Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Political season now underway

It's official  the 2002 political season is underway.

The political season kicked off Saturday, March 30, with the first rally of the year at the Laneburg Volunteer Fire Department.

The meeting room was packed with visitors and political hopefuls.

Candidates were given the chance to speak, if they wanted, and, during breaks, pies and cakes were auctioned off to raise money for the department.

Gary Hicks, who's running for Nevada County Sheriff, was the first to speak.

He talked about being retired from the Army after spending 24 years in the service, being married, and earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice from Excelsior College in New York.

He promised to bring honesty to the department, fight the drug problem in Nevada County and give allowances to young people who make mistakes.

Hicks said he could do a better job with the budget than is being done, and promised to make no personal attacks during the campaign.

Incumbent Steve Otwell followed, keeping his message short.

He said it makes him feel good to have one of the best volunteer fire departments in the state in Nevada County. "I have a good working relationship with all of the volunteer fire departments in the county, and this will continue if I'm reelected."

Jim Gunter, Judge for Division I Circuit Court, thanked everyone for allowing him to serve, lauded the VFD and pledged to support the Constitutions of Arkansas and the United States if reelected.

Duncan Culpepper, Judge in Division II Circuit Court, said it's been a pleasure serving and he looks forward to another term.

Neither Gunter nor Culpepper had any opposition as of Friday afternoon.

Prosecuting Attorney Randy Wright said he's been able to work with law enforcement effectively as prosecuting attorney, and vowed to continue the fight on drugs in the area.

Nevada County Treasurer Karen Cobb said she appreciates the opportunity to serve.

Nevada County Tax Assessor Pam Box said she appreciates and enjoys doing the job as assessor.

Nevada County Judge James Roy Brown thanked the VFDs in the county, along with all of the emergency personnel.

"I'm running for reelection and I appreciate your vote," he said. "I'll do the best I can with what we've got."

Bob Cummings, a candidate for Justice of the Peace in District 5, thanked everyone for their support.

Two of the four candidates for Constable of the Missouri Township spoke.

Mike Goodwin talked first, saying his plans, if elected, are to help officers in any way he can.

Steve Jackson, also vying for the position, said he would be there to help and not be running around trying to stop people. "If you need me, just call."

Julie Stockton, Nevada County Clerk, said she appreciates the support and enjoys serving.

State Sen. Percy Malone thanked everyone for their thoughts and prayers for his wife, who was injured in a car wreck. He said she's doing better and is now in rehab.

Malone praised the county judge and former Rep. Sandra Rodgers, saying she was a big help in the Legislature and worked hard to get money for the county.

"I enjoy working with all the elected officials and bringing money to the county. There's a lot of good things happening."

Chris Thomason followed. He's running for Rodgers's spot as District 3 Representative.

Thomason has been a prosecuting attorney for the past four years, working with Wright's in Hope, and now working in the Prescott office.

State Rep. Tommy Roebuck said the rally is as American as you can get.

Though he no longer represents the Laneburg area, because of redistricting, he promised to continue helping people in the area.

Rodgers spoke for George French, who's running for Arkansas Land Commissioner. She said he was the chairman of the budget committee this past session and did a wonderful job.

Andy York represented Mark Pryor, who's running for U.S. Senate.

York read a prepared statement in which Pryor promised to talk about the issues during the campaign as they are important to the state and nation.

He said Pryor and Sen. Tim Hutchinson have different opinions on what's best for the state and nation, with Hutchinson voting with the GOP as much as 98 percent of the time.

Pryor, York said, favors the patient's bill of rights, not HMOs, modernizing Medicare and prescription drugs for seniors, along with tax cuts for working families, small businesses and the creation of new jobs.

Chris Carnahan was the final speaker of the night. He talked on behalf of Sen. Hutchinson.

Carnahan said Hutchinson understands what farmers go through and that volunteer fire departments are the life blood of rural Arkansas.

He said Hutchinson shares the people's values, will fight for the people and supports the National Rifle Association.