Springdale's Williams seeks re-election

Jeff Williams
Jeff Williams

SPRINGDALE -- Rep. Jeff Williams, R-Springdale, is seeking a second term.

Williams is unopposed in the May 22 GOP primary and faces Democratic candidate Megan Cardwell Godfrey in the Nov. 6 general election.

Williams, 55, said he will rely more on his record for what he has done for Springdale's House District 89 than party affiliation.

He cited his record in obtaining ARKids First health care coverage for Marshallese in Arkansas. That measure required legislation and agreements approved by the governor and federal permission to implement. Arkansas has the largest Marshall Islander population in the continental United States.

Williams supported legislation that successfully changed the way academic achievement is measured to reflect the challenges of Springdale School District's large population of students for whom English is a second language.

"That was vital to Springdale," he said. "The great work the district does would not be recognized fully if we hadn't done that."

Williams said he has supported local businesses, community clinics, Marshallese and the Spanish-speaking community.

"I have never let party ideology get in the way of doing what's right for my district," Williams said. "The gist of this race is very simple. Compare what my opponent says she will do for the district to what I've done."

A former Washington County assessor, Williams has served on the Springdale City Council. He is also a member of the U.S. Army Reserve, serving as a community liaison in Iraq.

"I've talked to people on their doorstep since I first ran in 2000," he said.

Williams is a member of the House Committee on City, County and Local Affairs, where he is vice-chairman of the Planning Subcommittee. He is also a member of the Public Transportation Committee, the Energy Committee and the Public Transportation Committee.

Arkansas House members serve two-year terms and have an annual salary of $39,400. Members can serve 16 years in the Legislature under the state constitution's limit on terms.

NW News on 03/09/2018

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