FAYETTEVILLE -- A long-time resident and farmer and a young businessman are running for the District 7 seat on the Washington County Quorum Court.
Coy Bartlett, a Democrat, and Sam Duncan, a Republican, are newcomers to seeking public office. Both decided to get involved after seeing current justices of the peace discuss some issues, they said.
Sam B. Duncan (R)
Age: 27
Residency: Has lived in the district for one year, in Washington County for nine years.
Employment: National account manager, Saputo Specialty Cheese.
Education: Bachelor of science in finance from the University of Arkansas
Political Experience: None.
Coy Bartlett (D)
Age: 72
Residency: Has lived in the district for 47 years.
Employment: Self-employed farmer, remodeling business.
Education: Bachelor of science in math and physics from Arkansas Tech University
Political experience: None.
District 7 wraps around Farmington from the north to the west and includes part of west Fayetteville along Wedington Avenue.
Justice of the Peace Alicia Deavers has been the district's representative since being appointed by the governor in March 2017 to fill the vacant seat. She isn't eligible to run for the position in the Nov. 6 election.
Duncan has attended some of the Quorum Court meetings, he said, and was concerned after the conversations he heard about the millage.
"I am opposed to raising the millage rate. The essential needs of the county can be met without raising it, so that's why I am running," he said. "If we were budgeting to grow reserves, it would put us in a better position as a county."
The county could make better use of its assets, such as the county buildings sitting vacant, Duncan said.
He said his priorities are ensuring low property tax rates, maintaining roads and infrastructure, budgeting to grow reserves, maximizing county assets and increasing economic development.
Bartlett defines himself as a moderate who can get along with people regardless of their political affiliations.
"I was talking to my friends and neighbors in Washington County and they said, 'We need a change,'" he said. "I think we need to go forward and not -- I hate to say this but -- complain and fight over the little things that come before the court."
Bartlett said he would focus on improving the county roads and public safety. The Sheriff's Office needs more money from the county, if possible.
"If a deputy is going out on a call, we are one of the few places that don't always have a backup for him," Barlett said.
Bartlett would be in favor of a property or sales tax increase if convinced it was necessary, although he said floating a bond could be a better way to go about getting more money.
When it comes to the crowded jail, Bartlett said he thinks the issue is mainly due to locking up people with minor charges and those with mental problems.
Duncan said something needs to be done about the overflow at the jail, and he thinks county officials can work to find some efficiencies in the budget to help.
Justices of the peace serve two-year terms and are paid $200 per meeting.
The election is Nov. 6. Early voting begins Monday.
NW News on 10/16/2018