Won't run to retain seat, legislator says

Rep. Kelley Linck, a Flippin Republican who chairs the House Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee, said Monday that he's not seeking re-election because he's looking for a new "opportunity."

Linck, the executive director of the Ozark Mountain Region tourism marketing association, has served in the Arkansas House of Representatives since 2011.

"I think I'll have some opportunities and I'll see what comes up," Linck said. "I don't have anything lined up. I have not accepted a job or anything."

Linck, 51, said he would be interested in succeeding Richard Davies as executive director of the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism but doesn't believe he would be eligible under the Arkansas Constitution. Davies is expected to retire later this year, and Linck's term in office ends in January 2017.

"It's just bad timing for that," Linck said.

Metro on 09/15/2015

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