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JP incumbents Howell, Curtis keep seats; new constable elected |
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Wednesday, 21 May 2008 |
Two Saline County justices of the peace won new terms and a new constable was elected in the preferential primary races on Tuesday.
None of the three winners on Tuesday will face challengers in the Nov. 4 general election.
Barbara How-ell of Lake Norrell defeated challenger Rick Bellinger of Benton by a 67 percent vote to keep the JP seat in District 4, and Doug Curtis of Benton won over Kime Eubanks with a 55 percent vote to continue in his District 7 post.Political newcomer Paul Viner garnered 65 percent of the total 570 votes to win the position currently held by Don Burrow.
Howell, 59, a Republican, will serve her third term and credited her victory to continuously meeting with the people of District 4.
“I got out and went door to door talking with people,” Howell said. “I visited with them face to face and listened to their issues. If I didn’t meet with them personally, then I called them on the telephone and spoke with them. I think that made them feel like they are part of the process.”
Howell’s opponent, Bellinger, 49, of Salem congratulated Howell on running a well-organized campaign and said he hopes to work with her on any district issues.
“I wish her nothing but the best in Quorum Court,” Bellinger said. “I have no animosity or anything like that for Howell, and I want to help her if I can. I have a lot of respect for her, and I definitely want her on my side.”
Howell has served on the Quorum Court’s Finance and Personnel, Public Works and Jail committees. She has worked with County Judge Lanny Fite to secure a new bridge over Caney Creek to elevate flooding issues that prevent emergency services personnel from reaching around 450 residents. The new bridge is slated for completion by summer.
Howell also has worked with residents of Lake Norrell and the Salem Water Association to obtain water for the area. She has served as a board member for the Lake Norrell Volunteer Fire Department and has been fundraising chairwoman for the past seven years. Her husband, Jack is a retired airline pilot and have five children and eight grandchildren.
Bellinger is the managing partner of Riverside Grocery on Arkansas 5 in Benton and was former secretary/treasurer of the Jessieville Volunteer Fire Department. He also previously served as the vice president of the North Garland County Water District board of directors. Bellinger is engaged to Mattie Robertson of Benton and is the father of Stephanie Rankin, 24 and Chris Bellinger, 23.
Curtis, 48, of Benton was re-elected to serve his eighth term as the Justice of the Peace for District 7.
“I have a lot of respect for Eubanks,” Curtis said. “I think I was successful with pulling out the win because of the current shape the county is in and because of our hard work. I think it is a vote of confidence from the people for the Quorum Court, and I just think it all worked out with the votes.”
Eubanks, 44, of Benton said today that he called to congratulate Curtis and received encouragement to run for a future seat in local politics.
“He told me that I should either run for this position or another position ...,” Eubanks said. “I am just so proud today that I did so well against a person that is so well liked in the community.”
Viner, 39, of Benton defeated incumbent Don Burrow, who has served as constable since 2007. Viner received 66 percent of the 570 total votes. He credits his win to his law enforcement experience and name recognition in Saline County.
“I have lived in Benton all my life and have over 17 years of experience in law enforcement,” Viner said. “I think it was a pretty good race for a constable race. I want to thank Burrow for his time served and thank the people for coming out and voting.”
Viner is the son of Lila Viner and the late Dr. Donald Viner, a graduate of Benton High School and is a former deputy for the Saline County Sheriff’s Office. He was instrumental in Project Lifesaver and led the search and rescue team and was a sergeant of the warrants division. He is currently the vehicle equipment manager for Cop Stuff LLC in Little Rock.
Burrow did not return messages left by the Courier. |
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