We elect them and expect them to do the right thing. We expect them to act responsible. We expect them to act like adults and govern with wise and selfless actions. We assume they are honest and trustworthy. (Well, we used to have hope that was the case.) Accountability is the key to keeping our elected honest. We do that by watching what they do. The local meeting times and locations are published and usually the same time every month. We try to make them and report on significant items. The more public people present at the meetings the more reasonable and accountable they are. The best way to influence their decisions is to contact your representative on the court, council or board.
Here are some things you might want to know about in some of those meetings:
Quorum Court
Before the meeting last Monday, there was a presentation on bringing for a vote by the people an additional sales tax. There would actually be two taxes voted on. One, 1/8 cent tax that would be permanent and another 3/8 cent tax for a bond issue. The 3/8 cent tax would sunset after the bonds have been paid off. The intention of the tax and more specifically the bond issue is to build a roof over the Calhoun County Rodeo Arena. The referendum for taxes and bond issue will be on the March ballot if the Quorum Court passes it at the November 27 meeting. This is an opportunity to show your support, or opposition, as we observe the court, the elected justices of the peace spend and appropriate tax money. Justices of the Peace: Thomas R. Stringfellow, District 1
(870)352-1228 Keith Gresham, District 2 (870)352-7854 David Reddin, District 3 (870)798-4975 Cody Vaugn, District 4 (870)918-7427 Randy Duncan, District 5 (870)798-4993 John Beasley, District 6 (870)798-3987 Kenneth 'Kenny' Evans, District 7
(870)675-6069 Mark Hornaday, District 8 (870)918-2346 Vacant, District 9 Hampton School Board With a new superintendent on board, things roll a little differently at the meeting. First off, he has students lead the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer at the start of each meeting. Then a group, individual or team is highlighted, showing off the talent and skills the students and teachers. It is a great opportunity to see how the students are doing aside from academics. Setting in on the meeting gives opportunity to see the progress and direction of the school. School Board Members: Lindsey Roland, District 1 (870)818-4259 Jeremy Duncan, District 4 (870)352-1228 Kelsey Samuel, District 2 (501)597-2905 Corey Thomas, District 5 (870)866-6914 Lauren Bryant, District 3 (870)866-9783
City Council
You never know what might happen at the city council meeting. I try never to miss. You might even learn first hand why the water rates go up every year. Aldermen: Lillie Randall, Ward 1 (870)798-2150 Joan Ingram, Ward 2 (870)798-4394 Willie Fricks, Ward 3 (870)798-2183 Jonathan Lucas, Ward 1 (870)500-2949 John Nivens, Ward 2 (479)841-4231 Nikki Powers, Ward 3 (870)831-0508 Up for re-election in 20204 is the entire Quorum Court and City Council. Kelsey Samuel and Lauren Bryant are those up for re-election on the school board.
