in legally”

Americans know their lives were better off under President Trump When re-elected on November 5th, President Trump WILL turn the page on current economics and make America more affordable, prosperous and great again:

By ending taxes on tips and social security benefits for seniors; He will make America Energy Dominant and lower energy costs by 50% in 1st year; He will make America the BEST place to do business creating jobs in OUR Country! If they don’t make it in America, they will pay a tariff!

As I recalled, I am a product of the Delta coming from a distressed county in Southeastern Illinois ( Hardin County was once known as the Fluorspar Capital of the World). I fully appreciated the reopening of the Steel plant in nearby Granite City, Il and was present for that grand opening that President Trump attended. Fluorspar is used as a flux in steel making. The hope that it gave to us in rural Hardin County, and parts of Western Kentucky to re-ignite the Fluorspar mining industry (as those mines had long been closed due it becoming more expensive to mine and mill in our own country than to ship from China since the 80’s and 90’s).

President Trump’s 9 point plan focuses on Energy (cutting energy prices in half or more within 12 months of taking office; lowering tax cuts; green new deal; crypto; regulation ( he pledged to cut 2 old regulations for every new regulation and actually did better than that); Prioritizing efficiency ( Government Efficiency commission); Domestic production; Affordable housing; and National endeavors.

Simply put: President Trump will lower taxes, energy costs and slash regulation. President Trump’s plan will defeat inflation, bring down prices for working families return the U. S. to a manufacturing superpower and reignite economic growth. President Trump has done it before- and together as we are encouraged to support all those who are in leadership, I thank him for his support of Israel and his excellent choice for Vice President JD Vance.

No one Works Harder with one Goal in Mind- To Make America Great Again-

Thanks again, for the opportunity as we all work together for the Delta Region and all it has to offer!

Rhonda Belford RNC Committeewoman IL. Trump Delegate 2020/ Alt Trump Delegate 2024 Chairman Hardin County Illinois Republican Central Committee RN Ohio River Scenic Byway President Speaking on behalf of President Trump/ JD Vance

STATEMENT OF WILSON GOLDEN FOR KAMALA HARRIS

Delta Caucus Friends:

As a supplement to my presentation to the recent conference of the Mississippi Delta Caucus, I submit the recent statement by Vice President Kamala Harris about her optimism and patriotic view of what America stands for:

United States of America is the greatest idea humanity ever devised: a nation big enough to encompass all our dreams, strong enough to withstand any fracture or fissure between us, and fearless enough to imagine a future of possibilities.

And these excerpts from the recent editorial endorsement by the New York Times:

“The Only Patriotic Choice for President”

Beyond the economy, Ms. Harris promises to continue working to expand access to health care and reduce its cost. She has a long record of fighting to protect women’s health and reproductive freedom. Mr. Trump spent years trying to dismantle the Affordable Care Act and boasts of picking Supreme Court justices who ended the constitutional right to an abortion.

Globally, Ms. Harris would work to maintain and strengthen the alliances with like-minded nations that have long advanced American interests abroad and maintained the nation’s security. Mr. Trump–who has long praised autocrats like Vladimir Putin, Viktor Orban, and Kim Jong-un–has threatened to blow these democratic alliances apart.

Ms. Harris recognizes the need for global solutions to the global problem of climate change and would continue President Biden’s major investments in the industries and technologies necessary to achieve that goal. Mr. Trump rejects the accepted science, and his contempt for low-carbon energy solutions is matched only by his trollish fealty to fossil fuels.

As for immigration, a huge and largely unsolved issue, the former president continues to demonize and dehumanize immigrants, while Ms. Harris at least offers hope for a compromise, long denied by Congress, to secure the borders and return the nation to a sane immigration system.

Schedule and Link for Oct. 17-18, 2024 Delta Grassroots Caucus Zoom Meeting

Posted on October 17, 2024 at 03:55 PM

Delta Caucus Zoom meeting Oct. 17, 2024—5 p.m. To about 6:20 p.m.

5 p.m.—5:09 p.m.—Brad Cole, Municipal League of Illinois

5:09—6:20 p.m.—Health, hunger and nutrition

Lee Powell, Delta Caucus director

Joel Berg, Hunger Free America—5:09 to 5:20

Heather Collier, Southeast Missouri Food Bank—5:20 to 5:30

Pat Van Burkleo, Feeding Louisiana–5:30–5:40

Sylvia Blain, Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance—5:40–5:50

Mayor Tomeka Butler, Eudora, Arkansas—5:50—6 p.m.

6 p.m.—Discussion

Oct. 18, 2024—9 a.m. To 11:30 a.m.

9 a.m. to 9:50 a.m.–“Big picture” panel on community and economic development in the Delta from several important regional leaders

Christopher Crane, Arkansas Economic Development Commission–9–9:10

Alan Gumbel, Black Business Association of Memphis, Tennessee–9:10–9:20

Elizabeth Rooks, Rooks Mediation Services–9:20–9:30

Mike Marshall, former Alternate Federal Co-Chair of the Delta Regional Authority, banker from Sikeston, Missouri–9:30–9:40

Diversity—9:40–10:05

9:40–9:50 a.m.–Mireya Reith, Arkansas United

9:50–10 a.m.–Loston Rowe, National Black Growers Council

Discussion

Education, Tourism and Regional Development–10;05 –10:35 a.m.

