Arkansas House District 77: Malone and Tate

The race for Arkansas House of Representatives District 77 pits Rep. Stephanie Malone, R-Fort Smith, against challenger Doris Tate (D) in a contest where jobs and healthcare are top issues, according to the candidates.

Malone believes it is important "to continue to make Arkansas a business friendly state," adding that the legislature needs to look at lowering the manufacturers utility tax "to make us competitive" with surrounding states. Tate intends to "support legislation that strengthens Education, Economic Development that will bring jobs to Sebastian County and Health Care issues."

These responses were part of a survey conducted by The City Wire in anticipation of the 15 contested state legislative races. Candidates were asked about the top issues in their district, legislative goals for the next term and why each believes they are the right candidate for the position. They were also asked to answer “Yes,” “No,” or “Don’t Know” to a range of issues likely to surface in the 2013-2014 General Assembly.

The candidates' full, unedited responses are below.

Rep. Stephanie Malone
• What are the top issues in your district?
Jobs & Medicaid expansion. The Fort Smith Region has seen its fair share of job losses, particularly Dist. 77, as a legislator it is important to continue to make Arkansas a business friendly state. One measure to look at is to continuing to lower our manufactures utility tax to make us competitive with our surrounding touch states. Medicaid expansion has been on a lot of people's mind. Arkansas is currently $300 million in debt when it comes to Medicaid. We as legislators need to take a closer look at our current system and re-evaluate things such as doctor visits and medication cost.

• What are your legislative goals for your next term if elected?
My goal is to continue being strong independent voice for the people of the district and to continue to ensure that their voices and concerns are heard at the Capitol.

• Why do you think you are the best person to represent your district?
I have the economic development and legislative experience that I feel are vital for dealing with the challenges and opportunities facing the Fort Smith Region. I have both the professional and political background to help our community create jobs and continue to create a dynamic economic climate for Sebastian County.

YES-NO-DON’T KNOW RESPONSE – Malone
Each candidate was asked to provide a yes, no or don’t know response to the following four questions. Anything other than one of the three responses was not accepted.

• If budget conditions allow, would you vote for renewal of the Quick Action Closing Fund?
Yes

• Are you for the Nov. 6 ballot item that would raise the Arkansas sales tax rate by a half-cent (0.5%) to fund more than $1.8 billion in Arkansas road improvements during the next 10 years?
No

• Would you support tougher ethics laws for Arkansas Legislators?
Yes

• Would you support expansion of Arkansas’s Medicaid program using federal dollars as part of the new federal healthcare law?
No

Doris Tate
• What are the top issues in your district?
The top issues in District 77 is jobs and health care.

• What are your legislative goals for your next term if elected?
To support legislation that strengthens Education, Economic Development that will bring jobs to Sebastian County and Health Care issues.

• Why do you think you are the best person to represent your district?
I have had many years experience as an Elected Official in Sebastian County and during those years was elected by my peers to serve in leadership rolls in both professional and civic organizations. I feel that having the qualities of a leader is essential in working with the Governor and other Legislators.

YES-NO-DON’T KNOW RESPONSE – Tate
Each candidate was asked to provide a yes, no or don’t know response to the following four questions. Anything other than one of the three responses was not accepted.

• If budget conditions allow, would you vote for renewal of the Quick Action Closing Fund?
Yes

• Are you for the Nov. 6 ballot item that would raise the Arkansas sales tax rate by a half-cent (0.5%) to fund more than $1.8 billion in Arkansas road improvements during the next 10 years?
Yes

• Would you support tougher ethics laws for Arkansas Legislators?
Yes

• Would you support expansion of Arkansas’s Medicaid program using federal dollars as part of the new federal healthcare law?
Yes