Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Runyan Leaving Office Dec. 31

As of Jan. 1, 1999, Clark County will have a new county judge.

Floyd "Buddy" Manning posted a 2,071-1,654 win over incumbent Grady Runyan in the June 9, runoff election. The margin of victory was 417 votes.

Runyan, though, was not disappointed with the loss and, in fact, said he is relieved. "It's a big burden off my shoulders," he said. "I think I'll try retirement."

While Manning couldn't be reached for comment on being elected the new county judge, Runyan was upbeat about his future as a citizen.

"I'm glad to be out of the political arena," he said. "People don't want to be told the truth, they want to be told what they want to hear. They want you to go by their rules and not the law.'

But, Runyan expressed pride in the four years he was Clark County judge, saying a lot of work was done during his administration.

The county, he said, took in more than $3.5 million in grants with him as judge, with $150,000 recently coming in from the Arkansas Historic Preservation Society to help with the renovation costs of the 1899 Clark County Courthouse.

In addition, he was able to get a fun park for the Curtis community along with a handicap pier and ramp at Clark Lake.

Gurdon also benefitted, he said, as Stone Street is being paved and should be done by the end of this week. Under Runyan's administration, the road to the new Gurdon High School was also built and paved.

And, he said, a lot of bridges were put in as well.

"I'll help the new judge in any way I can," Runyan said, "if he wants my help. Otherwise, I'll stay out of the way.'

Until Dec. 31, 1998, though, he said, it will be business as usual for the judge's office.

Runyan said he will work to complete as many of the projects he has working as possible while he's in office.