FAYETTEVILLE -- A Democrat plans to challenge Republican incumbent Becky Lewallen for the Washington County clerk position.
"I'm a hard worker," candidate Emily Sledge said. "I want to make sure I listen to anyone and everyone, and that whatever their problem is, we'll make sure we get it taken care of."
Sledge, 33, of Fayetteville said she has experience in operations, logistics and management. She works as a product manager with Tyson Foods and wants to use her skills to increase county efficiency.
"There are always ways we can be more efficient," Sledge said. "I like to look at the whole picture, and where there are areas of opportunity, and how we can improve them."
The clerk is the official bookkeeper of county government. Duties include handling voter registration, recording and issuing marriage licenses and some certificates, and keeping records for the Quorum Court, equalization board and circuit probate court.
The position pays $109,447, according to the 2018 budget. The salary is based on Lewallen's experience and state law.
Lewallen has held the office since 2013. She said in email Wednesday she plans to run for another term.
The candidate filing period is from noon Feb. 22 to noon March 1. The primary election is May 22.
Sledge decided to run after hearing no Democrats planned to run against Lewallen. Sledge said she wanted to get involved in local politics to make a difference in the community. She said she wants to change the "political climate," which is currently heavily Republican.
Sledge said she can offer residents a background in corporate business, logistics and management. She said she wants to see changes, including getting more voters to the polls.
For example, the county has 127,268 registered voters, but voter turnout was 50 percent or less in three precincts during the 2016 general election, according to Election Commission records.
Sledge said she wants to make voter registration more accessible and increase the number of registered voters.
Sledge said she plans to achieve her goals by making the office more welcoming and keeping partisan politics out of the office. Sledge said voters should support her because it's time for fresh ideas and new leadership.
"I definitely want to make sure that this office is taken care of," she said. "I think we can look at ways to optimize to serve the community better."
NW News on 02/15/2018