Benton County Incumbent Faces Newcomer

BENTONVILLE -- The contest for the District 4 seat on the Benton County Quorum Court pits a six-term justice of the peace against a political novice.

Tom Allen, the incumbent, is running for a seventh term on the Quorum Court. Clell Alden, his opponent, is in his first political race.

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Tom Allen

Justice of the Peace, District 4, incumbent

Age: 51

Residency: Bentonville

Family: Wife, Christine; two children

Employment: Hunt Ventures, real estate management

Education: Bachelor of science in business administration, marketing, University of Arkansas

Military Experience: None

Political Experience: Justice of the Peace, six terms; Rogers City Council, two terms

Profile

Clell Alden

Justice of the Peace, District 4

Age: 38

Residency: Cave Springs

Family: Wife, Rachel; two children

Employment: Supervisor with Serco, a federal government contractor

Education: Bachelors of applied science, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho

Military Experience: U.S. Navy, E-3

Political Experience: None

District 4 covers an area in south-central Benton County that includes Cave Springs and parts of Lowell, Rogers and Bentonville.

Allen, 51, said he wants another term on the court to pursue his interest in local government. Allen served two terms on the Rogers City Council before he was elected to the Quorum Court

"After I moved outside the city, I realized I missed it, and when the opportunity came to serve on the Quorum Court, I took it," Allen said.

Allen, who serves as chairman of the Finance Committee and Legislative Committee, said the biggest issue facing the Quorum Court is ambulance in the unincorporated areas of the county. The county is working toward a funding formula with the seven municipal fire departmentsproviding service.

"Trying to fund that without increasing fees or taxes is one of the biggest challenges since I've been on the court," Allen said.

The next big issue facing the county will likely be the debate over a new courts building, Allen said.

"We've all heard the cost estimates of $40 million to $50 million, which we don't have, he said. "I know something does need to be done. The way our courts are now spread out over several different buildings is not very efficient. But it's not easy for the average citizen to understand that. They drive by or they walk around on the square and they see a building there, so what's wrong with it?"

Allen said the courts building will probably be a long-term project. He suggested the work may have to be done in phases to fit in with the county's resources and other needs. He said that approach will demand the Quorum Court stay focused on the project.

Alden, 38, is a political newcomer who decided to take the plunge this year.

"I saw that the elections were coming up and decided instead of standing on the sidelines doing nothing, I decided to get into the race," he said.

Alden said he thinks the county has to pay for rural ambulance service without increasing taxes or fees.

"I think it should come out of the general fund," he said. "I've been looking at the budget, but I haven't found that 'sweet spot' yet. But there's got to be something you can cut."

Alden said he's not convinced the county needs a new courts building. He said the economy isn't strong enough for the county to take on a major new project.

"I don't see why they can't stay where they're at, at the moment, especially with the way tax receipts are down," he said.

Alden said he also has an interest in the Sheriff's Office and county finances. He said he might favor reducing taxes or some sort of refund if reserve is sufficient.

"You want to have some reserves, but as far as cutting people's taxes, I would absolutely be in favor of that," he said. "When we're looking at spending, I think we need to ask 'Can we do without it?'"

NW News on 05/01/2014

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