Editor’s Note: Artificial intelligence software was used to assist in compiling this report.
Eureka Springs Times-Echo
The Carroll County Republican Committee hosted a candidate forum on Thursday, Jan. 22, giving attendees the opportunity to hear from Republican candidates whose names will be on the March 3 Preferential Primary ballot.
STATE SENATE DISTRICT 28
Incumbent State Sen. Bryan King framed his campaign around “local control,” “fiscal responsibility,” and “open and transparent government.”
King pointed to a proposed prison project in Franklin County, saying: “Those folks never had any say-so or due process. They were just told they’re going to get a prison.”
King warned: “This is going to cost hundreds of millions of dollars.” He argued that “prison profiteers” are funding “dark money” attack ads against him.
King criticized state spending trends, telling the audience: “State government spending since 2013 when Republicans have come into office has increased $2 billion.”
King added that “fiscal responsibility is not happening by either side right now.”
On education policy, King said: “We need accountability and transparency.”
King also said: “We need a better common sense school choice plan.”
Challenger Bobby Ballinger said he is “a Christian first, but I’m also a conservative Republican.” Ballinger told attendees, “I’ve been endorsed by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders,” adding that “I’m pretty proud to also be the candidate who’s not endorsed by liberal Eureka Springs Democrats, because when it comes to policy, there’s just not a whole lot that we see eye to eye on.”
Asked directly about Franklin County, Ballinger said, “I do not support the prison in Franklin County,” and added, “I am supportive of a prison.” On school policy, he said, “I am very pro-school choice,” and argued, “the state needs to get out of the way and let parents train and teach your kids.”
STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 6
Candidates for the District 6 seat in the state House of Representatives highlighted competing themes of “homegrown” representation, Christian values and questions about outside influence.
Justice of the Peace Hunter Rivett told the crowd, “I’m the only homegrown candidate born and raised right here,” and said he was “attached to the people of the district, not for the interest of Little Rock or Bentonville.”
“Arkansas deserves a new frontier,” Rivett said, describing “a frontier where the government is smaller, closer, and more accountable.”
He added, “This race is not about ambition, it’s about responsibility,” and closed with, “My name is Hunter Rivett, and I’m running to represent Carroll County.”
Businessman Cody Rogers of Omaha told attendees, “This is something very new to me,” and said, “I am not seeking this position to get in to have a name.” He added, “I don’t need my name in the papers,” and said his goal was “to try to serve the people.” On gun policy, Rogers said, “I’m a gun owner,” and added, “I’m a big fan of no gun control whatsoever.”
Rogers acknowledged that his campaign has accepted donations from political action committees, saying his only promise to those groups was that he would listen to what they have to say.
In rebuttal, Rivett said, “The right to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed,” and added, “I have no interest in listening to PACs, special interests or lobbyists.”
“The Arkansas Pharmacists Association does not stand for lower drug prices,” Rivett said. “The Arkansas Realtors Association does not stand for more affordable housing.”
Candidate Stephen Baird was absent because of illness, but moderator Connie Doss read a statement from Baird, who said: “District 6 deserves experienced leadership that puts local people first.” Baird said, “I bring over 33 years of government experience,” adding, “I’ve seen government from the inside.” He said, “That’s called a plan, not some catchphrases.”
COUNTY JUDGE
Incumbent Carroll County Judge David Writer told the audience: “There’s a lot of misinformation, halftruths being spread in this election cycle,” and added, “I don’t rush to judgment. I don’t make uninformed decisions.”
Writer also drew a line around the judge’s authority, saying, “It is also important to tell you that I don’t make legislative decisions. I don’t approve budgets for the county. I don’t run anyone else’s office.”
He said, “I have worked hard with the other elected officials,” and added, “We’re trying to save money.”
Asked for examples of renegotiated contracts, Writer responded, “Absolutely,” and said, “Health insurance.” He told the crowd, “I negotiated these contracts in the last three years,” adding, “I’ve saved the county $275,000 on that alone.” On finances, he said, “Be efficient with what we’ve got.”
Challenger Dianna Baird said: “I’m running for Carroll County Judge because I believe this office is about protecting the people, the roads, and the tax dollars of this county.”
Baird cited newspaper reports that quoted Writer as saying he had no authority to restrict Scout Clean Energy’s access to county roads during construction and operation of Scout’s controversial Nimbus wind electricity project near Green Forest.
“I respectfully disagree,” Baird said, arguing that “Arkansas law does not require blanket access to county roads.”
Baird added that the county judge has “authority and responsibility to set conditions, protect public infrastructure and limit risk to taxpayers.”
Baird said: “I’m running on transparency, accountability and results, not excuses.” She also said, “I chose to live here and retire here and be buried here.”
JP DISTRICT 2
In the Justice of the Peace District 2 race, Margaret “Peggy” Hickman said, “This isn’t about politics for me, it’s about people and putting our communities first.” Hickman said, “The mission of the Carroll County Quorum Court is to reflect the voices of the public and help improve our communities,” and added, “My goal is simple. To represent our shared values and turn them into real progress for our communities.”
Asked about planning and zoning, Hickman said, “I am for it,” adding: “Respect what the people’s voice is first.”
Opponent Chris Clifton told the crowd, “I am a conservative Christian,” and said, “My passion in these roles would be the fiduciary responsibility for local taxpayers.” On planning and zoning, Clifton cited his experiences living in Fayetteville and Bentonville and the requirements imposed by planning and zoning there. “I didn’t want those restrictions,” Clifton said, adding “I’d say I’m most likely against it unless there’s something I don’t know.”
JP DISTRICT 4
In the Justice of the Peace District 4 race, three candidates introduced themselves as the forum moved to local issues including roads, rural services and planning.
Luke Dignan told attendees, “I was born and raised right here,” and said, “I decided to run for this position because I have deep love and passion for this area and for the people who call it home.” Dignan said, “Service is not about convenience, it’s about commitment.” Asked his age, he said, “I’m 19, I’ll be 20 by January.”
Eric Griesenauer said, “I served in the military just shy of eight years,” and added, “I would also like to see a fire station built either near Grandview or Polo for our district.”
Duane Coatney said, “I’m a lifelong resident of Carroll County,” and added, “I’m a Vietnam veteran.” On priorities, he said, “We need better roads, better bridges and better phone service, and rural water.”
