GENTRY -- Jacob Faught of Gentry announced he will seek the District 12 seat on the Benton County Quorum Court as a Libertarian Party candidate.
Faught, 33, was the first Libertarian to win public office in Benton County when he was elected a constable in 2014. As a Libertarian Party candidate, Faught will only appear on the May 22 primary ballot if another Libertarian Party candidate files for the District 12 seat. If no other Libertarian Party candidate files for the seat, Faught's name will appear on the Nov. 6 general election ballot. The filing period for the party primary election begins Feb. 22 and ends March 1. Justices of the peace serve two-year terms.
The District 12 seat on the Quorum Court is held by Adriane Carr of Siloam Springs. Carr, a Republican, is in her first term on the Quorum Court. Carr hasn't said whether she intends to run for re-election.
The district includes Siloam Springs north of U.S. 412 and includes the Gentry area.
Faught said he's running as a Libertarian because he believes in individual liberties and small government.
He would like to see a more transparent and fiscally responsible county government, he said. He has already suggested to County Judge Barry Moehring the Quorum Court live stream its meetings so all residents have a chance to see what their elected officials do, Faught said.
Faught said he believes fiscal responsibility starts with a balanced budget and then eliminating waste at every level of government.
"The best government is one that leaves people alone to live their lives and flourish," he said.
Faught said he believes he's the best candidate to bring about these changes.
Faught served in the Arkansas Army National Guard and is currently working as an information security professional.
NW News on 01/20/2018