Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Candidates Stump At Clark County Rally

For a political rally, politics wasn't the major topic of discussion.

Men's United of Arkadelphia sponsored the rally Saturday at the community center, with many candidates showing up to tell where they stand on the issues.

However, much of the time was spent with the political hopefuls praising the work done by Men's United.

But there was some politics discussed.

Brown Hardman led off for those seeking the House of Representatives seat for District 36.

He made a few promises on what he would do if elected. "I promise to listen to you, think for myself and not be controlled," he began.

"I will remember the important people are not the ones in the House, but you out there. I will respect all people, tell the truth and stand for what I believe in."

He was followed by Tommy Roebuck, who told of being in the political process for 15 years both in Arkansas and Washington, D.C.

Roebuck said he worked the last session of the General Assembly at Little Rock on a weekly basis.

"It's important to know what's going on in your first term," he said, "with term limits in effect."

Roebuck talked about growing up as one of six sharecropper's children, with five earning college degrees and the sixth becoming a registered nurse.

"I learned the work ethic I needed to develop my practice," the retired dentist said.

Roebuck said he's always tried to give back to the community, working in different forms of community service and being on the Arkadelphia Housing Authority.

He said education is the most important issue because it is the only way a person can increase their quality of life and better themselves.

"I will work hard to serve the people of this district," he said. "I know I can do it. I have the leadership ability to do it."

Ron Addington, running for the spot as an independent, said he, took is qualified to serve as the district's representative.

He told of working in community service in 1968 after graduating from Henderson State University, spending three years in the Army, 21 in the Army Reserve and Arkansas National Guard and teaching college.

As a teacher, he said, it is important for him to help his students get their diplomas and a good job afterwards.

"I'm an advocate for a good education system," he said.

Addington told of being on the Arkadelphia School Board, serving on the Arkadelphia Board of Directors, being the former president of Cossatot Vocational-Technical School in De Queen and having to lobby the Legislature for funds and being elected as a delegate to the 1979-80 Arkansas Constitutional Convention.

"The Legislature distributes money to the communities," he said, "and I want to see we get our fair share.

"Northwest Arkansas has been getting more than it's share, and Southwest Arkansas needs its part."

Addington said he wants to see schools get their part of state money.

"I pledge to bring money back to the district," he said.

When asked about increasing teacher pay, Addington said Gov. Mike Huckabee has proposed a $3,000 across the board raise for them, and he supports it.

"It's important for us to keep up with other states on salaries," he said.

Roebuck, answering the same question, said three of his siblings left the teaching profession because they couldn't make a living at it in Arkansas.

Texas, he said, is paying teachers a big bonus, along with moving expenses to move there.

"In five years we will have a teacher shortage in Arkansas," he said. "If this happens our technology will drop. We have to get the salaries up. The economy's good and we need to fund education."

Roebuck had no specific ideas on how to fund better pay for teachers, but said some of the money could come from the state's budget surplus.

Hardman said this is a situation that hasn't changed in 100 years and won't be changed in one more year.

Part of the problem, he said, is there needs to be more respect and pride put back in teaching.

The priority, he continued, needs to be placed on education or Arkansas could miss the boat.

For the Clark County Judge's race, former Judge Grady Runyan spoke first.

Runyan had nothing political to say, but talked about how important Men's United is to the community and how those involved are making a difference in the city and county.

"Men's United," he said, "is a positive force in the community. You are mentors to the young. We need people to take time and work with our young."

He said grants are available to help such organizations, but members must go through the judge's office for them.

Judge Floyd "Buddy" Manning said he'd admit Clark County is the best place in Arkansas to live because the people here work together.

"No one of us is as strong as all of us," he said.

Manning told of spending 10 years on the Arkadelphia School Board and how other boards model their programs after Arkadelphia's now.

In addition, he said when the district created a policy manual the Arkansas School Board Association patterned its after Arkadelphia's.

He said the board, in his time, worked to get teacher salaries up, making this a priority.

As county judge, Manning said he has the best employees in the state, while he has the ability to make quick, accurate decisions and stand by them.

Runyan was asked if there was anything he would do if elected he didn't do before.

"I tried to have town meetings," he said, "but gave up when few people attended. I would try harder and not give up. I'd meet with groups at night. A line of communication is important.

Manning was asked about the sales tax issue begun by Gurdon Mayor Rick Smith to get the cities their share of the funds.

Manning said he had no plans if the sales tax is lost. "I'm confident we'll keep it."

Runyan said if this money is lost the Clark County Quorum Court would have to go up on property taxes.

"The county can't operate without the tax," he said. "The mayor's are talking about a per capita split and there's also talk of a 60-40 split."

Runyan said the issue would have to be put on the ballot for the people to decide, but added the county couldn't get by on 60 percent of the money generated by the tax.

If the officials weren't able to trim their budgets enough to operate under it, he said, the justices of the peace would have to raise the millage rate.

Runyan agreed the cities do need the money, but so does the county.

Manning said a lawsuit has been filed to get proposed Amendment 4 off the ballot because of the way it's worded. This is one of two property tax amendments to be on the November ballot.

Kasey Summerville, the hopeful for Clark County Assessor, said her goal is to provide the best service possible, keep the community informed of what's going on in the office and stay involved and enthusiastic.

Wanda Knight, the incumbent, wasn't at the rally.

Those candidates unopposed for office who were on hand thanked Men's United for the invitation and promised to do the best job they can for the people.