Several races set in Union County cities
Voters in Smackover, Felsenthal, Huttig, Junction City and Calion will see some local races on their ballots.
The News-Times attempted to contact every candidate who filed for office, though some attempts were unsuccessful. Candidates were sent questionnaires and given the option to supply a photograph.
Find candidates’ responses below:
Smackover
Mayoral race Name: Donald E. Hopkins
Political Party: Independent
Hopkins did not return a questionnaire to the News-Times but did submit some comments in a message sent through Facebook.
Hopkins said he would work hard to get new business and that he loves his hometown. He said he had a plan to save the city “over a million dollars” but would not share any details as to what the plan is. He said he wants to help Smackover residents keep their money in their pocket.
Name: Bobby Neal Hometown: Smackover Age: 77 Occupation: Retired/ Incumbent mayor
Education: High school graduate
Family: One son, daughter-in-law, two granddaughters, one grandson
Political Party: Democrat Past political experience: City recorder, city council
Is the position part-time or full-time: Part-time
What is the salary of the position: $1,300/month
Are there any legal requirements to hold the position? If so, how do you meet those requirements: Legal voter, live in town, no felony charges
What are the responsibilities of the position being sought and how would you tackle the job: Responsible for the operation of the city. Treat everyone the same.
Why did you choose to run: I love Smackover.
Constable race Name: Jeffrey D. Hedges Hometown: Smackover Age: 34 Occupation: Regional investigator for Murphy Oil USA
Family: Five sisters and a niece and nephew that keep me quite busy!
Political Party: Republican
Past Political Experience? None.
Is the position part-time or full-time: The position is a part-time position, however anybody who runs for this position has the obligation and duty to actually serve within that role. Often times this position is misunderstood because the person holding the role isn’t seen serving in the position or the communities don’t understand or know what the role does and can or can’t do.
What is the salary of the position: Even though this is an elected position there is no salary for the role. The person elected to this position must furnish all supplies and equipment themselves. The state constitution however does allow for a city to vote on whether or not they want to pay their constables. There are some constables in Arkansas that get a small salary for holding the position.
Are there any legal requirements to hold the position? If so, how do you meet those requirements: A person elected to this position must be certified as a part-time police officer which is done by one of the state’s law enforcement training academies. There are usually training sessions each year for this and the candidate would simply apply for the training and must meet all of the qualifications in order to compete the training.
What are the responsibilities of the position being sought: The constable’s role is to serve as a complement to a city police department, if they have one. They are and can be certified to serve in the same function as a police officer and do all of the duties thereof. They are not there to undermine the local police dept but serve as an independent law enforcement officer in the city. They can also be used to help serve legal documents to people within their jurisdiction. They also help in emergency situations as needed and required.
Why did you choose to run: I wanted to give back to a city that I grew up in and love. The position would allow me to serve the city in a capacity that I have passion for.
Name: Danny Paul
Farley Hometown: Smackover Age: 63 Occupation: Lead federal court security officer at federal courthouse in El Dorado for 18 years
Educaiton: Smackover High School and attended SouthArk Community College
Family: Wife: Mindy Farley, Son: Jonathan Farley, Daughter: Emma Anderson Banes Political Party: Democrat Past Political Experience? Two terms as Smackover constable
Is the position part-time or full-time: Part-time
What is the salary of the position: Unpaid
Are there any legal requirements to hold the position? If so, how do you meet those requirements: To be certified you must have a minimum of 120 hours of training. I have 38 years as a reserve part-time officer. I am also a state certified law enforcement instructor. Currently I am with the Union County Sheriff Office as a reserve. I also work at SouthArk Community College as a part-time II officer.
What are the responsibilities of the position? Constable is a constitutional office. A certified officer can enforce traffic laws as well as criminal and civil laws. Constables can assist other law enforcement officers.
Why did you choose to run?: Although Smackover has a good police department, at any time I could assist them as a trained officer. I have lived here my entire life. I feel like I can be an asset to the police department and the community in this position.
Mayoral race Felsenthal
Name: Linda J. Newbury Hometown: Born in Stuttgart, Arkansas, but Felsenthal is my hometown now.
Age: 72 years Occupation: Incumbent mayor of Felsenthal
Education: Bachelor’s degree in English and biology from Arkansas State University in 1967. I also have a master’s in gifted education from Maryville University in St. Louis and a master’s degree in Civil War studies from American Military University.
Family: Jack Newbury is my husband of 38 years. We have a gaggle of his and my kids: Maria Hardina in Dallas, Texas; Tony Newbury in Moline, Illinois; Marty Riddell in Fayetteville, Arkansas; Daniel Newbury in Hanamaki City in Japan, and Amy Nix, in Oceanside, California. We also have multiple grands and great grands scattered around the country (and one in Japan).
Political Party: Independent
Past political experience: I have been mayor of Felsenthal for eight years.
Is the position part-time or full-time: Part-time
What is the salary of the position: $9,979.20 a year
Are there any legal requirements to hold the position? If so, how do you meet those requirements: I am a full-time resident of the town of Felsenthal and have been for 15 years.
