Longtime justice of the peace faces challenge in District 13

Haley Emerick (left) and Kurt Moore
candidates Benton County Justice of the Peace District 13
Haley Emerick (left) and Kurt Moore candidates Benton County Justice of the Peace District 13

BENTONVILLE — Republican incumbent Kurt Moore faces Democrat Haley Emerick in a contest for the Benton County Justice of the Peace District 13 seat.

District 13 covers the southwest corner of the county.

Justices of the peace serve two-year terms. The Benton County Quorum Court currently is made up of 15 Republicans.

Quorum Court members are paid $244 for each Committee of the Whole meeting and Quorum Court meeting they attend, and $152 for each meeting of another committee they serve on, according to the county.

The election is Nov. 3. Early voting starts Oct. 19. A voter may request an absentee ballot application by contacting the county clerk in the county where the voter is registered to vote, according to the Arkansas Secretary of State website. Voters may download the application from the county websites.

The Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette emailed the same questions to the candidates. Their responses are below. Candidates were limited to 200 words per answer.

Question: Benton County’s share of tax revenue is expected to shrink after the census. Where can the county cut costs or raise revenue?

Emerick: Completion of the census will bring a drop in county sales tax revenue due to the increase of incorporated populations, causing a higher percentage of sales tax revenue to go to cities rather than the county.

This decrease in county revenue will need to be considered. Do we need to cut cost, increase revenue or both? To imagine that any single individual could have a complete understanding of the county budget and know where best to make changes would be unreasonable.

As a member of the Quorum Court, we must consider many sources of information to determine the best course of action. We could review a multiyear variance analysis to determine if we have funds available that can be reallocated, consider the use of reserves while longer term strategies take effect, introduce selective budget cuts, enact energy/water-saving tactics, take bids on contracting out certain services while bringing other responsibilities in-house, invest in continuous improvement and innovation, increase fees/taxes.

If elected for justice of the peace, I would offer suggestions, seek input and complete research, but, more importantly, I would listen to the people who best understand the departments and their budgets.

Moore: Short-term cost cutting measures will be necessary until the revenues return to pre-census levels, usually about 2-3 years because of economic growth.

Capital spending on large ticket items may need to be curtailed during this period, as well as authorizing new positions and possibly a hiring freeze.

Question: What is the biggest challenge facing county government? How would you address it?

Moore: Maintaining adequate services for rural residents in spite of flat revenue projections because of population distribution in the county. Also maintaining and expanding mandated services (courts, law enforcement, roads, etc).

Emerick: I would consider infrastructure to be one of Benton County’s biggest challenges. I would address this issue by talking with experts and revisiting current long-term planning goals.

Our county leaders know this is an issue and are working toward solutions. I would work with them to increase partnerships with elected officials, county team members, the private sector, Washington County leadership, and economic development organizations.

Increasing our partnerships would allow for better collaboration on infrastructure and projects that could drive economic growth.

Did you notice I mentioned Washington County? So much of our infrastructure is entwined with Washington County. As NWA grows, we need to be looking for ways to work with our neighbor to increase the chances of both counties being successful.

As for the cost involved in infrastructure, I understand its immensity. That is why I am for Issue 1 to continue a 0.5% sales tax for transportation.

Our state, county and cities need that funding to maintain the roads so we can allocate other funds toward additional infrastructure needs. One aspect of infrastructure that I would like to see addressed quickly is internet access. The internet is no longer a luxury, but a necessity.

Question: What makes you the best candidate for this position?

Emerick: Elected officials have a huge responsibility to seek the input of constituents and experts. While I value field work and will gladly spend my summers engaging with county team members or enjoying a bite at a local festival, we cannot downplay the role played by social media in our communications.

I will maintain a social media and internet presence so my constituents can connect with me. I will seek input from diverse community members through a variety of media.

I will make myself available for constituents to voice concerns, and I will commit to regular communications for the sake of transparency and accountability. District 13 has been my home for 14 years. I want to engage its members in local government; I want to work for you and with you for a stronger community.

Vote for me, Haley Emerick, District 13 Justice of the Peace.

Moore: My 20+ years as a JP has given me the perspective of experience, knowing what has been tried in the past, what has worked and what hasn’t.

Knowing the right questions to ask to get to the root of an issue and make an informed decision.

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Haley Emerick

Haley Emerick (D)

• Age: 41

• Residency: Has lived in District 13 for 14 years

• Employment: Teacher in the Bentonville School District

• Education: Master of education in educational

leadership, University of Arkansas

• Political Experience: None

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Kurt Moore

Kurt Moore (R)

• Age: 64

• Residency: Has lived in District 13 for over 25 years

• Employment: Retired; taught career and technical education in secondary and post-secondary schools

• Education: Attended University of Arkansas, Northwest Technical Institute

• Political Experience: Serving ninth term as justice of the peace for District 13; served two terms as justice of the peace in District 12, 1999 to 2001; served one term as a constable in Yell Township near the Robinson Community in Benton County.

Mike Jones may be reached by email at mjones@nwadg.com .

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