Candidates make their case at forum

By: Brandy S. Chewning - Texarkana Gazette -

Published: 10/17/2008

Miller County and Texarkana, Ark., candidates had a chance to interact with voters during a political forum Thursday and answer questions ranging from grass cutting to coal power plants.

The only opposed races represented were for Texarkana, Ark., Board of Directors wards 1 and 2. All the candidates vying for those spots attended the meeting, along with Miller County sheriff-elect Ron Stovall and District 1 State Rep. Steve Harrelson.

Kathy Dunphy is being challenged by Ruth Penney Davis for the Ward 1 seat. They debated over funding for city departments and how to bring more money into Texarkana, Ark. See interviews with these two opponents on Page 2A.

Dwayne Hall and Laney Harris are challenging Shirley Bradley to represent Ward 2.

Hall addressed issues close to his heart and home in the College Hill neighborhood, including crime, poverty and poor streets. He said he wanted to see businesses back in downtown Texarkana and hopes to help establish a workforce center in College Hill.

“We can bring businesses back by having a business-friendly environment,” he said. “It’s important to have a business-friendly planning commission. When you open a business it should be a streamlined process and the city should be there to help and not stand in the way.”

Harris previously served on the Board of Directors and said he fought on tough issues before and he is ready to do it again. He said he can be a voice for leadership in his ward and Texarkana.

“Paving of streets and roads virtually has not been the last three or four years,” Harris said. “When I was on the board there was about $800,000 worth of streets, roads and drainage done in Ward 2.”

Harris wants to make certain a fair share of city funding goes to his district and to help recruit new businesses.

Bradley, the incumbent, said she had worked hard for Ward 2 in her four years as director.

“We are doing things in Arkansas. I’ve had streets cleaned, lots cleaned, houses torn down. We’re doing a lot over there. I am a people person, you can call me,” she said of her voters. “Any time they need me I am there for them.”

Bradley said a single vote is often a silent voice on the board, but she believes the city has a unified vision and is pushing toward economic growth.

“We have a young man hired for economic development, and we are in there working together,” Bradley said.

After the presentations and questions, each candidate made closing remarks and a straw poll was taken. For Ward 1, Davis got 17 votes and Dunphy received 23. In the Ward 2 election, Bradley received 34 votes, Hall received 11 and Harris received 5.