Resident News Network extended an opportunity for the state House District 47 candidates to go “On the Record” and answer questions proposed by our readership.
Candidate Wade Dunn faces incumbent Representative Lee Johnson in the May 24 Republican primary. District 47 is based in Sebastian County. The primary Republican will be the only name on the ballot for the seat in the November 8 election.
Johnson has served in the state House representing what was previously District 75 since 2018.
The same questions were posed to both Johnson and Dunn.
Why are you seeking re-election/to be elected as State Representative?
Representative Lee Johnson:
While I dislike some things about politics, I love serving the people of Sebastian County. I have worked in our hospitals and school districts for decades, so representing my friends and neighbors in the Legislature is a real honor. My goal is to champion conservative policy and help constituents when I can. I am really looking forward to serving with future Governor Sarah Sanders.
Candidate Wade Dunn:
I am seeking office because the current State Representative doesn’t represent the people of District 47. I will fight for the citizens of this district. I will put their “will” first, not some medical association, State Chamber, or corporation. The citizens of this district want lower taxes and a government that serves the people, not the other way around. They want a school system that puts reading, writing, and arithmetic first, elimination of critical race theory (CRT) being taught, and they want school choice. They want abortion overturned, their second amendment rights protected, and gun laws cleaned up. And, they want mandates to stop being imposed like what we witnessed over the last couple of years.
What is your position on taxes, specifically, how do you balance those with the weight of increasing inflation?
Representative Lee Johnson:
We must continue to reduce the tax burden, especially now. Over the last four years, I am proud to have voted for over half a billion dollars in tax cuts. We’ve reduced taxes on income, businesses, used cars, school supplies, and so much more. Our state is required to balance the budget and we’ve had record surplus in recent years. That means we can keep cutting taxes while still funding core services. When there’s a surplus, it should be returned to taxpayers. That’s the best way to ease the burden of inflation.
Candidate Wade Dunn:
The state of Arkansas has a history of turning every problem into a crisis that is deserving of a new tax. That’s the lazy way out! As a businessman, I have always had to solve problems within a budget. The State of Arkansas doesn’t have a revenue problem, they have an accountability and spending problem! I will never support a tax without making certain that government accountability is solved. Otherwise, the problem just gets bigger and costs the taxpayers more money.
What is your position on hormone therapy?
Representative Lee Johnson:
I absolutely do not support surgery or other inappropriate gender-related treatments for minors. As a physician, I would never prescribe such a treatment and believe they should be prohibited in our state. Period. I did vote against one piece of legislation that would have banned surgeries, but also immediately ended all therapy for certain children. We all know that abruptly stopping prescription drugs – without a tapering off period – is dangerous and often does more harm than good. These particular children are often vulnerable and require mental health treatment as well. I simply thought it would be better if implemented more responsibly.
Candidate Wade Dunn:
Hormone therapy used for sex reassignment on underage children is dangerous. I will introduce legislation on day one of the regular session to make it felony child abuse for a parent or doctor to allow, prescribe any drugs or perform surgery to alter an underage child’s sex.
Are you willing to compromise on voting for a bill you may not fully agree with?
State Representative Lee Johnson:
Yes, depending on the issue. Some beliefs are non-negotiable, like the right to life. I’m proud to have a 100% pro-life voting record and have been endorsed by Arkansas Right to Life. This is a deeply held religious belief that cannot waiver. But many issues in state government aren’t ethical or moral, but more bureaucratic in nature. I’m a physician and many of my colleagues oppose scope of practice expansion for other license holders, like Nurse Practitioners. But I worked with both sides to find consensus that increased access to care and better served patients. That’s just one example of an old fight that’s solvable if people come in and try to find solutions together. I didn’t get everything I wanted, but it was still progress.
Candidate Wade Dunn:
Not on abortion, taxes, or chemical castration of children under 18. I have said I will stand on God’s word, the Bible, and the Constitution, so I will not compromise on anything that’s in direct conflict with either of these!
As a representative of the people of District 47, what is your plan to remain in touch with your constituents so you are aware of their needs and concerns?
State Representative Lee Johnson:
I have four years of practice but there’s always room to improve. First and foremost, I try to be present. You can find me at a Greenwood Bulldog football game or working in a local healthcare setting throughout the week. I also plan to stay engaged on social media platforms and always try to be responsive through email and phone. Talking with local folks is the best part of this job and I keep that the focus.
Candidate Wade Dunn:
I have published my email address, my phone number, and I have been on social media for many years. I live in and own a business in Greenwood. I have lived a very public life, and I plan to continue to do so. I’ve been to Little Rock to testify and each time that I do I recommend legislators reach out to their constituents before they vote on bills. I believe that if you are going to be a state representative, you should be approachable, available, and accountable.
Do you have a final statement that you would like conveyed to the voters?
Representative Lee Johnson:
It’s been an honor to serve as your state representative. I’ve tried to represent you, my friends and neighbors, and vote with a clear conscious and conservative values. Fighting for you every day is a true honor I never take for granted. I’m also proud to be endorsed by names and groups you know and trust, like Senator Tom Cotton, Arkansas Right to Life, and the National Rifle Association. I’d be honored to have your vote once again.
Candidate Wade Dunn:
If you want a Real Conservative who can go to Little Rock and serve you in the most Conservative manner possible, I need your vote! We are living in a messed up world, and God is not going to give us many more opportunities to correct this. I will fight as hard for you as I have fought in this election. Remember, when you get in the voting booth, there is no one but you and God. I just ask for your prayers for God’s Will in this election. That’s my prayer!
