Arkansas Senate District 7: Woods and Worthen

The race for Arkansas Senate District 7 pits Rep. Jon Woods, R-Springdale, against candidate Diana Gonzales Worthen (D) in a contest that for both candidates will focus on ways to create job growth.

For Woods, "Cutting the personal income tax to make Arkansas more competitive with surrounding states" is a priority. Woods plans to vote "against tax increases during a time when the economy needs to rebound," he said.

Worthen believes that "Education and jobs go hand in hand."

"The more educated and prepared our workforce, the more likely businesses and corporations will locate here because they will have the skilled workforce to support their business," Worthen said.

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. Jon Woods
• What are the top issues in your district?
Jobs, out of control government spending & the economy.

• What are your legislative goals for your next term if elected?
Cutting the personal income tax to make Arkansas more competitive with surrounding states. Voting against tax increases during a time when the economy needs to rebound. Improving quality of life for those that live in District 7 which is Springdale, East Fayetteville, Tontitown, Johnson, Elkins, Goshen, Durham and Wyman.

• Why do you think you are the best person to represent your district?
I feel that I am the right fit for this position because I have a strong work ethic. I also take pride in being a proactive policy maker. I enjoy meeting with local lawmakers before each session and getting their feedback on needed changes to existing laws. I also want to make District 7 a safe community to raise a family.

YES-NO-DON’T KNOW RESPONSE – Woods
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

Diana Gonzales Worthen
• What are the top issues in your district?
Based on numerous door to door conversations, attending conferences, forums and serving on various boards and workgroups, the top issues in my district are creating jobs, increasing educational attainment, accessing affordable and preventative healthcare, and reducing poverty and food insecurity. Education and jobs go hand in hand. The more educated and prepared our workforce, the more likely businesses and corporations will locate here because they will have the skilled workforce to support their business. This brings jobs to our area and strengthens our economy.

Additionally, more attention is needed for vulnerable populations such as uninsured children since Washington County has the highest percentage in the state; caring for seniors including retirement, medical benefits, in-home care and enhancing their quality of life by supporting senior centers; helping veterans in locating jobs, accessing education and addressing their medical needs; and providing additional services and outreach for individuals with disabilities and people suffering from mental illness. There is a critical need for providing appropriate care and additional facilities for people with mental illness in our community. All people matter and I will be their voice.

• What are your legislative goals for your next term if elected?
My goals align with my district’s issues-job creation especially in technical fields; advancing educational opportunities for Pre-K, after-school, summer enrichment, family literacy; Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) education, arts integration and promoting college and career readiness.

I will support our medical school and address healthcare needs by voting yes to extend Medicaid to 250,000 additional Arkansans. This brings $7 million dollars to our local hospital and helps alleviate unpaid healthcare costs. By providing healthcare to our most needy families, they can receive preventative care which reduces costs overall.

The people in my district can count on me to be accessible and listen to their concerns. As needs arise, I will work with various sectors in the community including non-profit organizations, agencies, workgroups, businesses, foundations, etc. to research laws pertaining to the issues of concern. As an educator for 25 years and having earned a PhD, I have been active in addressing challenges in Northwest Arkansas. I will ask a lot of questions to obtain different viewpoints, collaborate, build consensus and begin drafting bills to address concerns. This process is rigorous as it should be since it affects every person living in Arkansas. It takes a variety of people and sectors, to build good policy for our region and state.

• Why do you think you are the best person to represent your district?
My father and six of his brothers served in the U.S. military. My mother was the United Way Chairman at our local hospital. Service to the United States is a Gonzales family value. Northwest Arkansas is a great place to live, work and raise a family. My husband, Shannon of 28 years and daughter, Laura moved here 16 years ago. Laura graduated valedictorian from Springdale High School in 2012. Her educational and community experiences prepared her to attend Washington University in St. Louis where she is studying biomedical engineering.

I care for people and the future direction of NWA. I am approachable, a problem-solver, and can relate to people of all walks of life. As a wife, mother, teacher, and community volunteer, I have been addressing the challenges of the district. As our area continues to grow and become increasingly diverse, it will take someone who understands the challenges of cultural and language differences and who can work with people of all backgrounds. I am the granddaughter of Mexican immigrants, speak Spanish and teach classes at the University of Arkansas for teachers to obtain an English as a Second Language (ESL) endorsement on their teaching license.

YES-NO-DON’T KNOW RESPONSE – Worthen
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