Arkansas House District 80: Fite and Norton

The race for Arkansas House of Representatives District 80 pits candidates Charlene Fite (R) and Jack Norton (D) in a contest where job creation and taxes will receive the lion's share of attention.

Fite wants to "reduce the top income tax rate from 7% to 6% and phase in an expansion of the 4.5% tax bracket over time to establish a lower tax rate for middle class Arkansans," while Norton would like "to continue to lower the food tax … and try to create a tax advantage for the smaller towns like the larger cities have to bring more jobs to district 80."

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.

Charlene Fite
• What are the top issues in your district?
A recent poll my campaign conducted in District 80 revealed that the economy is the major concern of citizens. Northwest Arkansas has in recent years seen an economic boom, but much of the growth has bypassed District 80. I will work with other area legislators to find ways to bring good jobs to our region. Arkansas is ranked near the bottom of all 50 states in median income and near the top in tax rates on working people. Arkansas Republicans will pass tax reforms that keep more money in the pockets of Arkansas workers and families while broadening our tax base. Streamlining Arkansas' tax system and establishing a true middle class tax rate will allow small business owners to hire more workers and update their equipment. We will reduce the top income tax rate from 7% to 6% and phase in an expansion of the 4.5% tax bracket over time to establish a lower tax rate for middle class Arkansans.

Hardworking Arkansans are hurting as rising gas prices have had  a significant impact on the farmers and ranchers of Distrtict 80 as well as employees who travel over great distances to work and shop.

• What are your legislative goals for your next term if elected?
The biggest crisis facing the 2013 Legislature will be Medicaid. I will research reforms that have worked in other states. It concerns me that studies indicate that 1/3 of Arkansans use Medicaid services. Current proposals call for increasing this number significantly. Therefore, it is more important than ever that we offer legislation to implement controls that will save our state nearly $50 million for every one percent of waste, fraud and abuse in the Medicaid system that is prevented. I have worked with special needs children for most of my adult life. I want every child, disabled individual and elderly person who needs assistance to have full access to the best services available. Therefore, it is vitally important to improve laws and increase the use of new technologies in order to prevent any abuse in the system.

Throughout my career as a classroom teacher, special educator, school psychology specialist, and former educational director for Arkansas Easter Seals, I've met excellent teachers at all levels. I've seen how hard they work to reach all children. Yet Arkansas remains near the bottom on most measures of student achievement. With educational funding such a large part of our state budget, with two thirds of Arkansas students not testing proficient in math, reading, science or writing, I will work to put the needs of our students first. I will work with other legislators to improve student achievement so that our students become a stronger, more educated work force that will remain in our beautiful state.

• Why do you think you are the best person to represent your district?
I have been described as having a unique combination of book learning and common sense. I'm a fifth generation Arkansan who has lived in several surrounding states and overseas, and I chose Arkansas as the place I wanted to live and raise my family. Through my job career as a missionary, educator, and school psychology specialist, I've learned to work well with people whose backgrounds and experiences are very different from my own. I believe I can make a difference for the people of District 80 and for the state of Arkansas.

I have been endorsed by Arkansas Right to Life, Conservative Arkansas, The NRA (with an A rating), The Arkansas Police Benevolent Association, Governor Mike Huckabee, Senator John Boozman, Tom Cotton, Congressman Steve Womack, and Congressman Tim Griffin. I have received the support of the state Chamber of Commerce and the Arkansas Realtors Association.

YES-NO-DON’T KNOW RESPONSE – Fite
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

Jack Norton
• What are the top issues in your district?
Top Issues will be Jobs, Taxes and Affordable health care.

• What are your legislative goals for your next term if elected?
My legislative goals will be to continue to lower the food tax and certain Tax on input items on the farm and other items my constituency may  bring forward also try to create a tax advantage for the smaller towns like the larger cities have to bring more jobs to district 80.

• Why do you think you are the best person to represent your district?
I have lived and worked,farmed,run a small business, serve on a school board for 11 years, Washington County Justice of Peace for 8 years, Morrow Fire Chief for 20 years and other boards and Community affairs. I will use my experience to work with the Governor and all the State Representative body. I will work across the aisle and you may find out more about my issues and bio at www.nortonfor80.com.

YES-NO-DON’T KNOW RESPONSE – Norton
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?
Don't Know