Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Rally Draws Crowd (cont) (cont)

rove native said equality is something the NCSO needs, and something that doesn't exist in the county.

"Equality," he said, "is what I stand for. All candidates should speak their own opinions.

"We need black deputies in the county, but we won't get them with the sheriff we have now.

"I make no promises. I will be the people's sheriff and will knock drugs out."

Lindsey asked the voters if experience or common sense was needed in the person elected sheriff. "I believe common sense will get the job done," he said. "I'm the right choice; the only choice to get the job done."

He said he would make changes in the department and be equal. If 50 percent of the county is black, then the NCSO needs to have 50 percent black deputies.

"This is why there are so many blacks in jail," he said. "There's no justice."

Lindsey attempted to open a question and answer period during his speech, but Benton reminded him the rally was not a Q&A session, but only for the candidates to espouse their platforms.

Candidates for circuit clerk were next in the gate.

Mary Vines said she's lived in the county for about 18 years, has two children and three grandchildren.

She touted her experience as a bookkeeper with Wadley Regional Medical Center in Texarkana and Medical Park Hospital in Hope.

Incumbent Carolyn Steed told those on hand it has been a pleasure for her to serve as their circuit clerk for the past three-and-a-half years, and she would like to continue doing so.

"My work is my platform," she said.

Duncan Culpepper led off for 8th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney.

He told the crowd his family is fourth generation county residents and he's lived in Southwest Arkansas his entire life. "I plan to stay and raise my children here," he said.

Culpepper urged everyone present to vote and get their friends to go to the polls and cast their ballots as well.

"I will be tough on criminals. I have the experience to do it," he said. "I'm the only candidate who's been a municipal judge. I've defended people charged with crimes and have been the deputy prosecuting attorney in Nevada County.

"It's important for us to act quickly when a person is charged with a crime."

Culpepper said he will work with juvenile offenders, helping those who can be helped.

"You need to think about the record in all four counties," he said. "They speak for themselves. They are open to the public.

"I will work for all of you to keep criminals off the street. I will work with the victims (of crimes) and do everything in my power to make everyone being safe in their homes my business."

Brent Haltom said those who showed up were showing their interest in the political system.

He said he was elected prosecuting attorney in 1991, had a challenger than and has the same team working to get him reelected now.

"I feel I've done a good job for the people of Nevada County," he said. "I stand by the decision's I've made. I feel they are the right ones and I base my decisions on the law and information I have.

"I will continue to do this," he said. "We need more people involved, to let us know things, and you are."

Haltom asked people to look at his record, saying he's had 137 jury trials since 1991, and tried 38 as deputy prosecutor.

"I enjoy the work," he said, "and have tried to be responsive to everyone.

"I bring experience to the office, and will review each case individually. There is no rubber stamp. We're dealing with human beings."

Finally the candidates for state representative in district 28 took the podium.

Robert Arnold acknowledged he was a stranger to most people in the county, but wanted to talk about character.

He said he was born in Hope, moved to Fulton where he and his family took care of his grandparents.

"My grandparents taught me manners," he said, "and respect. They taught me how to say `no', and I've always said no to things that are not right."

Arnold talked of being a building contractor, a farmer and rancher, and of being involved with a retirement center. He was the mayor of Hope for four years and spent 10 years on the Hope City Board of Directors.

During this time, he said, he worked on economic projects which brought industry and jobs to Hope.

Arnold said there are serious problems to be addressed in Little Rock, including welfare and health care. He said he has the experience to deal with these problems.

Steve Buelow was next, telling the audience he owns and operates his own business and has since 1981.

He talked of being on the Hempstead County Quorum Court for 10 years, and being the chairman of its budget and finance committee.

"My family is the heart of the reason I'm running," he said, telling all he has a wife and three daughters. "They are a big part of who I am and what I'm about."

Buelow said there are a number of important issues which will have to be dealt with no matter who is elected.

Economic development, he said, is one of them. "I have worked with the Hempstead County Economic Development Council since its inception," he said. "I was one of its original investors.

"We drew together (in Hempstead County) and formed the HCEDC like you have here. I will do what I can to help bring good, high paying jobs and industry to this area. I'm aware of how its done."

Buelow said education is another vital issue in the race. "We need to allow our young people to grow and prosper and be what they can be.

"I will do whatever I can to bring parents back to the decision making with school boards. If we all get involved," he continued, "we can make a difference. I see a willingness to work hard together."

He promised to be available to the people of the district and listen to their concerns. "I can be a positive and effective voice in the legislature," he concluded.

Don Worthey spoke of his 12 years as sheriff in Hempstead County, and of being a farmer/rancher.

Farming, he said, made he and his family a good living.

As sheriff, though, he said he often worked day and night and worked on budgets as well.

"I won't throw money away as your representative," he said. "I will work on education, law enforcement and health care.

"People can talk to me and help me make decisions."

Worthey voiced his opposition to the tax on grocery items and said gambling is not needed in Arkansas, because it increases crime.

"I'll do a job you can be proud of," he said. "I'll work hard for the people of the district."

Sandra Rodgers was the final speaker of the evening. She, too, spoke of the experience she feels makes her the best suited to be elected.

"I believe government is dependent on honesty," she said.