Voters have a choice: Experience or new?

Sandy Button and Michael Aaron Kelley are both seeking the position of city clerk/treasurer.

Button has held the elected position since 1985, except for a brief hiatus from 2000-05 when she moved out of the city limits. She currently fills three positions within the city government. She is hired as office manager (since August 1977) and hired as court clerk (since November 1977) in addition to being elected clerk/ treasurer. She earns $61,068 for a 36-hour work week as office manager and court clerk.

The city clerk position earns $200 per Council meeting attended. According to Arkansas State Law, the city clerk/recorder/treasurer is responsible for support, recordkeeping and checks and balances.

During her opening statement, Button said: “If you’re sitting here tonight, it means you want answers. You want to make sure I care as much as you do. Change is a good thing and I respect that. But experience is a good thing, too.

“Just go to a football game on Friday night to see the support … I’m proud that our city and school communicate so well together. We are cognizant with our revenue. We’ve always had perfect audits and I thank the people I work with for accuracy and dedication to the job.”

Kelley said he’s been in Pea Ridge about two and a half to three years “but it hasn’t taken

me long to fall in love with the city. Friday nights are where it’s at. Family is essential here.”

“I’ve always been interested in politics and am not afraid of a challenge. Look — 40 years versus 0 years! I’m either not afraid of a challenge or really dumb. I appreciate Pea Ridge and am happy to have the opportunity to run for clerk,” Kelley said.