Wow, if you weren’t there then you just missed out! Our growing political forum, Meet the Candidates, was an amazing success. In fact, we have already been asked about the next one!
This year’s forum was different from the one we hosted last year. We had a town hall style forum, co-hosted by the Arkansas Liberty Coalition.
It was so exciting to see members of the community come out and ask the hard hitting questions. One of the candidates for circuit judge stated, “…the evening was great. Tough group, yet informed and passionate. Honestly, that is the only way our system of government can succeed. Keep up the good work!”
The discussions were passionate and real. It was a great opportunity for community members to ask about issues important to them, and they did. Schools, taxes, Second Amendment, and the Constitution all dominated the afternoon meeting, which went well beyond its two hour allotment.
I want to thank the ALC again for their assistance, particularly Don Cloud Davis, who did a tremendous job moderating.
Also, I appreciate the candidates who took a few hours out of their busy schedules to attend our forum.
Attending candidates:
Judge Emily White, candidate for Arkansas Court of Appeals; District 74 State Representative (I) Jon Eubanks, District 74 Representative candidates Curtis Varnell, and Shawn Bates; Scott County JP candidate Dee Parker; District 21 State Representative Marcus Richmond (I), District 21 State Representative candidate Jim Reynolds; Circuit Judge Division VI candidates Phil Milligan, Rita Howard Watkins, and Greg Magness; Circuit Judge Division VII candidate Dianna Ladd.
Candidates who either declined or did not respond to our invitation:
Candidate for Arkansas Court of Appeals, Stephanie Potter Barrett; Scott County JP incumbent Bill Bates; Circuit Judge Division VII candidate Judge Sam Terry; Supreme Court Associate Justice, Position 4 candidate Barbara Womack Webb, and Judge Morgan “Chip” Welch.
Lastly, to the members of our community, thank you for showing up, for making your voice heard and for making a difference!
As most of you know, Resident Press does NOT endorse candidates. It is not our job to tell you who we think you should vote for. Our job is simply to provide a means for voters to educate themselves on the candidates and issues.
We will be providing election coverage on Tuesday, March 3, online, and also in next week’s newspaper!
