Fairhills rally well attended

By Staff, 04/23/18 1:36 PM

PRESCOTT – A rainy evening didn’t deter local and area politicians from attending the Fairhill Volunteer Fire Department’s annual fundraiser.

The fire station was packed with visitors and politicians, many coming for the chicken dinner, but all staying to listen to what the political hopefuls had to say, as well as for the auction.

Prescott Mayor Terry Oliver said he was outside his jurisdiction, but encouraged those who live in town to vote for him.

Susie Key, Nevada County Treasurer, thanked the VFD for hosting the event, saying the department is vital to the community.

Nevada County Judge Mark Glass reminded everyone he’s been judge for eight years and is seeking another term. He said when he first ran it was on the need for a new jail, and that goal’s been accomplished. He pointed out the jail houses 80 inmates and makes money for the county, receiving $35-$40,000 a month from the Arkansas Department of Corrections and other counties.

The county, he said, has done a lot for the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office, including upgrading its fleet, going from Crown Victorias to 4-wheel drive trucks. Improvements have also been made to the Nevada County Courthouse under his leadership, with the facility getting a new heat and air conditioning system, new, energy efficient windows and lighting, along with the interior getting painted. The courthouse, he continued, is qualified to be on the list of the National Historical Register, which will make it eligible for more grants.

Glass said he’d like to serve one more term and asked for everyone’s support, adding, under his tutelage the county’s road department has upgraded its equipment and leases graders which is better for the county overall.

Tommy Johnson, running for Justice of the Peace in District 3, said he’s running because he wants to see and help the county grown.

Curtis Lee Johnson, a member of the Nevada County Quorum Court, said he’d stay two more years, adding he’s been on the court for 40 years. Overall, he said he’s voted the way he should have as a JP.

Bob Cummings, also on the NCQC, said this area has always helped him. He told the audience he doesn’t just show up at the courthouse for the monthly meetings, but is there once or twice a week, seeing what’s going on and what needs to be done, not only at the courthouse, but with the NCSO as well. “I believe in getting obstacles out of the way, and have tried to do all I could for the district and county.”

Nevada County Sheriff Danny Martin, followed, saying this is his fifth term and he enjoys doing what he does and wants Nevada County to be a better place for young people and their families. “We don’t do it alone, but rely on the Quorum Court, the judge and prosecuting attorney for their support.

Mike Otwell, candidate for county judge, said he recognizes those who got things going in the county and stayed with it. If elected, he told those gathered, he’d make sure the county stays with the Office of Emergency Services, and when he goes to Little Rock, it won’t be for a handout, but for what already belongs to the county. He said he’d work with the NCQC, adding he was on the court when the jail issue was being discussed and determined, adding it’s one of the greatest things that’s happened in the county in a long time. “Give me a chance to show what I can do. I’ll take care of the business end.”

Danny Watson, State Rep. for District 3, was the final speaker. He told the VFD he hoped it raised a ton of money from the event. Watson reminded everyone he’s a full-time representative, having no other job. He said he’s not a politician, but a representative, a public servant.

This, he continued, is a busy time as the legislature isn’t in session and it’s when representatives and senators should be thinking about projects important to their constituents and the state, while preparing for the 2019 session. He said those who voted for the term limit bill last time were sold a bill of goods as the way the bill was worded, it didn’t shorten the time a person could hold office, but extended it.