RP Sponsors Meet the Candidates Night

By Tammy Moore Teague
Twenty eight candidates took the stage over the course of the evening on October 22 during Resident Press’ sponsored Meet the Candidates Night. The Mansfield High School cafeteria was filled with concerned community members who turned out to hear and see the candidates representing 17 state and local races.
In the race for City of Hackett Mayor, candidate Trini Harper and current Mayor Leroy Stephens were the first to take the stage, followed by Commissioner of State Lands candidate, T.J. Campbell; U.S. Congress District 4 candidates Susan Ann Martin and Hayden Shamel; District 9 Senator Terry Rice; District 21 State Representative candidate Stele James and Representative Marcus Richmond; District 74 State Representative Jon Eubanks; Lieutenant Governor candidate, Frank Gilbert; Mansfield City Council (Ward 1 Position 1) candidates, Charles Smith and Julie Thomas; Alderman (Ward 3 Position 1), Rick McDaniel; City of Mansfield Mayor, William T. “Buddy” Black and Boyd Farmer; Waldron City Council (Hickman Ward 3 Position 2) candidates, Paige Cupit and Doyle Dickens; City of Waldron Mayor, Lanis Harwell and William Millard; Scott County Assessor candidates, Jeanetta Byford, Kimbery Lane and current Scott County Assessor, Terri Churchill; Scott County Sheriff/Collector candidates Gary Clepper, Tom Garrison and current Sheriff Randy Shores; Scott County Judge James Forbes; Sebastian County Judge David Hudson; State Supreme Court Associate Justice Position 3, Supreme Court Justice Courtney Goodson.
A special thanks to all the candidates, the community, Mansfield Mayor Mike Gipson and the Mansfield School District for their support and assistance in making this event a success. Also to VFW Post 8245 Commander Bernie Tougas, Reverend Kennith Elmore, Stephanie Morgan and Travis Pettus for their time and services. We were truly humbled by the positive outcome!
Don’t forget early voting has already begun. Election day is November 6!