Miller County Judge
Editor’s Note: The following are unedited responses from Miller County Judge candidates incumbent Cathy Hardin Harrison and Ronnie Dancer. Each candidate was allowed a total of 500 words to distribute as they saw fit among their responses to the same five questions. The primary election is May 24.
What is the biggest issue facing Miller County financially?
Incumbent Cathy Hardin Harrison: Currently the biggest issues facing the county is the JDC and the PSAP (911 call center). Without the city paying their share of the financial obligations it will be difficult for the county to continue keeping the JDC open, that is the reason there are so few JDCs left in Arkansas. The states consolidation of the PSAPS is a big issue for the Miller County. Depending on the outcome it could cost Miller County an additional $800,000. a year which is financially impossible for us.
Ronnie Dancer: Miller County is at a financial crossroad, and if we don’t make some changes quickly, we will be in a world of trouble. The PSAP situation could easily push the county in to financial ruin, the long term stability of the JDC is still not finalized, and the cost of fuel and road supplies has caused the departments to come back to the quorum court for more money that they don’t have much of.
How do you intend to work with your colleagues in Bowie County to bring prosperity to the entire region?
Harrison: I am currently on the REDI Board and have a great working relationship with both Texarkana, AR, and Bowie County. I will continue to work hard to bring industry to the area that will benefit both counties.
———
Dancer: The most important thing is the ability to communicate. Miller and Bowie counties need to be able to work together to be a unified force to bring good paying jobs to the area. plan on reaching out to the elected officials in Bowie county and develop a good working relationship with them. If we know and understand each other, it is much easier to work for a common goal. I would like to meet with the Bowie county officials at least once a month to help build that relationship, because we are all in this together.
What sets Miller County apart from other Arkansas counties?
Harrison:Miller County is without a doubt the most unique county in Arkansas. What sets us apart is our citizens. You will not find a better or more caring community in Arkansas.
———
Dancer: Miller county has the advantage of being so close to several interstates, the Red River, and rail service. We are a great place for industry to locate because it is easy to get material in, and product out. We also have a well-trained and diverse work force. And with Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana so close, this is a central location for employers to locate.
What infrastructure changes are most important to the success of Miller County?
Harrison: I am not aware of any changes that are needed, but we defiantly have a lot of improvements that need to be made. The roads, bridges, levies, airport, broadband are all high priority and maintaining dependable equipment needed to keep the infrastructure repaired successfully. ———
Dancer: Our roads are falling apart. The many bad winters and lack of good drainage have combined to destroy the roads. We also need to look at several of the bridges that are in bad shape. It is hard to get jobs to locate here if they can’t
get their product and people from one point to another.
What can you do in your role to attract businesses to the area?
Harrison: Continue my participation with REDI, as I am a board member. With the certification of our new mega site, we currently have the potential for growth of industry and/or large businesses. To continue to support and help the Texarkana Chamber in their efforts as well as the Arkansas Secretary of Commerce, the Governor’s Office, and the Southwest Arkansas Economic Development Council of which I am a board member.
———
Dancer: Once again, the most important thing is communication. You need to be a voice for Miller county. When I hear of any new leads on jobs, I will reach out and see if we can provide them with the information and help they need to convince them to locate in Miller county. I will also create a good working relationship with our existing employers to let them know how important they are to our county.