Democratic primary set for Benton County justice of the peace

BENTONVILLE -- Two candidates will square off in the first Democratic primary for Benton County justice of the peace since 2012.

Kelley Boyd and Lon Cross filed for the District 10 seat on the Quorum Court. The winner will face Republican Renona Crowden in the November general election. Republican Michelle Chiocco, who holds the position, didn't seek reelection.

District 10 covers the west side of Bella Vista.

Boyd said she supports moving the Confederate monument from the Bentonville square to the national military park at Pea Ridge. She also said she wants Benton County to end its participation in the 287(g) program, in which the sheriff's office checks arrested people to see if they are in the country legally.

Boyd said she has devoted hours of pro-bono legal services to residents and knows firsthand the struggles they face.

"I am concerned about the lack of diverse representation in community governance and the heavy focus on policing," she said.

Boyd said she is the best candidate because she is a conservative and pragmatic person who will bring a range of experience in technology, law and advocacy to stimulate innovative approaches to governance.

Cross said the county must maintain an equitable distribution of services and facilities in anticipation of the completion of Interstate 49 over the next few years.

He said he anticipates a significant increase in residential and commercial development in the parts of District 10 that are nearest to the highway.

"Currently, District 10 is a virtual black hole in terms of county services and facilities. Going forward, I want to ensure that county services and facilities are more readily accessible to the residents of District 10," he said.

He also said the Quorum Court needs to ensure the allocation of resources across county departments reflects the changing needs of the taxpayers. More than 50% of the county budget has been allocated to the Sheriff's Office while residents shoulder the cost of storm cleanup, he said.

He said he is the best candidate because he isn't associated with interest groups or businesses that would have a vested interest in the policy and budget decisions of the Quorum Court.

Justices of the peace serve two-year terms. The primary election is March 3. The general election is Nov. 3.

Quorum Court members are paid $244.55 for each Committee of the Whole meeting and Quorum Court meeting they attend, and $152.85 for each meeting of another committee they serve on, according to the county.

NW News on 02/11/2020