10:05–10:15 a.m.Cody Behles, University of Memphis–

10:15–10:25-Jen Mandel, University of Memphis

10:25–10:35–Shane Broadway, Arkansas State University (speaking on Johnny Cash statue in US Capitol)

Discussion

10:45 –11:05 a.m.—Speakers Supporting the Presidential Candidates

10:45-55 a.m.–Rhonda Belford, newly elected Republican National Committee National Committeewoman from Illinois; Trump delegate to the 2020 Republican National Convention, Alt. Trump Delegate to the 2024 Republican National Convention; Chairman, Hardin County Illinois Republican Central Committee; Registered Nurse; Speaking in support of Donald Trump for President

10:55–11:05 a.m. –Wilson Golden (Mississippi native now residing in Georgia; former Clinton administration Presidential appointee, one of the managers for Delta Regional Initiative with Lee Powell and the late Al Eisenberg); Delegate to the 2024 Democratic National Convention (his 12th DNC); Attorney; Speaking in support of Kamala Harris for President

11:05 a.m. To 11:20 a.m.—Questions for speakers on the Presidential candidates

LINK

The link information to join the meeting is below. You can check the website at mdgc.us for the basic information about Delta Caucus activities.

Here’s the link to join the upcoming Delta Caucus Zoom meeting, which is Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024 from 5 p.m. To 6:20 p.m. And the Friday session is Oct. 18, 2024 from 9 a.m. To about noon.

Delta Caucus Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87392618940?

pwd=m5cOon79a8nTg6La1fAI7vKS4CYg80.1

Meeting ID: 873 9261 8940

Passcode: 522533

NOTE: You will need to type in the codes to enter the conference because this is NOT an automatic link.

REGISTRATION FEES

The fastest and easiest way to pay the $50 registration fees is to go on the website at mdgc.us and go to the PayPal link that says “Donate.”

If you prefer to pay by check, please make out the check to “Delta Caucus” and mail to:

Delta Caucus 5030 Purslane Place Waldorf, MD 20601

Thanks—Lee Powell, Delta Caucus (202) 360-6347

Deadline is Friday, Oct. 10 to Register for Oct. 17-18 Delta Caucus Zoom Meeting

Posted on October 08, 2024 at 02:15 PM

Deadline is Friday, Oct. 10 to RSVP for Delta Zoom

Schedule, Link and Registration information for Oct. 17-18, 2024 Delta Caucus Zoom meeting

The deadline is Friday Oct. 10 to register and pay the $50 registration fees for the Oct. 17-18, 2024 Zoom meeting.

After Oct. 10 fees go up to $80.

We only have three speakers who have not confirmed that this schedule is fine. There are usually a few unavoidable last-minute changes when people have unexpected matters that come up that have an impact on their schedules.

Please reply directly to this message. It will go directly to Lee Powell at leepowell@delta.comcastbiz.net

These times are estimates. Please stay flexible. Some times could be 10 minutes or so different, depending on how the schedule works out, but the times will mostly be very similar to this.

Oct. 17, 2024—5 p.m. To about 6:20 p.m.

5 p.m.—5:09 p.m.—Brad Cole, Municipal League of Illinois

5:09—6:20 p.m.—Health, hunger and nutrition

Joel Berg, Hunger Free America—5:09 to 5:20

Heather Collier, Southeast Missouri Food Bank—5:20 to 5:30

Pat Van Burkleo, Feeding Louisiana–5:30–5:40

Sylvia Blain, Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance—5:40–5:50

Mayor Tomeka Butler, Eudora, Arkansas—5:50—6 p.m.

6 p.m.—Discussion, if there is interest

Oct. 18, 2024—9 a.m. To 11:30 a.m.

9 a.m. to 9:50 a.m.–“Big picture” panel on community and economic development in the Delta from several important regional leaders

Lee Powell, Delta Caucus Director

Christopher Crane, Arkansas Economic Development Commission–9:a.m.

Alan Gumbel, Black Business Association of Memphis, Tennessee–9:10

Elizabeth Rooks, Rooks Mediation Services–9:20

Mike Marshall, former Alternate Federal Co-Chair of the Delta Regional Authority, banker from Sikeston, Missouri–9:30

Discussion

Diversity—9:50 a.m. To 10:15 a.m.

Erendira Vasquez or Mireya Reith, Arkansas United

Speaker from the National Black Growers Council

Education, Tourism and Regional Development–10;15 –10:45 a.m.

Cody Behles, University of Memphis–

Jen Mandel, University of Memphis

Shane Broadway, Arkansas State University (speaking on Johnny Cash statue in US Capitol)

10:50 –11:20 a.m.—Speakers Supporting the Presidential Candidates

10:50–11 a.m.–Rhonda Belford, newly elected Republican National Committee National Committeewoman from Illinois; Chairman, Hardin County Illinois Republican Central Committee; Registered Nurse; Speaking in support of Donald Trump for President

11: am to 11:10 a.m. –Wilson Golden (Mississippi native now residing in Georgia; attorney; former Clinton administration Presidential appointee, one of the managers for Delta Regional Initiative with Lee Powell and the late Al Eisenberg) Speaking in support of Kamala Harris for President

11:10 a.m. To 11:20 a.m.—Questions for speakers on the Presidential candidates

LINK

Here’s the link to join the upcoming Delta Caucus Zoom meeting, which is Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024 from 5 p.m. To 6:20 p.m. And the Friday session is Oct. 18, 2024 from 9 a.m. To about noon.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87392618940?

pwd=m5cOon79a8nTg6La1fAI7vKS4CYg80.1

Meeting ID: 873 9261 8940

Passcode: 522533

NOTE: You will need to type in the codes to enter the conference because this is NOT an automatic link.

$50 REGISTRATION FEES

The fastest and easiest way to pay the $50 registration fees is to go on the website at mdgc.us and go to the PayPal link that says “Donate.”

If you prefer to pay by check, please make out the check to “Delta Caucus” and mail to:

Delta Caucus

5030 Purslane Place

Waldorf, MD 20601

Thanks—Lee Powell, Delta Caucus (202) 360-6347