Residents in Pulaski County's District 3 have likely encountered one, if not both, of the candidates for the open Quorum Court seat.
Democratic incumbent Justice of the Peace Kathy Lewison and challenger Republican Lynn Jacuzzi are running classic campaigns -- pounding the pavement and, between the two of them, knocking on more than 6,000 doors.
And throughout early voting, which began Oct. 24, both have made themselves visible at voting locations.
"I've been standing at early voting since Day One," Lewison said, showing the tan lines she's acquired from hoisting her recognizably lime-green signs.
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Lewison said she is committed to running a clean campaign. "I refuse to say anything negative," she said.
But Jacuzzi has had a few harsh words about her opponent. Her biggest criticism is Lewison's voting when it comes to spending the county's money.
District 3's justice of the peace seat is one of 15 on the Quorum Court. The governing body makes spending and policy decisions regarding the county's roughly $70 million annual budget.
"Kathy votes for shiny new bridges while our jail remains underfunded and overcrowded, and criminals are released to roam in our neighborhoods," Jacuzzi said, referring to the $20 million that the county contributed to build arches on the Broadway Bridge, which is being rebuilt between Little Rock and North Little Rock.
Originally, the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department agreed to replace the aging bridge with a functional $59 million bridge. But former County Judge Buddy Villines envisioned something with a bit more panache and advocated spending an extra $20 million for the signature arches.
In February 2013, the Quorum Court approved the additional spending. The money came from the county's Road and Bridge Department, and the total payout was completed this year, county officials said.
While canvassing in the district, increased crime has been the concern Jacuzzi has heard most about from the electorate, she said. District 3 stretches from Interstate 430 and West Markham Street roughly to Cantrell Road and Taylor Loop Road in Little Rock.
Jacuzzi has stressed the importance of ridding the county's crowded jail of backlogged state inmates to free up space to house violent offenders. Typically, about 30 percent of the people in the jail are state inmates.
"I talk with residents who are deeply concerned about theft and burglary, and they want a JP who will make that a priority, not paying bonuses to elected officials," said Jacuzzi, who was endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police.
Last month, the Quorum Court's budget committee -- composed of eight justices of the peace, not including Lewison -- preliminarily approved raises for elected county officials. However, those raises were repealed Thursday night.
Lewison said she is aware of the area's crime problem, having experienced three burglaries in her Shackleford Road home.
She advocates for more preventive approaches to the matter, including continued focus on the county's youth services program, improving the county's specialized drug court and possibly developing a mental health court.
As of the Nov. 1 filing deadline for campaign finance reports, Lewison had raised $19,370. She has received monetary contributions from 65 individuals or organizations, the largest being the Pulaski County Democratic Party.
"I have run a very, very ethical campaign, and I will continue to run an ethical campaign until Nov. 8 at midnight," Lewison said. "Everybody has been so endearing to me in this district."
Jacuzzi has received $11,049 in contributions from 28 individuals or organizations, the two largest, at $2,700 each, from the Pulaski County Republican Commission and Little Rock businessman Ron Cameron.
Justices of the peace serve two-year terms and receive up to $12,000 a year in compensation. However, the Quorum Court will consider raising that amount by $2,100 next year.
Metro on 11/06/2016