Eddie Hawkins to run for State Representative District 47

Eddie Hawkins of Vilonia recently announced he will run for State Representative District 47 in 2006.

"Being a lifelong resident of Faulkner County and having a sincere interest in the future of District 47, I feel I can represent this district with the best interest of the people at heart."

Most of Hawkins' career has been spent in education and finance management. He was a classroom teacher, principal, superintendent of two Arkansas rural school districts, and director of transportation and federal programs and assistant superintendent at Conway Public Schools. In 2001 he retired from education to join his family in managing Ott Insurance Agency in Conway.

"The diversity of my careers and job experiences along with my concerns and interest for our state will provide me with the ability to address many topics that come before the Arkansas Legislature.

"Currently, education issues are a primary concern, and my 28 years of experience within the public school system will be important to better understand many of the complexities that exist today," Hawkins said.

"This area has been blessed with a high standard of leadership in both houses of our legislative branch for many years. I am hopeful that I will be given that opportunity to maintain that standard."

Hawkins is married to Patricia Sanson Hawkins. They have two daughters and five grandchildren. Hawkins is a member of the Church of Christ at Enola, the Conway Chamber of Commerce, and Greenbrier Chamber of Commerce, and is vice president of the Faulkner County Cattlemen's Association.

He is a member of the Independent Insurance Agents of Arkansas and Agent's Advisory Council for Safeco Insurance Co. He served as president of Arkansas Association of Pupil Transportation in 1998 and president of Arkansas Association of School Business Officials in 1992.

District 47 is currently represented by Preston Scroggin , D-Vilonia. He is term-limited and has said he intends to run for Faulkner County Judge, if current Judge John Wayne Carter does not run.