The voters in six Washington County justice of the peace districts will decide on Nov. 4 who will serve them on the Quorum Court for the next two years. On Friday, we recommended candidates for Districts 4, 7 and 8. Today we round out our recommendations.
The Quorum Court is an important but often misunderstood public body that many residents don't learn much about unless and until an issue that affects them prompts the question, "what can be done about this?" That can range from the need for a new bridge or better maintenance on county roads to funding of rural law enforcement. But county government also provides services from elections to marriage license and property appraisals and tax collections. Justices of the peace will be called on to make difficult decisions in the next term. In short, the office matters.
District 10
In a race with no incumbent, voters have a choice between Republican Robert Dennis and Democrat James Miller. The district is largely on either side of U.S. 62 west of Interstate 49, including Farmington. A smaller but well-populated part of it sits east of Interstate 49 in the southern part of Fayetteville.
We like Dennis, who handily fended off a challenger in the May primary, but it's clear he's done little to educate himself on the challenges facing Washington County. Miller, a teacher, detailed issues like jail overcrowding and upkeep of roads and cutting budgets before discussing taxes. He's got a good head on his shoulders and has already put it to use in preparing for the job he's asking voters to put him in. We suggest a vote for Miller.
District 13
With Ron Aman leaving the Quorum Court, voters will pick from Democrat Rhonda Hulse of Lincoln and Republican Joel Maxwell of Siloam Springs to fill the District 13 seat. The district covers a massive area of western Washington County and includes Prairie Grove and Lincoln. The district extends from Benton County to the north all the way to Crawford County to the south.
Hulse's experience and detailed understanding of issues facing the county convince us she's the right choice. She's worked as a grants administrator in Washington County government and does the same for the city of Lincoln. She's in touch with the district's needs. Maxwell, while somewhat familiar with county issues, doesn't match Hulse's knowledge and experience that will help her get started strongly in representing the district.
District 14
Ann Harbison is a 10-year veteran of the Quorum Court, in a good way. She knows the political lay of the land and we encourage voters to keep her experience and institutional knowledge at work for the people of a large district running from just south of Fayetteville to the southern county line. Interstate 49 basically splits the district. She has worked effectively to get the Woolsey Bridge project funded and brings common sense to the table.
Her opponent, Republican Jim Renfrow, acknowledges Harbison has done a good job, but says it's time for fresh ideas. That time may come, but Harbison has earned another chance to continue serving voters.
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To provide a complete picture of our recommendation to voters who have choices to make for Washington County Quorum Court, our endorsements Friday including Bill Ussery in District 4; Kendra Boyle in District 7 and Daniel Balls in District 8.
Early voting starts Monday for the Nov. 4 general election. In Washington County, voter information can be viewed by visiting the website of the Washington County Election Commission at https://www.co.washington.ar.us/index.aspx?page=186
Commentary on 10/18/2014