Chamber Vice President To Challenge Incumbent

SPRINGDALE — Lance Eads, vice president of economic development for the Springdale Chamber of Commerce, will challenge incumbent Rep. Randy Alexander, R-Springdale, in the Republican primary for the District 88 state House seat.

"I know it's a challenge," Eads said. "I want to have the opportunity of serving the people of Springdale and Johnson." Eads said he would be just as conservative as Alexander on social issues, but believes he can offer a deeper insight into economic development and the needs of business.

"I've spent the last 20-plus years in business and helping business," Eads said. "I know the challenges they face."

States that surround Arkansas have more competitive tax codes that, for instance, tax utility purchases less, Eads said. He would bring some expertise on that, he said.

"It's less about Randy than it is about my relationship with people in the community," Eads said. "I may have a better understanding of our constituents and business."

The chamber did not encourage him in any way to run, Eads said. "They will give me time to do this, but they made it very clear to me that we don't take a political position," he said. "They told me that if you run this race, you run on your own."

Alexander opposes of the "private option" health insurance plan, which is currently stalled in the state House. Eads said he is very familiar with the issues federal health care reform creates for business, but cannot yet say whether he would support or oppose the state-administered private option portion of it. "The problem is that the numbers and the rules seem to be changing every day," Eads said. "I'd need more data and more detail."

Alexander also favors school choice legislation. Eads said he is less inclined to do so. "Springdale has the second largest school district in the state, and it has great opportunities including its recent award of a 'Race to the Top' grant," Eads said. "I'd be willing to look at opportunities for flexibility, but I wouldn't want to do anything that would lessen our potential to educate all our children in the community."

In immigration, Eads said there was little the state could do until and unless the federal government decides on a definite policy, and that immigrants to Springdale are "doing a good job assimilating."

Eads was appointed to the Washington County Quorum Court to fill the unexpired term of Micah Neal, who moved out of his Quorum Court district. This is Eads' first bid for elected office, he said. Eads is also a former chairman of the Springdale Advertising and Promotion Commission.

"I have been blessed to play a part in Springdale's tremendous job growth as an economic developer and I want to do everything I can to help foster an environment where our companies are able to add more and better jobs for our residents and give our children the opportunities they deserve," Eads said.

NW News on 02/27/2014