Scrutiny Of Tax Code A Key Issue In Wagner, Wallace House District 54 Race

A state house race in Mississippi and Poinsett counties features two candidates who argue their life experiences are a key plus for voters to help decide who wins the race.

Republican Dave Wallace of Leachville is challenging State Rep. Wes Wagner, D-Manila, in the District 54 State House race.

The district includes Blytheville, Etowah, Gosnell, Leachville, Manila and part of Osceola in Mississippi County, along with Lepanto, Rivervale and Trumann in Poinsett County.

Wagner is an attorney while Wallace is the chief executive officer for a disaster clean-up company.

TAXES
Wallace said he favors a complete look at reviewing the state’s tax laws.

“In Arkansas, for the amount of taxes we pay and the services we get, Arkansas is dead last. In Texas, there is no income tax. In Tennessee, there is no income tax. In Missouri, they have cut their income tax. In Arkansas, a company takes a 7.5 percent increase (in taxes). We have to lower our state taxes. You learn in business that it is not your gross margin percentage, it is your gross margin dollars that matter,” Wallace said. “It is the law of supply and demand. When you lower taxes, you create jobs and raise revenue.”

Wagner said he voted in the 2013 session to cut $100 million in taxes, including taxes on grain drying and cotton bale wrap that has an impact on agriculture in the district.

“There were several different ideas that came out (in the session). What I liked about them was it was diverse,” Wagner said. “But if you are going to cut taxes, you have to figure out how to replace it. Everyone loves to cut taxes and I do too. But you have to be mindful of how much to cut and you can’t cut to where it hurts education or healthcare or any vital program.”

PRIVATE OPTION
The two candidates differ on the Private Option.

“The biggest difference between us is Obamacare or the Private Option,” Wallace said. “Wes Wagner voted for the biggest government spending program in Arkansas history. Our state cannot afford it and in time, we will find this out. He voted for a law where people in their 40s and 50s, it will cost more and their deductible will go up and be out of sight.”

Wallace said he believes the law may have some unintended consequences.

“It is the case of the camel getting its nose into the tent. How can the taxpayers of Arkansas continue to carry that burden? I talked to a pharmacist. She graduated with my daughter. She loves working with people, but the cost (of medicine) has forced her to use different drugs. But Big Government said you have to use it. But with the cost, the pharmacist has to take a hit to provide medicine,” Wallace said.

“I don’t see how we do not reauthorize it,” Wagner said. “It has been successful. The numbers I have seen, we have 195,000 people in Arkansas, 3,895 in Mississippi County and 2,350 in Poinsett County who are now covered by insurance.”

Wagner said recent media statements by hospital administrators in Mississippi County have shown the need for it.

“Ralph Beaty (administrator for the Mississippi County Hospital System) has taken a common-sense approach. Obamacare passed the Congress and was challenged in the Supreme Court, where it was found constitutional,” Wagner said, noting state officials then began looking for ways to craft their own program. “He said the regulations were not good for hospitals but said it is the only reason they are open.”

OTHER ISSUES
Wagner said he supports a plan to help small towns with infrastructure needs, including getting rid of dilapidated homes.

“The infrastructure in these small towns are starting to wear out. They need help with grant funding or something else to provide infrastructure. I believe in helping those who help themselves,” Wagner said of a plan by the city of Lepanto to rebuild its water and sewer system.

Wagner said the cost of getting rid of the homes as well as regulations often make it difficult for cities to condemn or tear down homes.

Wagner said he has also worked in a bipartisan basis on bills and with policy.

“It is good for us to have the party-line divide. … And I have shown that I will work with everybody, regardless of party,” Wagner said.

Wallace said he supports the state’s Voter ID law.

“If you get rid of Voter ID, it will open up our votes to fraud. I think if you have to show an ID to buy a carton of cigarettes or a six-pack of beer, why in God’s name do you not have to show your ID?,” Wallace said.

Wallace, a Vietnam veteran, said the values he learned in the military would serve as a compass for him.

“I am proud of my military career. I am in the Arkansas Military Hall of Honor. I was shot down twice and decorated seven times. I run a disaster business and I have dedicated my life to winning this race, for my district. It is one of the last things I can do for my country. I spent 21 years in the military, going from a platoon leader to a battalion commander. I believe loyalty to family and one’s country is one of the most important things I have learned,” Wallace said.