Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Three Set Stage For Battle In Clark County Judge's Race

A full-scale battle looms in the race for Clark County Judge.

Before the filing date of March 17, gets near, three candidates have already announced their intentions to run for the highest office in the county.

Incumbent Grady Runyan was actually the third to announce, as Ron Daniell and Floyd "Buddy" Manning were the first two to let people know they want the office.

All three are lifetime residents of Clark County, and want to serve as the chief administrator.

Runyan, currently in his second term, ran without opposition in 1996, though he had to beat an opponent in 1994 to get the office.

Daniell works with the Clark County Road Department and has for the past four years. Before this, he was road foreman for the E.C. Rowlett Construction Co. for nine years.

Manning is a self-employed timber contractor, as well as being the assistant chief and training officer for the Arkadelphia Fire Department.

Runyan said there have been several challenging projects his office has handled efficiently, with numerous improvements being made in the county.

According to Runyan, good isn't good enough and greater achievements must be sought and accomplished for the county.

One of the major projects Runyan wants to get accomplished in 1998 is the Clark County Courthouse, severely damaged by the March 1, 1997, tornadoes.

Daniell has been involved with road construction since 1967. Currently, he is on the board of the Clark County Cattlemen's Association and is the chairman of the South Central Arkansas Horseshow Association, and is active in the Manchester Rural Community Involvement.

Manning has served two five-year terms on the Arkadelphia School Board, with three as president. He also served one term on the Clark County Quorum Court.

Runyan is the past post commander of the American Legion Post No. 57 in Arkadelphia, past president of the Volunteer Council of the Arkadelphia Human Development Council and has served on the board of the Clark County Democratic Nominating Committee. He also was past president of the Clark County Radio Emergency Service and the Clark County Fair Board.

"I am seeking this position in order to serve all the concerns of the people of Clark County," Daniell said. "I also intend to bring respect, integrity and professionalism to this office."

Manning's reasons for running are to make Clark County a better place to live. He said as a businessman for 28 years, with 10 years as a school board member, along with his position on the fire department, he is qualified for the job of county judge.

Manning and his wife, Beverly, have two daughters, Karen Arnold and Jill Manning, both of whom live and work in Clark County, and one grandson, Clint Arnold. Manning is a member of Third Street Baptist Church, where he serves as chairman of Deacons.

Daniell and his wife, Pat, live in the Manchester community. They are members of the Manchester Methodist Church. The Daniell's have two children, Leslie Holloway and Bart Daniell.

Runyan and his wife, Thomasene, have three sons and two daughters, all Clark County residents. They are members of the Mt. Olive Baptist Church, near Hollywood, where he is a Deacon and teaches Senior Adult Sunday School class.

All three announced candidates are running as Democrats.