The Carroll County Republican Party held a candidate forum at Holiday Island Saturday evening. A crowd of about 130 filled the clubhouse to hear party candidates for county and state offices, in a marathon session that lasted three hours.
The candidates had been asked in advance to abstain from attacking each other. Charlie Reece, chair of the Carroll County Republican Committee, served as moderator, and he explained the format in advance. For each office, the candidates would make a brief introductory statement, and then answer questions. Reece reiterated the goal of maintaining positive statements, and candidates complied, although some managed to sneak in some carefully coded digs at an opponent.
At the outset of the session, Reece said, “We need to address the elephant in the room,” as he acknowledged the mascot who had welcomed guests to the forum. Reece said this was the first meeting he had attended with an elephant in attendance. He asked for civility from the candidates and from the audience and drew upon his occasional service as a substitute teacher. “As I say when I substitute, ‘If you act like a sixth grader, you’ll be treated like one.’” The audience remained supportive throughout the evening, and even showed patience when some candidates struggled with their first encounter with public speaking.
County Clerk Connie Doss is unopposed for re-election, and she outlined some election information. Voter registration ends April 25, and Doss reminded those who have not voted recently to check their status at voterview.org. By entering their name and birth date, people can check their registration, and they can view a printable sample ballot.
Doss said voters will have to show a valid Arkansas identification. Early voting begins May 9, from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturdays. Early voting will be held at St. Elizabeth’s on Passion Play Road in Eureka Springs or at the Carroll County Airport. Doss also listed the voting sites for the May 24 primary election and explained that people can vote at any polling place, regardless of where in the county they live.
The race for State Senate District 28 began the evening, and with opening statements and answers to multiple questions, the four candidates used almost an hour. Senator Bob Ballinger expressed his concerns “for the very fabric of our country.” He pledged fidelity to the constitution and to “the word of God,” and warned that “our way of life is under attack from Hollywood.”
Ted Walker followed him to the microphone, and said he is a former Sergeant Major, and is running because the soldiers with whom he served asked him to. He mentioned several social issues, including travel restrictions during Covid. He acknowledged not having Ballinger’s experience, but he has proven his integrity in service.
State Rep. Keith Slape has a background in law enforcement, including serving as sheriff of Newton County. He said that experience helped him learn to deal with conflict. With inflation raising costs, he would like to see a smaller government. He also raised the possibility of cutting taxes to help people struggling to keep up with higher prices.
Bob Largent said this is one of the most conservative districts in the state, and “I’m proud to be that conservative.” He said he would be a “collaborative leader,” ready to work with a new governor and a new legislature. Largent said this area has the momentum for growth and prosperity, and he mentioned the importance of good roads and transportation infrastructure to support the agriculture and tourism on which this area depends.
Former state senator Bryan King said his family roots go back to the time before Arkansas became a state. He spoke of learning about fiscal responsibility and hard work from his grandfather. King has a background in agriculture and business, as well as previous service in the Arkansas House and Senate. He stressed the importance of integrity in government service, noting that some of his former colleagues in the legislature had gone to prison for their role in diverting government funds. King has the endorsement of former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee.
During the question period, the candidates all opposed mandatory vaccinations. They also discussed various aspects of the Republican platform.
State Rep. Harlan Breaux faces a challenge in the primary from Brian Ayers. Both opposed vaccine mandates, and both agreed that the legislature should consider temporarily rescinding a fuel tax designed to raise money for roads and infrastructure.
At the county level, two candidates will compete in the primary for Justice of the Peace from District 4. Geneice McCall described a 30-year background in government and health. Hunter Rivett said county government will have to find ways to be smaller but more effective. In response to a question, he reminded everyone of the importance of JPs. With only 11 JPs altogether, a relatively small number of people can decide county government. McCall emphasized the need for better Internet service and rural water systems.
Only one of three Republican candidates for county judge will advance to the general election in November to face several other contenders. Bud Phillips, Rod Ballance, and David Writer will compete in the primary, and they explained their qualifications.
Phillips read a testimonial from a fellow member of the Green Forest school board. During his time as board president, Phillips helped to unite the county’s three schools to form the C-4 vocational training center. He solicited a million-dollar grant from Tyson Foods for that program, and Phillips said he will approach the county judge job with the same aggressive outlook.
Ballance said he already has executive experience from his business background. Ballance said he was not born here, but “came by choice. I want to protect the things that caused me to move here and you to stay here.” Economic development will be essential to develop good jobs “so our kids don’t have to leave.”
Writer has served in the Road Department for 14 years, and currently is department foreman. He has learned every aspect of the department, and his hands-on experience will help him lead. “I know what it’s like for the guys out there now,” he said. “They work hard for you.” Writer had the audience’s attention as he described clearing a road with a chainsaw during an overnight thunderstorm.
The three candidates were asked about the duties of the office, and all were well prepared to answer. Ballance was asked how he would manage his Internet business, which is providing service to rural areas north of U.S. Hwy. 62. He explained that he is already establishing the framework that will allow him to step away from that company and focus on the county.
All three agreed that rising costs will bring new challenges, and each expressed confidence in their ability to find solutions.