Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

May 19th Candidates Respond; Runoff Election is Tuesday

While the majority of the political races were decided in the May 19, Preferential Party Primary, one county race continues.

The new judgeship for the 8th Judicial District North, division 2 position has Prescott's Duncan Culpepper and Hope's Keith Wood in a runoff.

The only other decision voters will have to make in the runoff election Tuesday, June 9, will be for U.S. Senate between Arkansas Attorney General Winston Bryant and former Rep. Blanche Lambert Lincoln.

Voters must go to the polls for a second time to cast their ballots in the runoff election. Or, they can go to the Nevada County Courthouse for early and absentee voting. Otherwise, the ballot they cast on May 19, will not count.

"I'm pleased to be in the runoff," Culpepper said. "I look forward to seeing more voters in Nevada and Hempstead counties, and am asking all of them to get out and vote June 9."

The issue voters need to look at in this race, he said, is who is the most qualified candidate for the position, and who has the trial experience to do the job.

Culpepper pointed out he is the only one of the two candidates who has been a judge, having served as municipal judge for nine years.

Along with practicing law in the area since 1979, Culpepper has also been a deputy prosecuting attorney, a position he currently holds for a second time.

His legal practice has carried him to all state courts, for a variety of cases.

This judgeship also includes hearing juvenile cases. "Raising children (the Culpeppers have two daughters, Laura and Beth) has made me aware of the problems faced in juvenile court," he said. "Most stem from a lack of family support and peer pressure."

Children today, he continued, aren't being taught the basic values of right and wrong. This is not a problem the courts can solve. Courts, he said, are where punishment is meted out for crimes committed.

Culpepper said mentor groups are needed to help get children on the right path early in their lives, with communities needing to get involved and support these programs and children.

Wood also expressed his pleasure at being in the runoff, and to have lead the ballot with three candidates in the race.

"I intend to get out my message of accountability, equity and fairness for all who come before him in court," he said.

His message to the adult leaders in the region are to work together to install values in young people. This, he said, is absolutely essential to maintain an orderly society.

Other candidates spoke about the election results as well.

Judy Westmoreland, who ran for Nevada County Treasurer, said she worked hard during the campaign and was glad the race ran was clean on both sides.

"I covered as much of the county as I could," she said, "and enjoyed meeting and talking with the people. I made new friends and was able to renew old friendships."

She continues to work at the Prescott City Hall.

Westmoreland called the campaign a rewarding experience and congratulates her opponent, Pam Box.

Box, thanked everyone who voted for her in the primary election. "I'm excited about the outcome," she said.

"I will do my best, as I've always done, even before being elected, to continue serving the county in a respectful and friendly manner."

She, too, expressed gratitude for the clean race, saying it was fair.

In the mayor's race, incumbent Howard Taylor retained the office. "I appreciate those who voted for me and the support shown by the vote.

"It indicates the people are receptive and approve the program's I've started."

Taylor said his first responsibility will be to provide the services the people pay for. With any extra money the city may have, he said, he will do what he can to enhance and beautify Prescott and work for continued economic growth.

"In the next four years," he said, "I expect to see great things happen an improved economy and hope to see action on the rural water project."

Ricky Ragsdale, said this was his first venture into the political arena and appreciated a clean race, along with the help he received from the people of the city.

"I plan on staying involved," he said. "I'm interested in working with the community."

In the race for Nevada County Treasurer, Karen Cobb emerged the victor. She said both candidates ran a good, clean race.

While she won't be in office until Jan. 1, 1999, Cobb plans to use the interim time to take more computer courses at the University of Arkansas Community College at Hope.

"I thank everyone who turned out and voted. I appreciate your support and kind words," she said. "It was a hard race for both of us."

Sydney DuCharme, said she will survive the loss, and appreciates the support she was given during the campaign and election.

"I've enjoyed serving the people of Nevada County for the past 14 years and wish Karen well."

DuCharme has no immediate plans, but will continue working as treasurer until her term ends Dec. 31, 1998.

She does, however, plan to remain involved in the community. "I'm dedicated to the county," she said. "I'm not ruling out getting back into politics."

In the sheriff's race, Steve Otwell gave a prepared statement, thanking everyone, his family and staff for their help in the election.

"We would like to thank everyone who were not mislead, because they knew the truth and had the confidence in me to vote accordingly," he said. "Thank you very much.

"It is my pledge to the citizens of Nevada County to continue what we have already began to do, and that is to build up the Nevada County Sheriff's Department, so everyone will be proud of it."

"We tried," said Harold Vines, who opposed Otwell in the Sheriff's race. "We ran a good race, but it didn't work out.

"Life goes on and I thank everyone who supported and helped me. I enjoyed my time in office. We had a good crew and I felt the need to try it again."

With the election over, Vines has no immediate plans for the future but continue working the Little Debbie franchise he and his wife, Sharon, own.

"I hope the best for Nevada County," he said.

In a prepared statement, Donna Wingfield, said she is disappointed for the loss of employment as city councilman and the unfinished efforts and projects planned.

"I am relieved of the mounting concern that I would carry home with me after each meeting," she wrote, "there never seemed to be enough information or time to be informed

properly.

"It was hard for a newcomer to be familiar with all the city business. I wish my successor the best of luck. My appreciation to all the voters who took the time and made the effort to vote for me. We ran a good race. The election was a polishing for me. There are other doors to be opened.