Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Malone Seeks 2nd Term

State Representative Percy Malone, who is concluding a first term in the Arkansas Legislature, announced Monday he will seek a second term for the District 36 spot.

"I have enjoyed serving the people of my district and want to return to the legislature to continue the job I started," said Malone. "During my first term I have been fortunate to be placed on many important committees, such as the state agencies and governmental affairs, public transportation, energy, public health and welfare as well as the telecommunications committee. I have also been elected vice chairman of the joint budget committee."

Malone, well known as a civic leader and the president of the Clark County Industrial Council, has produced a number of good things for his district. Under his leadership, unemployment has dropped to a low of 2.9% and the number of employed increased by over 2,000 workers.

During his first term, Malone sponsored or co-sponsored 34 legislative bills on issues affecting not only District 36, but the entire state of Arkansas. These include several bills for economic development, which will help attract industry to Arkansas and will aid existing industries. Malone also sponsored environmental legislation, which was supported by both environmental groups and industry. In addition, Malone sponsored several ethics bills, which strengthened the Code of Ethics in Arkansas and which clarified conflict of interest and nepotism in the State Boards and Commissions.

Of the legislation which Malone sponsored, he has stated he is the most proud of his bill which protects children in abusive situations. The `Best Interest of the Child' bill states that the Department of Human Services and the court system will first consider what is in the best interest of the child when making decisions affecting the child.

Malone has also been instrumental in securing grants, which have aided projects in his district. These include an Energy Grant for the Clark County Courthouse and grants for developing community parks in Curtis as well as at Emmet in Nevada County.