What are the responsibilities of the position being sought and how would you tackle the job and why did you choose to run: Even though Felsenthal is a tiny town with a very tiny revenue base, we have all the same problems that larger communities do. In the past eight years, we have managed to eliminate all debt, balance budgets and start rebuilding the requisite surpluses to manage larger projects in the future - such as cleaning the interior of the water tower and rebuilding structures that house the pumps and chlorinator units. I have overseen the development and management of a fine bookkeeping system, which garners praise from every auditor who looks at our books. We continue to monitor and adjust the system, and it continues to improve. We have had both lift stations of our wastewater system rebuilt and brought into compliance with all ADEQ regulations. The levies at our sewer ponds need shoring up, and this will require some monies in the near future. We have had to work with the county sheriff’s office concerning law enforcement and mostly that has been a good experience. Speeding up and down our town’s streets continue because of our lack of a regular way to stop them, instead of trying to educate and implore folks to slow down and remember the children come here to play, not to worry about being run over by large trucks and bass boats speeding down K. Avenue. We have several ongoing issues that need attention as well. We have a “tram” road that needs serious upgrading and maintenance. It is the road our citizens depend upon when the flood waters rise. That work is already in the planning stages. In addition, there is a great deal of history to this town and I would very much like to organize some of the old newspapers, photos, maps and other artifacts that have been either left or donated to the town. They could be put into binders and made accessible to those who might have an interest in them. The responsibilities of the mayor of Felsenthal include responsiveness to the needs of all citizens and property owners, which I have honestly tried to do since I have had the privilege of serving in this office. I would continue serving the people of Felsenthal, if they choose to re-elect me. Name: Mary Seymore Hometown: Felsenthal Age: 68 Occupation: Retired community and economic developer Education: Some college Family: Widow (Jack Seymore was my husband), two sons
Political Party: Independent
Past political experience: Worked on local issue campaigns
Is the position part-time or full-time: Part-time
What is the salary of the position: Not sure
Are there any legal requirements to hold the position? If so, how do you meet those requirements: Yes.
What are the responsibilities of the position being sought and how would you tackle the job: Over 27 years experience in community and economic development, Worked for Crossett Chamber of Commerce from 1987-1994, Worked for Arkansas Economic Development Commission from 1994-1998, Worked for Bradley County Economic Development from 1988-2007, Worked for Southeast Arkansas Cornerstone Coalition from 2007-2012, Has knowledge regarding working with county and state agencies and the leaders of those agencies for example: County Judge’s Office, Arkansas Parks and Tourism, local elected officials and state representatives and senators.
Why did to run: I was raised in Felsenthal and chose to return to this community. I want to make Felsenthal a safe community for all its citizens.
Alderman, position 3 race
Name: Amy Linder Hometown: I’ve lived within about 5 miles of Felsenthal my entire life. I grew up in Huttig and moved to Felsenthal in 2004.
Age: 41 Occupation: Traffic manager for Noalmark Broadcasting Corporation’s radio stations in El Dorado and Magnolia. I’ve been with the company for 11 years.
Education: A.A.S.- Office Systems, South Arkansas Community College(2000)
Family: Son- Dylan (22), Daughters- Ashley (25) & Hannah (13)
Political Party: Independent
Past political experience: Served four years on the Strong-Huttig School Board
Is the position parttime or full-time: Every elected office should be considered full-time.
What is the salary of the position: N/A
Are there any legal requirements to hold the position? If so, how do you meet those requirements: I live within the city limits of Felsenthal, and I am a registered voter here.
What are the responsibilities of the position being sought and how would you tackle the job: I think we have a great group of people in place now, and if elected, I look forward to learning from their past experience in city government, while working to improve where we can.
Why did you choose to run: I chose to run for this position for one reasonI want to help. It makes sense that the position be filled by someone whose roots run deep here. I’m familiar with the area, and most of the residents know me. I’ve raised my children here, my church is here—this is home, and I care about the people who live here.
Name: Penny Owens Political Party: Independent
Owens did not return a questionnaire to the News-Times. Junction City
Mayoral race
Name: Allen Simmons Hometown: Junction City
Occupation: Retired public school teacher, board director
Education: BS in Music Education
Family: Married to Betty A. Simmons, four grown children
Political Party: Independent
Past political experience: City Council member for 17 years, mayor for two and a half years
Is the position part-time or full-time: Part-time
What is the salary of the position: No answer provided.
Are there any legal requirements to hold the position? If so, how do you meet those requirements: Have to reside in city limits. Resident of Junction City for 36 years.
What are the responsibilities of the position being sought and how would you tackle the job: Leading the city, working with city council to improve the city services.
Why did you choose to run: To help my community and continue progress.
Name: Larry New Hometown: Junction City
Age: 71 Occupation: Retired ( AR Department of Health and Ouachita County Medical Center)
Education: Graduate of Junction City High School, two years College at South Arkansas Community College. Nationally registered paramedic/ instructor for 30 years.
