Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Roebuck announces plans for reelection

State Representative Tommy Roebuck formally announced his plans to file for re-election to the Arkansas House of Representatives at a campaign kick-off reception in Arkadelphia on Monday, January 28.

Roebuck admitted he has had an interesting year and has enjoyed every minute of it. He thanked Senator Percy Malone for helping him throughout the year, as Malone has been involved with Arkansas politics longer than Roebuck.

Duane Mack, a state representative for the Amity and Alpine areas, was also on hand to support Roebuck in his decision.

Roebuck has become a very busy man in the past year. As if he wasn't busy already with his dental office, his family and his community. This past year Roebuck has served on 13 committees and subcommittees and is Vice Chair of the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee and Vice Chair of the Revenue and Taxation-House Complaints Subcommittee. He also serves on the Performance-Based Budgeting Subcommittee as well as the Governor's Emergency Fund Review Committee.

In the 2003 session, Roebuck plans to work hard and says he will be even more effective as our state representative.

Throughout Roebuck's first term, he has continued to be available and open to the citizens within his area. Roebuck would like to here from the citizens in order to get a real feel for their needs.

Roebuck said, "I would like to thank the people of Gurdon for choosing me as your representative. I find it to be an honor. If I can be of any service to anyone let me know. This is going to be a tough year, but I feel I am better prepared for it and am looking forward to representing you again."

Roebuck also said, "I am so pleased to be representing the people of this part of the state. I owe the people of this area a debt of gratitude for many successful years of dental practice. By serving as your State Representative, I am giving back to the wonderful people whom I have been privileged to serve over the past 36 years."

Roebuck said he is concerned about the proposed Medicaid fund cuts, because many citizens rely on Medicaid assistance.

In December, Roebuck sent a letter to Arkansas Governor, Mike Huckabee. In this letter Roebuck urged Huckabee to seek constructive and serious dialogue with the State Legislature.

Roebuck said, "We must go beyond rhetorical politics and strive for reality collaboration."

Roebuck also urged Huckabee to be the leader in designing a comprehensive strategic plan to address short term priorities and long term needs.

In the past year, Huckabee has cut $5 million dollars of funding for programs such as, ABC programs for children, Meals on Wheels food for the shut-ins, prescription drugs for seniors and breast screenings. These are all important programs and affected many Arkansans'. Roebuck strived to pass a 3 percent sales tax on beer. That comes out to 18 cents a six-pack. This money will be put forth to fund those programs cut by Huckabee.

Roebuck has served Clark County and the surrounding areas for several years and looks forward to his re-election in order to serve his area to the best of his ability.