When it comes to the quorum courts in Washington and Benton counties, 57 candidates filed their paperwork last November to run for the 15 seats that make up these political bodies in each county.
Fortunately for most voters, the only ones they need to concern themselves with are the two or three vying to represent their district.
For our editorial endorsement purposes, we chose in this primary election cycle to forgo endorsements in most of these partisan county races, i.e., Democrat vs. Democrat or Republican vs. Republican. We'll leave it to the parties to select their standard bearers who will continue their electoral journey to face an opponent from the other party in the November General Election.
But in a few primary races, the winner on March 3 will, by default, become a member of quorum court to which they seek election. Why? Because there is no one from the other party who will appear on the ballot in November. For a lot of quorum court races -- including almost all of them in Washington County -- there will be a November contest to decide the final outcome.
In two Benton County races, however, we conducted interviews and observed campaigns in two races in which Republicans only are seeking the seat. No Democrats filed in either District 6 or District 7.
Benton County Quorum Court
District 6
In this contest for votes, GOP voters will select from newcomer candidates Brian Armas and Jim Kibat. Both men are strong candidates who clearly care about the community they're seeking to represent for a two-year term on the Quorum Court.
Kibat's experiences as a Rogers police officer for 17 years and as a civilian investigator for the Arkansas State Police appears to have prepared him well for service in a county elective position. Having the law enforcement experience on the Quorum Court will be helpful as the sheriff's office and jail make up a huge part of the county's operations. He's conservative and knowledgeable. We recommend a vote for Jim Kibat.
District 7
Joseph Bollinger and Doug Farner, both Republicans, will vie to represent the people of this district for the next two years. Our endorsement goes to Farner, who demonstrates an ability to break down issues and make up his own mind. He's had plenty of practice at it as he's formerly served on the Bella Vista Property Owners Association Board of Directors and on the Bella Vista City Council.
Voters may recognize Bollinger, who ran for the position in 2018 as a Libertarian. That no doubt raises some questions about whether he should be the Republican standard bearer in this race. He explained that he felt the national GOP at the time left him feeling disenfranchised, but said he's a lifelong Republican.
Farner's community involvement, nearly 18 years in Bella Vista and business and government experience make him a solid choice to serve Benton County and District 7.
Commentary on 02/17/2020