Candidates speak at rally

By Staff, 05/2/18 10:16 AM

PRESCOTT – Tuesday night’s political rally was well attended with about 75 people showing to hear what the candidates had to say and ask questions.

With 13 candidates present, they were limited to one-minute opening and closing statements and asked to keep their answers brief. For the most part, the candidates said pretty much the same thing, with the major issues for the city being the electric rates and affordable housing.

Curtis Lee Johnson spoke for his son, Tommy, who was unable to attend. He said Tommy would appreciate the people’s vote for JP District 3.

Pat Grimes said she isn’t a politician and she’d like to see changes made that would benefit not only the county, but Prescott and the surrounding area. This, she said, is a chance to grow, something the county needs to do. She pointed out in 1920 the county’s population was 21,000 and now it’s just over 8,000. Grimes also promised to help everybody, regardless of district.

Prescott Mayor Terry Oliver said it’s an honor to be the 36^th mayor of Prescott, and has been a dream come true. “It’s a challenge being the mayor of a small town, but these are some of the best year’s I’ve ever lived.” He thanked his supporters and talked about having worked on various projects for the public.

Rena Brown, Oliver’s opponent, talked about her family, but said she’s seen Prescott in a downhill slide and wants to make a difference.

Sattara Willilams, candidate for Prescott City Council Ward I, Position 1, said she loves the city and wants to see it grow, adding leaders need to be role models for the young.

Tommy Poole, incumbent councilman for Ward 1 Position 2, said he’s kept the promise he made when he first ran about working on the electric issue and answering questions or finding the answers when he doesn’t know them. He told the audience everything that can be done on the electric issue at this time is being done.

Ivory Curry, Poole’s challenger, said he has confidence in Prescott and is an optimist, but sees where the community is as well as what it can be. He said he will make decisions good for the city and his business.

Stacy Jester, incumbent for W2 P2, told how she’s been on several different boards, and invited everyone to attend council meetings to see what goes on. She said she has the city’s best interest at heart.

Carolyn Todd, Jester’s challenger, said she wants to make a difference for Prescott, saying leaders need to set examples for the young people. She told the audience she has fresh ideas and wants to make changes.

For the Eighth Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney, incumbent Christi McQueen spoke first, talking about how she grew up in Prescott and has lived in the district more than 50 years. She told the crowd about two people being sent to rehab earlier in the day and discussed the creation of the Eighth District North Task Force which unites Hempstead and Nevada County law enforcement agencies in a wide range of criminal investigations.

Her challenger Angilynn Taylor called herself a “guardian of justice” saying this is what she’s been as a parent and in other roles. “I’m passionate about youth,” she said. Taylor talked about the state of the criminal justice system saying it’s broken and not fair to everyone. Changing it, she added, will take new leadership and vision.

Nevada County Judge Mark Glass, talked about his family and how there’s never a dull moment at his house. In his eight years as county judge, he said, several major renovations have been made to the Nevada County Courthouse, including getting a new heat and air system installed, having all the offices painted and energy-efficient windows installed in all offices. The county jail, he said, was one of his top priorities when first elected and it now generates $35,000-$40,000 a month housing inmates from other counties and awaiting transfer to the Arkansas Department of Correction. Under his leadership, he said, the county’s road and bridge department has new equipment and the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office has all new vehicles.

His challenger, Mike Otwell, talked about being a businessman and how Prescott has lost 55 businesses. He said he would help any and everybody as judge and would go to Little Rock for any financial assistance possible.

The rally was sponsored by the Concerned Citizens of Prescott.