Political forum raises funds for community

VILONIA Politicians opened not only their mouths but also their pocketbooks Monday in Vilonia.

About $2,000 was raised when a parent teacher volunteer organization auctioned off desserts during a political forum held Monday night at the Senior Citizens Center. The funds are to go toward purchasing new playground equipment at the Vilonia Elementary School.

Some of the pies brought in more than $100 each. The majority of the politicians in attendance made a purchase, however, they weren't the only ones buying. The youngest to bid was 10-year-old Mathew McNeel, who purchased a batch of chocolate no-bake cookies for $75. McNeel attends the school that will receive the benefits. His mother, Laura, said he earned the money from his 4-H project at the Faulkner County Fair.

Whether a politician made a purchase or not wasn't an issue when it came to a time slot. Those with opponents were allowed eight minutes and those without had five to convey their message.

The first to speak, U.S. Senate candidate Rebekah Kennedy, running on the Green Party ticket, talked about a couple of issues that, she said, "aren't really being talked about." Those issues, she offered, include the environment and restoring civil liberties.

"We aren't hearing about the battles over resources due to climate change," she said. Also, she talked briefly about fuel prices and investing money in public transportation. In conclusion, she asked for votes saying she wants to represent "the ordinary people in Arkansas."

At least three of those speaking pointed out they aren't politicians. One being, U.S. House Dist. 2 candidate Deb McFarland who said. "I'm not a politician, I'm a nurse."

She called for changes and questioned sending politicians to Washington, "If we keep sending the same old people every year, how can we expect a change?"

If she is sent to Washington, she said, she will spend little time on ceremonial activities such as naming post offices and a lot of time making sure that the public knows "what is going on."

She called for the public to send a signal that an ordinary person without a lot of money can go to Washington.

Incumbent SeN. Gilbert Baker stood on his past record of service.

"This is a wonderful community to work in, play in and serve in," he said. "I've been serving you for eight years."

He talked about his part in existing "accomplishments" concerning school issues, cutting taxes on groceries and securing funding for projects that are visible in the community. He reminded those in attendance that he will have seniority and that he can "use our seniority to make a difference."

"There's more to do," he said. He also pledged his support to "cut the rest of the food tax" in 2009.

His opponent, Joe White, pledged to be an "independent voice," and to "not get bogged down."

"I'm not about partisanship," White said. He talked about turning efforts toward alternative fuels, better roads and infrastructure as well as additional education opportunities. Also, a business owner, he said, he knows what's it's like to meet a budget. He also said he is in touch with the "average citizen" and knows that most are "stretched from the gas pump to the groceries we buy."

"It's going to take someone at the state Capital with business experience to get this under control."

State House Dist. 47 Rep. Eddie Hawkins told the audience "never before can I think of a time we didn't need more economic development in the state."

He talked about business incentive programs and keeping talents in the area. A retired school administrator, he also said, "you will never see me not support aspects of education."

Justice of the Peace District 10 candidate Jerry L. Roberts said he has enjoyed being on the Quorum Court. He mainly talked about the issues with the budget and the Faulkner County Courthouse. Budget wise, he said, "you must keep the outgo below the income." He said he would love to save the courthouse, however, he said the cost to do so is prohibitive. As well, he said, that officials have been advised the courthouse is unsafe and it is the most immediate concern of the Quorum Court.

"The immediate need is to relocate out of the courthouse as soon as possible," he said.

Two candidates spoke vying for the position of Justice of the Peace District 3.

Sam Janski described himself as "homegrown." He said he is raising a fifth-generation in Faulkner County and has desires to be a leader in the community. He talked briefly about having a lengthy tenure on his job and about his military duty in Iraq. He said he is budget savvy and outlined three areas that he plans to focus on including road infrastructure, fire and police protection and economic development.

Steve Goode said he is not a politician but a small business owner, co-owning grocery stores and cattle. He also said he is also the voice of the Eagles on Friday nights. He moved to the Vilonia area in 1993.

"We moved here because of the school district," he said. "Our sense of pride is why we stayed."

As a business owner, he said he signs 175 paychecks. Adding that the county budget and his company budget is almost the same. And, as a business owner he said he is often forced to make frugal decisions.

"If I'm elected, I will do the same for you in county government," he declared. "My budget experience is one thing that makes me a good candidate."

Faulkner County Sheriff Karl Byrd thanked his constituents for the two years he had been awarded. He talked about his budget and the "troubling times" economically. However, he said he will finish the year within his budget in spite of the astronomical fuel costs. He also touched on a political promise, he said, he made two years ago to "bring law enforcement back into the county."

"I live right down here at Liberty," he said. "Because I live in the county, I know what it's like to get law enforcement in the county."

In conclusion, he talked about ways that he has made that happen including by placing substations in the county, including one in Vilonia.

Tax collector Steve Simon, who lives in the Vilonia School District, spoke about a minute. He joked, with the Oct. 10 tax deadline just around the corner, that he had to be "brave or stupid" to address a roomful of people. In conclusion he reminded everyone "don't forget your taxes." Also, he ran down a list of names of people who work at the courthouse.

"Rural Faulkner County is represented down at the courthouse," he concluded.

The last two speakers enlightened the audience as to why they want to represent Ward 2, Position 2 on the Vilonia City Council. Art Pischke introduced himself as born and raised in Chicago and a person who makes short speeches. Pischke said he spent three vacations looking for a place to retire in Arkansas before choosing Vilonia.

"I love the people. I love the town," he said. He said he has been attending council meetings for the past three years and wants a chance to make a difference.

"They are dry and there are very few people in the audience," he said, referring to council meetings. "I see a lot of room for change."

"Some people don't feel like they have a voice at the meetings," he said. "I'm going to try to give them one."

He said he is also "very active," in other aspects of the community, including as a volunteer at the Senior Citizen Center.

Incumbent alderman Barry Eason was the final speaker. He gave a brief overview of his eight years on the council.

"I came on to make a difference and it has been very rewarding," he said. He talked briefly about potential growth, expanding infrastructure and economic development. In conclusion, he gave a pitch for the passing of a one-half cent sales tax also to be on the ballot. If passed, 25 cents will go to streets with the other half going to parks and recreation.

"I'm not just running for office," Eason said. "I'm proactively pushing for the sales tax. I really love this town. We've lived here 11 years and I've been honored to serve eight years. I would like your vote allowing me to serve the next two years."