Former Washington County Republican party chairman announces justice of the peace bid

FAYETTEVILLE -- Lance C. Johnson, former chairman of the Washington County Republican Committee, will run for justice of the peace in District 1.

Justice of the Peace Tom Lundstrum, the Republican representing the district that covers northwestern Washington County, isn't running for re-election. Lundstrum said he endorsed Johnson.

Johnson, 71, of Springdale said his experience in private industry and the construction business will benefit taxpayers. He served in the Army from 1970 to 1972.

Johnson and his son have run Lance Johnson Building Company for the past 25 years.

"I'm a conservative, pragmatic businessman," Johnson said.

Johnson is a member of the Homebuilders Association and served two terms as the Northwest Arkansas Homebuilder Association president. He was the Arkansas Homebuilders Association president for one term and an advisory board member for John Brown University for 10 years, he said.

He said he's interested in the county's budgeting process, emergency preparation, road construction and costs incurred at the jail.

Justices of the peace have said the inmate population is too large and costs the county money. The Quorum Court set aside about $600,000 from the general fund to cover jail costs last year.

The Quorum Court is the legislative body of county government and is composed of 15 justices of the peace who serve two-year terms. The court's powers include levying some taxes, appropriating taxpayer money and approving certain legislation. Each justice of the peace represents a district of roughly equal population.

Members are paid about $200 per meeting. About $155,000 is set aside this year to pay their salaries, according to the 2018 budget.

Johnson doesn't yet have an opponent. The candidate filing period started at noon Thursday and closes at noon March 1. The primary election is May 22.

NW News on 02/23/2018