Republican primary candidates for Bentonville race focus on education

BENTONVILLE -- A state representative and his challenger in this month's Republican primary said they want to expand and improve career education in Arkansas.

State Rep. Jim Dotson seeks a fourth, two-year term to represent District 93, which covers much of Bentonville. George "Gan" Nunnally, general manager at a Bentonville car dealership and political newcomer, wants to replace him.

The primary is May 22 with early voting starting Monday. The winner faces Democrat Gayatri Agnew this fall.

Dotson, a real estate agent and former city alderman, said he spends most of his time trying to make Arkansas more attractive for businesses, by thinning regulations and cutting taxes.

"We have been moving along in a very good direction in the state of Arkansas the last several years, and my hope is to continue that direction," he said.

Education is another area to focus, Dotson added. He said Arkansas often ranks "at the bottom of the bucket" when it comes to education outcomes. He hopes to change that by expanding career and technical schooling during and after high school around the state and by matching those programs with private businesses that have jobs to fill.

Dotson supported this year's new state law allowing families to use tax-exempt college savings accounts, called 529 accounts, for education-related expenses in primary and secondary schools as well.

Critics said the change benefits private schools over public schools, since private schools charge tuition and would have more expenses to cover. But Dotson and other supporters pointed out the change matches a similar change in federal law last year and it gives parents options. Dotson said the change could help lower-income parents have access to private schools if they choose.

"Parents need the ability to choose which options best fit the unique needs of their students' learning styles," he said.

Dotson is co-chairman of the legislative council, which oversees state government when the Legislature isn't in session and plays an important role in budget planning. He's a member of several other committees and has supported anti-abortion and pro-gun rights policies.

Nunnally said workforce development and education are his priorities, and the state should aim its support at public school and programs rather than private ones. He called for more prekindergarten education, for example, saying the need for child care and transportation are holding back the growth of the workforce.

He also praised the state Career Pathways Initiative, which helps low-income adults attend community college. Nunnally since 2016 has been a member of the governor's Workforce Development Board, which he said works with the Department of Workforce Services to create and sustain the initiative and other projects.

"We've got to find ways to get money into these programs and get them energized," Nunnally said.

Nunnally has been general manager at Nunnally Chevrolet for more than a decade; his father owns the business. He said he was drawn to the race because of his community involvement and belief he can do a better job representing residents instead of interest groups.

Like Dotson, Nunnally also called for more business involvement in career training. Bentonville and other local school districts have tapped business expertise, but they still need waivers to bring in businessmen who don't have teaching licenses. Nunnally said the state's education rules are written for university-bound students rather than those taking other paths.

"You get businesspeople involved, you're going to see change -- you're going to see change now," he said.

NW News on 05/05/2018