More than 100 attend Democratic fundraiser

The first Faulkner County Democratic Women fundraiser at Michelango’s brought in more than 100 people including several state officers and candidates. 

Kathryn Spinks, president of the Faulkner County Democratic Women, said she was pleased with the attendance at the event. 

“It was very successful. I am very pleased,” she said.

Lt. Gov. Bill Halter and State Treasurer Martha Shoffner worked the room and talked to many constituents on hand. Halter, who was a proponent of the Arkansas Lottery, took time out to talk to Joe White, a lottery commissioner. 

Halter said the lottery had raised $10 million for college scholarships in its first month. He said he planned to work with the Legislature to assure that each Arkansas student attending a four-year college who had a 2.5 GPA or a score of 19 on the ACT would receive a $5,000 per year scholarship. He said that Conway, with its three universities, demonstrated how higher education led to economic development. 

Halter also noted his Faulkner County connections. 

“I am returning to my second home,” he said, noting that his father was from the Conway area and that the Halter Building which holds Michelango’s was named after a distant relative.

Shoffner said as the only woman state constitutional officer, she has been made to feel so welcome among her male colleagues. She reminded the candidates they had less than six months to file for office. 

Secretary of State candidate Doris Tate of Fort Smith was on hand while Matt Kincaid spoke on behalf of State Land Commissioner Mark Wilcox. Wilcox was unable to attend because he was helping to start a new church in Greenbrier. Tate said it was her second time to visit Downtown Conway. She also encouraged women to “get together and work together.”

U.S. Rep. Vic Snyder was unable to attend the event because Congress is in session, but his wife, Betsey Singleton, spoke on his behalf. 

“I have no idea when he is getting home,” Singleton said, noting that the couple’s four children were sick during Snyder’s last visit home. 

“He is doing double duty on health care,” she said. 

In the local races, Sandra Prater, who is running for State Senate in District 29, said during six years as a representative, “you took me in with open arms. It was a fabulous time to represent Faulkner County.”

State Rep. Linda Tyler thanked the Democratic women and said it has been an honor to serve in the Legislature. State Rep. Eddie Hawkins asked for support as he has drawn a Republican opponent. Steve Magie, who is running for the District 46 seat, said he wanted to continue the leadership that the area has had in the past. 

Sheriff Karl Byrd thanked the Democratic women for their support.

“I have drawn an opponent this time. I would appreciate your support,” he said. 

Democrats Jerry Park and Jonathan Spinks, who are both running for the District 5 seat on the Quorum Court, presented their ideas to those in attendance. Park complemented Spinks, but said he hoped “he got his political experience somewhere besides my district.” He said during his time on the court, he has worked to reduce litter on the roadways and to produce an animal welfare ordinance. 

Spinks introduced himself and said he has been involved in the political process since 2004 when helped with several races. He described the Faulkner County Democratic Women as “the backbone of the party.”

Speaker of the House Robbie Wills concluded the speeches.

“I am not running for anything,” he said, noting that during his first speech to the Faulkner County Democratic Women he spoke too long and was reminded of it. He kept his remarks brief.

“I will do anything to help you. Just call me,” Wills said.