District 13 Senate debate set for Thursday

An “old-fashioned” debate is on in the Arkansas Senate District 13 is seat for Thursday (May 13), with two of the three candidates agreeing to attend.

Jake Files, one of the three Republicans in the primary for the Senate seat, first issued the “old-fashioned” debate challenge on May 3.

“I am talking about a real debate where we talk about issues and ask each other questions as opposed to a forum where a moderator asks us if we believe in an issue and then we get 30 seconds to articulate the answer. Fort Smith needs to elect people who can communicate a message and effectively carry an issue. I can think of no  better way to see these traits than a debate,” Files said in a May 3 statement.

Medley quickly agreed, but Rep. Frank Glidewell has said he will not attend.

Files, Glidewell and Medley are all legislative veterans in the GOP primary for the Senate seat that represents Fort Smith. Sen. Denny Altes, R-Fort Smith, is term limited. The GOP primary (held May 18) for the Senate seat IS the race because a Democrat did not file.

“We are on for Thursday night,” Files told The City Wire.

The debate is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., May 13 at the St. Luke Lutheran Church at the corner of Free Ferry and Waldron. Steve Rinke will serve as the moderator.

Files said Glidewell told him he was not interested in debating the issues.

Medley said he was happy to be part of a debate that would allow voters to see where the candidates stand on the important issues. Because debates are an important part of the legislative process in Little Rock, Medley said it is important for voters to see candidates be able to think on their feet.

Files announced Sept. 29 he would seek the Senate seat. Files served in the Arkansas House of Representatives from 1999-2003. Files is a partner in a construction company and real estate development firm he started. He is a member of the Greater Fort Smith Homebuilders Association, and is a Realtor.

Medley, who served in the Arkansas House for three terms, announced Aug. 13 he would enter the race. Medley is the CEO of Fort Smith-based Area Agency on Aging. Medley also is a former member of the Fort Smith Board of Education, and former member of the Board of Directors of the Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce.