BENTONVILLE -- Mary Lou Slinkard is returning to Benton County government after six years in the state House of Representatives.
Gov. Asa Hutchinson chose her to fill a vacancy on the Quorum Court.
Slinkard, who lives near Gravette, served as county clerk for 28 years beginning in 1980. She said she's eager to get reacquainted with county government after spending six years working in Little Rock as the representative for House District 92.
She will serve out the remainder of Steve Curry's term as justice of the peace for District 11. Curry resigned in May saying his new job as a truck driver wouldn't leave him enough time to serve on the Quorum Court.
"That district is very similar to my House district," Slinkard said. "I look forward to representing those folks again."
Shirley Sandlin of District 8 also made the transition from being a county elected official to a justice of the peace. Sandlin was assessor from 1987 to 2006 and worked in the assessor's office before being elected.
"It will be an adjustment," Sandlin said. "Changing from representing 'your department' to sitting on what I refer to as the opposite side of that fence. But since she did serve as secretary for the Quorum Court for a number of years, she should be acquainted with the processes. But each time there's new people added there are changes."
County Judge Bob Clinard said he'll meet with Slinkard as soon as possible to discuss committee assignments. Curry served as chairman of the Transportation Committee. Clinard named Pat Adams to be the panel's chairman. Curry also served on the Finance Committee. Clinard said he heard from other justices of the peace who are interested in serving on that committee.
Tena O'Brien, county clerk, said she looks forward to working with Slinkard again. O'Brien worked in the County Clerk's office for 18 years while Slinkard served as county clerk.
"I'm delighted that she got the appointment," O'Brien said. "She has all kinds of experience in both county and state government so she'll be a good fit on the Quorum Court."
Slinkard will serve out the remainder of Curry's term, which ends Dec. 31, 2016, and be ineligible to run for re-election to that position. She said she isn't interested in running for any other office.
"By December of 2016 I think I'm going to be ready for a vacation," she said. "I just like to be involved and I think that's where it was meant to be. I appreciate the governor considering my experience and appointing me."
NW News on 07/03/2015