Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Politicians Speak In Democratic Rally At Courthouse

Friday night's political rally may have helped those undecided voters how to cast their ballots in Tuesday's primary election.

Moderated by Nevada County Election Commission Chairman Davis Benton, the rally followed the order the candidates are listed on the ballot.

Rep. Sandra Rodgers got the speaking underway by telling the people she would continue to work hard for them, and encouraging them to vote in the primary election.

She was followed by Judy Smith, candidate for 4th Congressional District House of Representatives. Smith, who has no democratic opponent will be taking on Rep. Jay Dickey in the November General Election.

Smith told the gathering she has been coming to Nevada County since her race in 1990 when she ran for the state House of Representatives.

The experts, then, she said, believed she couldn't win because she had no money or experience. But, Smith won. Now, she said, these same experts are saying she has no chance against Rep. Dickey because she has no money. Her intent is to again prove them wrong.

"I came with a higher calling not looking for a higher office," she said. "Dickey challenged me to take no political action money (PAC)."

However, as she pointed out, Dickey, who is independently wealthy, has the backing of big business and corporations and doesn't need PAC funding.

Smith talked about the need to support equal education for all children, and keep senior citizens out of nursing homes whenever possible.

Senior citizens, she said, need to stay in their own homes when they can.

She said everyone deserves to have Social Security and Medicare protected so all can reap the benefits of the donations they made over the years.

"We need to send a message to Jay Dickey," she said, "and tell him it's time to go back to Pine Bluff."

Smith was followed by Randy Wright, the lone candidate for 8th Judicial District North Prosecuting Attorney. Wright talked of being a lifelong resident of the region, all in Hope, while practicing law since 1979.

"I look forward to working with the judges and law enforcement officials in this area," he said.

Next on the list was Jim Gunter, candidate for 8th Judicial District Circuit Chancery Judge, Division 1.

He told the audience it has been a privilege to serve the people of this area as judge. "I appreciate the confidence you have shown in me in the past. I will bring experience to the office and pledge not to come before the quorum court for more money. I will keep the costs as low as I can."

Problems in this area, he said, can be traced to things going wrong with families and drug use. The economy is good now, which helps.

But, he said, in this part of Arkansas there are still people having trouble making both ends meet.

Usually, the combination of these factors sees people get in trouble with the law. Gunter said there are enough laws on the books to deal with the problems, but there is a need for more law enforcement officers to see those laws are properly enforced.

Gunter said he would work with law enforcement agencies to make sure drug dealers are dealt with as the law provides.

He said dealers do not deserve second chances, while those who commit lesser crimes may get another chance at redeeming themselves.

Those with three strikes, he said, need to pay the price of their actions. "If elected I will keep serving you and will uphold the Arkansas and U.S. Constitution. My court will be conducted in a manner conducive for fair disposition of cases."

Jim Pedigo was next. He is running against Gunter for the judicial position.

The Nevada County native talked about his education, graduating from Prescott High School, Henderson State University and the U of A law school, as well as teaching for 10 years at Hope and practicing most types of law.

Pedigo has been a prosecuting attorney and public defender in this area, while also having argued cases before the Arkansas Supreme Court.

He is one of the lawyers who serves ad a volunteer attorney for the elderly as well, and is a full-time faculty member at the University of Arkansas Community College at Hope, where he developed the criminal justice program.

This, he said, helps him keep up with the law and judges need to know the law or the cases they hear can be reversed by a higher court.

The 8th District North Division 1 position is a new judgeship, he said, and this will give the people of Nevada County the opportunity to voice their opinion.

"My main concern is dealing with violent crimes in the system," he said. "They are a threat to everyone. Judges can deal with this effectively.

"The system," he continued, "is designed to serve the people and be receptive. If elected, I will provide the fairest and most equitable justice you could want. I will give everyone a fair and impartial hearing."

Next on the program was the judges race for division 2 in the new position.

Duncan Culpepper led off saying he is not only qualified, but is the only candidate running who has judicial experience, having served as municipal judge for nine years in Prescott.

He talked of being the former deputy prosecuting attorney for four years, while currently serving in the same capacity.

Culpepper has practiced law in the area since 1979 in all state courts, hearing all types of cases.

"My experience as a judge, prosecutor and defense attorney makes me qualified to be judge," he said.

Changing tacts, Culpepper began talking about his family. He said the Culpeppers are a fourth generation family in Nevada County and this region (Hempstead and Nevada counties) are important to him. "It's a special place," he said. "My wife was raised here, we're raising our two children here."

He talked of Laura Culpepper, who will be a sophomore at HSU next year, and Beth, who is graduating from PHS Friday, May 15. Culpepper took time from politics to be "dad" and brag on Beth's latest accomplishment.

She was named as one of 20 Scholastic All Stars for Arkansas, he said. "I'm proud of her.

"Raising children has made me aware of the problems faced in juvenile court. Most stem from a lack of family support and peer pressure."

Children today, he said, are not being taught the basic values of right and wrong. This problem can't be solved in court. Court, he continued, is where punishment is meted out.

Mentor groups are needed to help children on the right path, while the community needs to support its children.

"I've tried to contact everyone in Hempstead and Nevada county," he said, "but haven't been able to." He suggested those he hasn't been able to talk with contact law enforcement officers they know and ask about his reputation.

His speech was the only one of the night to receiv