District 1 candidate hopes to grow reserves, keep competitive tax rate

Lance C. Johnson plans to run for District 1, justice of the peace, on the Washington County Quorum Court. Here’s his headshot.
Lance C. Johnson plans to run for District 1, justice of the peace, on the Washington County Quorum Court. Here’s his headshot.

FAYETTEVILLE -- Only one candidate is actively running for the District 1 seat on the Washington County Quorum Court.

Lance Johnson, a Republican, is a business owner from Springdale.

Lance C. Johnson

Republican

Age: 72

Residency: 28 years in Springdale, at least 18 in the district.

Employment: Owner, Lance Johnson Building Co.

Education: Bachelor’s in civil engineering, Tri-State College, now named Trine University, in Angola, Ind.

Political Experience: None.

Shari Reed, his opponent and a resident of Tontitown, said she has not been campaigning, but did not request to have her name removed from the ballot. She said she would not answer questions.

Justice of the Peace Tom Lundstrum, the Republican incumbent, didn't seek re-election. The district covers northwestern Washington County.

Johnson, 71, has been observing the Quorum Court for about five years, starting when he served as chairman of the Washington County Republican Committee, he said. It was a natural decision to run when he saw the open seat, he said.

"I feel it's my time to serve," Johnson said. "I want to bring my business experience to the court, and I think I can be beneficial."

His top priorities are maintaining a competitive tax rate, growing the financial reserves and making sure the sheriff's office and road department are adequately funded, he said.

"The budget is also high on my list of priorities," he said. "The current administration has made a good start in the last budget session, and we need to continue that."

In general, Johnson said he is against a sales tax or millage increase, but would have to consider what a possible increase was for.

"I'm never going to just say no," he said. "I don't believe we need a millage increase for sure."

Johnson said he would try to make sure the court looked at all the options to help relieve the crowded county jail.

Justices of the peace serve two-year terms and are paid $200 per meeting.

Early voting begins Oct. 22. The election is Nov. 6.

NW News on 10/15/2018

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