Fayetteville Democrat faces challenge for third term

FAYETTEVILLE -- State Rep. David Whitaker, D-Fayetteville, faces a challenge for a third term from Republican political newcomer Dwight Gonzales of Fayetteville in state House District 85.

Whitaker is an attorney with experience in state and local government. He also is the Democratic whip in the House, a party leadership position. He was an assistant city attorney for Fayetteville before he was elected to the House in 2012. Gonzales, 37, is a pastor, a foster parent and volunteer teacher at a local private school.

Gonzales said the state House Republican caucus asked him to run, but he agreed to do so only after he reviewed Whitaker's record.

The two differ on abortion, they confirmed in interviews.

Gonzales, whose seven children include three who are adopted, said he's against the medical procedure. Whitaker said he supports the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Roe vs. Wade, which prohibits states from banning the procedure, but allows them to restrict it.

The district's territory stretches west to include Farmington, but also has portions of southeast Fayetteville. This year's election pits Whitaker against a Republican opponent for the second time in his three terms. Early voting in the Nov. 8 election begins Oct. 24.

Both candidates said they hope to avoid a divisive partisan contest. Both expressed similar views on what the district needs: support for emerging new businesses in the area. That includes infrastructure such as roads, Whitaker said. Gonzales said reasonably reduced regulation would be a small business boon, also.

"Definitely, our businesses need less regulation, but don't take me as a no-regulation person," Gonzales said. "I like it when my meat is safe."

The biggest challenge for representing House District 85, Whitaker said, is "keeping pace with the growth. The economic boom is back, and the district is growing faster than ever." Promising startup businesses are courted to move out by other Southern states, particularly Georgia and Kentucky, he said.

Keeping promising new businesses in the district requires the cooperation of local government, the Legislature and various state agencies such as the state Highway and Transportation Department and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. Whitaker's background in local government and position in the Legislature, plus his experience, make him well suited for that role, he said.

Gonzales said he has the endorsement of the National Federation of Independent Business, the lobby for small businessmen. He did not seek it out, Gonzales said, saying he has told all interest groups he intends to keep his independence.

"All the state is moving here," Gonzales said. "We're getting the best and the brightest, and I intend to listen to what they tell me they need."

Gonzales said he is open to considering all points of view.

"I hate it that people are always trying to put everyone in a box," he said. "I look at everyone as an individual and believe that if we treat each other as individuals, our interests will be served and our rights protected."

On education, Whitaker said the state is going to have to take a boarder view, advocating both expanding prekindergarten at public schools and getting away from the "college or vo-tech view" of higher education. The technical jobs of the future do not fit into those categories any more.

Gonzales said he favors greater school choice.

"Fayetteville and Farmington are some of the best public schools in the state, but the local public school may not necessarily fit the needs of every child," he said.

NW News on 10/10/2016