BENTONVILLE -- Voters in Benton County's Quorum Court District 3 will choose an experienced politician or a political newcomer to fill an open seat.
Debra Hobbs, a Republican and former justice of the peace is looking to return to the Quorum Court. Trina Wilson is a political newcomer seeking election to the seat as the Libertarian Party candidate. J.D. Hayes, the justice of the peace for District 3, was appointed to the position and cannot run in this election.
Debra Hobbs
Republican
Age: 63
Residency: Rogers and District 3 for 23 years; Benton County since 1985
Employment: Small business owner of Hart Tackle Co.
Education: Master’s degree in counseling education, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Political Experience: Benton County Quorum Court 2007-08; Arkansas House of Representatives 2009-14; Northwest Arkansas Community College Board of Trustees term ends in December
Trina Wilson
Libertarian
Age: 42
Residency: 15 years in District 3
Employment: Mobile pantry coordinator, Northwest Arkansas Food Bank
Education: Bachelor of science degree in criminal justice, Northeast Oklahoma State University
Political Experience: None
District 3 is in southwestern Rogers. Justices of the peace serve two-year terms and are paid $230 for each Quorum Court and Committee of the Whole meeting and $144 for meetings of other committees of which they are a member.
Hobbs, a former state representative, said she wants to continue a path of public service.
"God has given me a heart for service and policy," she said. "I do not like the politics involved, but I love working on policy and constituent service."
Wilson said she is looking to expand on the effort to help the community she works in daily in her job with the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank.
"I make a difference in my job by helping those in need," Wilson said. "I want to make a difference for the whole community. On the Quorum Court, you're affecting people's lives whether they know it or not. You're setting taxes, deciding what roads get fixed."
The candidates have similar views on the county's proposed $30 million courts building, with both questioning the use of a sales tax increase to pay for the project. The county's funding proposal for the building is planned to go to a vote in a special election in March 2019.
"I'm opposed to any increase in sales tax," Hobbs said. "As a conservative representative and as a citizen who pays taxes, I'd not be in favor of a tax increase. Arkansas ranks third highest in the nation in sales tax, according to the Tax Foundation. Right now the state, local and county tax rate is right at 9.5 percent. I know they're talking about only a one-eighth-cent increase, but it's still adding a burden to the working people who have to pay it."
The Tax Foundation is an independent Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit that collects data and publishes studies on U.S. tax policies at the federal and state levels.
Wilson said she thinks the building design is too large and costly, and she also opposes a tax increase.
"I understand the need for a new courthouse, but I don't think this $30 million building is the way to go," Wilson said. "We don't need 14-foot high ceilings. We don't need a private bathroom for each judge. There are a lot of extravagances."
Hobbs said she wants to see the county do more long-range planning for growth in its budgeting and daily operation.
"We've got some 38 people a day moving into the area," Hobbs said.
Wilson said she wants to see the county examine its budget and look for ways to save the taxpayers' money.
""I think being fiscally responsible is very important," she said.
Early voting starts Oct. 22 and the election is Nov. 6.
NW News on 10/10/2018