(1) The Arkansas Department of Transportation, with the advice and consent of the State Highway Commission, shall appoint an assistant who shall serve as secretary to the commission.
(2) The secretary: Shall keep full and true records of the proceedings of the commission;
(3) Shall be the custodian of all books, maps, documents, and papers filed with the commission and all orders made by the commission;
(4) Shall have, under the direction of the commission, general charge of its office;
(5) Shall superintend its clerical business;
(6) Shall perform such other duties as the director or the commission may require; and
(7) May designate one (1) of the clerks in his or her office to perform the duties of secretary during his or her absence. During this time, the clerk so designated shall possess the powers of the secretary.
(8) All suits involving the validity of this section or any portion thereof shall be deemed matters of public interest and shall be advanced and disposed of at the earliest possible moment. Appeals in such suits must be taken and perfected within thirty (30) days from the date of the judgment or decree.