Arkansas House District 92: Parsons and Slinkard

The primary battle for the GOP nomination to the Arkansas House of Representatives District 92 pits Rep. Mary Lou Slinkard, R-Gravette, against challenger Jim Parsons in a contest, where Slinkard's experience within the Arkansas General Assembly butts against Parsons' knowledge of Bella Vista.

The City Wire recently spoke with Slinkard and Parsons about what makes each the best candidate for the position. Slinkard cited her committee experience and her experience in the "last two general sessions," while Parsons believes he possesses a better understanding of Bella Vista, which contains "the majority of the people in this district," Parsons said.

While Slinkard said she believed "lower taxes, less government and small business growth" were the top concerns within District 92, Parsons cited the "constant conflict" of Bella Vista's city government and homeowners association, the latter of which, he states, "is at least three times more powerful than the city."

Parsons continued: "This district needs a representative that understands these issues and I do and my opponent doesn't have the foggiest idea of what goes on in Bella Vista."

On the top issue facing the 89th General Assembly in 2013, the candidates also differed. Slinkard states "Medicaid and Health Insurance Exchange," while Parsons turns to "the economy and jobs."

Each candidate completed a political questionnaire for The City Wire. Full responses are listed below.

Jim Parsons
• Why are you the better candidate for the position?
I am a better candidate than my opponent because a good representative should be knowledgeable about the needs of the majority of the people in this district. In this case that would be me. I live in Bella Vista which contains the majority of people in this district and our needs are different than any other district in Arkansas. I have been deeply involved in representing the people of Bella Vista's concerns and my opponent doesn't have that experience.

What is the number one issue within your district?
• The number one issue for the majority of people in this district is the conflict that arises due to the fact that we have a two-tiered form of governance here in Bella Vista. Like no other city in Arkansas, we have a property owners association that is at least three times more powerful than the city. This makes for a very complicated form of government that is in constant conflict. This district needs a representative that understands these issues and I do and my opponent doesn't have the foggiest idea of what goes on in Bella Vista.

• What is the top issue the 2013-2014 Arkansas General Assembly will face?
Arkansas will face the same challenges that our nation and the world is facing right now and that is the economy and jobs.

Rep. Mary Lou Slinkard, R-Gravette
• Why are you the better candidate for the position?
Third and final term in the House. Experience of the last 2 general sessions and 2 fiscal sessions. Move up in seniority, service on State Agencies, Judiciary, Legislative Audit (counties and Municipal) and House Management committees, and Ark Lottery Oversight committee.

• What is the number one issue within your district?
Lower taxes, less government, small business growth; in rural areas – agriculture growth, closing of post offices (federal), and high energy and gas prices.

• What is the top issue the 2013-2014 Arkansas General Assembly will face?
Medicaid and Health Insurance Exchange, finding dollars to be spent more wisely and efficiency, highway and transportation, and focus on growing the economy.