Family: Married 30 years with three children and nine grandchildren.
Political Party: Independent
Past political experience: I was on the City Council in Junction City.
Is the position part-time or full-time: As far as I’m concerned, it is a full-time position
What is the salary of the
position: I have no idea.
Are there any legal requirements to hold the position? If so, how do you meet those requirements: You must be a citizen of the United States, be a resident of the city you hope to service, be a registered voter and be at least 18 years of age. I am a citizen of the United States. I have lived in Junction City for the past 43 years and I am a registered voter. I sometimes wish age was a deterrent in me running for mayor but unfortunately it is not. I could not locate which criminal offenses would prevent you from running for political office, regardless I do not have a criminal record.
What are the responsibilities of the position being sought and how would you tackle the job: I believe that if I am elected mayor my prime responsibility is to have a sincere desire to serve all of the residence of Junction City. Generic responsibilities for this position should include business management no different than running any business. Hiring qualified people for specific jobs, terminating employees who are no properly performing their duties, budgeting, funding streams and working within the budget. Other responsibilities include upgrading and improving existing offered services, not eliminating existing services, and offering new services. I believe that services offered today can be improved whether it is police, water services, improving trees, parks and trash services. I believe that grants exist financially for most services in Junction City. I believe one of the most important responsibilities is growing
Junction City with new businesses. Getting the entire community involved in these improvement efforts will unite Junction City improving the overall appearance and attitude of our town. We must make Junction City appealing where people will want to locate their business or move here. I do have a sincere desire to serve the residence of Junction City. I was a second generation graduate from JCHS. My daughter was the third generation to graduate from JCHS. My mother graduated from JCHS, I graduated from JCHS and my daughter graduated from JCHS. I have been a resident of Junction City for 43 years and have ties and interest to Junction City for over 50 years. While employed at Ouachita County Medical Center, I was Director of Emergency Medical Services. I budgeted and managed a million dollar business while employing up to 29 employees. I have owned and operated two successful businesses. While at Ouachita County Medical Center I also worked to obtain grants including writing grants. While at the Arkansas Department of Health, I was a Regulatory Administrator for the Section of Emergency Medical Services, making sure all ambulance service were compliant with all rules and regulations. I also worked with politicians and physicians in getting new and better policies for all ambulance services in Arkansas to better serve all citizen in Arkansas. I believe that my desire to build and make Junction City a better place for businesses and new comers to live is primary. Without concerned citizens and growing the population Junction City will set up for stunted growth and failure. I believe that
solutions will be difficult. With a proactive mayor, city council and concerned citizens Junction City can improve drastically. I believe that I have the desire, personality, attitude and business experience to improve Junction City.
I believe in an open door police and a TEAM concept: T-Together E-Everyone A-Achieves M-More
Why did you choose to run: I felt that the city needs an overall change for the good of our city and its future. After various visits from citizens in Junction City asking me to run for mayor, my wife and I discussed it and decided to run. The first group that came to visit, I informed them that I appreciated the confidence in me but did not have time. It was after the fourth group that we decided I would run.
Huttig Mayoral race
Name: David Lee Hometown: Huttig Age: 70 Occupation: Eight years retired from WestFraser after 41 years of employment and 15 years as union president
Education: 1966 graduate from East Side High School in Farmerville, Louisiana.
Family: Married to Glenda Walker Lee, two children, five grandchildren, five greatgrandchildren, deacon of 16 years at Marion Baptist and choir president
Political Party: Democrat (Lee is listed on Tuesday’s ballot as an Independent)
Past political experience: Huttig City Alderman, Ward 1, Position 1 for eight years
Is the position part-time or full-time: Part-time
What is the salary of the position: $15,000/annually
Are there any legal requirements to hold the
position? If so, how do you meet those requirements: Yes. U.S. citizen and a resident of Huttig. I meet both of those requirements.
What are the responsibilities of the position being sought and how would you tackle the job: The responsibilities of this position are to hold the city of Huttig in the highest regards as to its functioning as a government entity, maintaining the operation of the city including its budget and finances, maintaining present ordinances and implementing new ones, and overseeing the growth and development of the city.
I plan to do the following: Uphold these responsibilities by assessing and maintaining
the functioning of the city as a whole, not just in certain sections of the city
Maintain the city finances assuring that the budget is in order and funds are appropriated for the betterment of the city.
Develop an active working relationship with the city council members in order to work together to keep the city moving forward
By actively working with the city employees to ensure that the city is being maintained including appearance and functionality.
Maintain ordinances making sure they are being applied and further developed as needed.
Seeking input and assistance from our residents to make sure
their voices are being heard on growth and improvement in the city.
Why did you choose to run: I felt that the city needs an overall change for the good of our city and its future. Name: Tony Cole Political Party: Democrat
Cole did not return a questionnaire to the News-Times. Name: Larry Hodge Political Party: Independent
Hodge did not return a questionnaire to the News-Times.
Candidates in the race for Calion mayor did not return questionnaires to the News-Times.