Arkansas House District 97: Ballinger and Berry

The race for Arkansas House of Representatives District 97 pits candidates Bob Ballinger (R) and Robert Berry (D) against each other in a contest that for both men will focus on tax relief and, for Ballinger, "personal economies" of Arkansas citizens.

"Many at the state and Federal levels continue to push for more taxes and suffocating government regulation in our struggling economy," Ballinger said. "The citizens of the District want a leader who will work hard for government restraint, reduction of the tax burdens, and to ensure that government retains a limited role in our lives."

Berry agrees that "now is the wrong time for tax increases," but he was critical of Ballinger's tax relief plan.

"Under my opponent’s plan, our state sales and use tax would be 9% in just three years, and that’s before any local or city sales tax," Berry said. "Arkansas would have the highest sales tax of any of the surrounding states – more than double the sales tax in Louisiana, Missouri, or Oklahoma."

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.

Bob Ballinger
• What are the top issues in your district?
Individuals are concerned about their personal economies. Many are without work, others are uncertain of the future of their businesses and farms, and many suffer from wages that are too low to ever get ahead.  People on fixed incomes want to know how they will pay the bills and buy groceries as the price of necessities increase.  People want to know that their elected officials care that they have these struggles, and they want to know that there is a plan to improve the economy of the district.

With the natural advantages of our great state, we have all the resources to lead the nation in job creation. However, government is often a stumbling block to job creation. Many at the state and Federal levels continue to push for more taxes and suffocating government regulation in our struggling economy.  The citizens of the District want a leader who will work hard for government restraint, reduction of the tax burdens, and to ensure that government retains a limited role in our lives.  Thereby fostering an environment where the natural, entrepreneurial spirit of the people of our state can grow and thrive.

• What are your legislative goals for your next term if elected?
I have had the privilege to lead in many different capacities. In sports, in business, in civic organizations and in my home, and I have learned the value of leadership.  However, one lesson I have also learned is the necessity of followship. I want to go to Little Rock to serve. That means that I will work in the areas I am needed and be satisfied with just serving as a “deck hand” if the boat is going in the right direction.

Having said that, if leadership is not serving in ways that better the life of the people of my district, that leadership must be made to step aside to allow room for individuals with a vision. We must be willing to make tough choices, find ways to minimize the tax burden on the people and businesses in Arkansas, and encourage new businesses to locate here. That means keeping our needs separate from our wants and funding those critical things which are necessary and proper for the government while encouraging innovative ways to provide non-essential services. In the process, Arkansas can be a beacon of responsible government that the entire country can follow.

• Why do you think you are the best person to represent your district?
I have had the privilege to experience much in my professional, civic, and family life that prepared me to serve this district. As an attorney I have had the privilege to help thousands of individuals, farmers, and businesses navigate through a variety of complex issues and to resolve seemingly unanswerable problems. When running a small business, I took on the responsibility of making a payroll, watching my cash flow, and leading some great employees. As a school teacher and coach I worked closely with students and parents to help develop productive young citizens. As Chamber of Commerce President, and on the Berryville Economic Development Commission, I worked to grow the local economy and develop jobs. And finally, as a father of 6 children I know what it is to struggle to raise our kids up on a limited budget and in a culture and society that often works against parents.

YES-NO-DON’T KNOW RESPONSE – Ballinger
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

Robert Berry
• What are the top issues in your district?
I believe the top three issues for voters in Arkansas are Education, Jobs and Lower Taxes. Quality education will attract quality jobs to our state and Arkansas students should be learning skills that are needed in the 21st century marketplace.

Now is the wrong time for tax increases. Under my opponent’s plan, our state sales and use tax would be 9% in just three years, and that’s before any local or city sales tax. That’s an additional 9% tax on every trip to Wal-Mart, every time we buy school supplies, and every time we get a hotdog and a Coke at the concessions stand at a football game.

Under my opponent’s plan, Arkansas would have the highest sales tax of any of the surrounding states – more than double the sales tax in Louisiana, Missouri, or Oklahoma.

As a state representative, I’ll work to hold down taxes and cut the sales tax on groceries. Gov. Beebe’s cut in the grocery tax is the largest tax cut in our state’s history, saving Arkansas families over $245 million every year.

We need responsible leaders who will work to cut taxes responsibly while continuing to run state government efficiently.

• What are your legislative goals for your next term if elected?
I will continue to support Gov. Beebe’s business development fund to attract companies to locate in our communities. I will focus on continuing to work with the governor and others to develop a more robust economy and keep a balanced state budget.

I will put our children first and fully fund public education for our schools. I see a future where businesses flourish in our part of the Ozarks because our schools focus on educating and graduating students with math, science, and critical decision-making skills—all necessary for finding and keeping a good job.

I want to be able to tell our children that they don't have to leave home to “make something of themselves.” They can make something of themselves right here in Arkansas!

Right now, Arkansas is a leader in the region with a balanced budget while surrounding states are facing drastic cuts to public education and essential services. We cannot allow that to happen here. That is why I will fight for our region of the state and ensure Arkansas continues the agenda that is working well for us.

• Why do you think you are the best person to represent your district?
I believe in putting people before politics. As a 4th generation Arkansan, I understand the needs and concerns of the people in NW Arkansas. We should elect a representative who knows our needs, not just a politician committed to special interests.

My parents died when I was a child. I was raised by my 70-year-old grandmother on social security. I know what it’s like to only afford the necessities of life. I understand the issues that Senior Citizens face and will be a voice for them.

My father died while serving our country. Because of that fact, I received college funds through the GI bill. My mother and father’s brothers both died serving in the armed forces. I have great respect for Veterans and will support them.

I understand business. I‘ve had my own small architectural firm for over 25 years.

I know about government and budgets. I was the Director of a State commission for 8 years and have been elected to the Eureka Springs City Council for 4 terms.

I understand the needs of small communities, and that is what Arkansas is mostly made up of.

YES-NO-DON’T KNOW RESPONSE – Berry
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