Altes resigns Sebastian County JP post, Hutchinson to name replacement

Denny Altes has resigned his elected position on the Sebastian County Quorum Court to focus on his full-time job in Little Rock as the state’s drug director. The resignation also nullifies the need for an opinion from the Arkansas Attorney General about Altes’ ability to serve in both capacities.

In a letter dated May 26, Altes notified Sebastian County Judge David Hudson of his decision to resign.

“A few weeks ago I accepted an appointment from the Governor to the position of Arkansas Drug Director. This is a very demanding task and will require much more of my time than I originally thought. Therefore, I think it best for me to resign my position as Justice of the Peach District 13 on the Quorum Court of Sebastian County effective June 1st,” Altes wrote in the letter to Hudson.

Gov. Asa Hutchinson on May 14 named Altes, a former legislator from Fort Smith who was elected to the Sebastian County Quorum Court in November, as the state’s Drug Director. The State Drug Director oversees and coordinates the activities of the Arkansas State Drug Abuse and Prevention Coordinating Council and is responsible for coordination of all alcohol and drug abuse prevention/treatment initiatives in Arkansas.

Altes, 67, served in the House of Representatives from 1999-2003 and represented Senate District 13 from 2003 to 2011. He returned to the House of Representatives in 2011 and represented the 76th District until January 2015.

On May 20, Sebastian County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Shue sent a letter to Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge to ask her opinion about Altes role on the Quorum Court and as drug director. Shue noted that Altes’ role on the Quorum Court could have potential financial conflicts with his new job as drug director. On Wednesday (June 3), Shue’s office notified the AG’s office that the opinion was no longer needed.

Altes’ replacement will be named by Gov. Hutchinson. Hudson said a resolution formally noting the vacancy is on the Court’s June 16 meeting agenda. That document, when approved, will be sent to Hutchinson’s office as part of the formal notification procedure, Hudson said. The person appointed by Hutchinson may not run for re-election to the position.

This is the second time Altes has resigned from the Sebastian County Quorum Court. In 1999 he ran in a special election for the Arkansas House seat left vacant after the death of Rep. Mac McGehee of Fort Smith. After winning the election, Altes resigned from the Quorum Court.

“I know we have been through this before back in 1999 and I hate to do this to you again but I think it best to devote my full attention to the mission of Drug Director,” Altes wrote in his letter to Hudson.