Craighead County will have Republican primary in its county judge race

There will be a Republican primary in the Craighead County judge’s race. Jonesboro native Marvin Day, 47, told Talk Business and Politics he will challenge fellow Republican Jeff Presley who has announced he will seek the office.

County Judge Ed Hill has decided not to seek another term. Day said he’s never sought a political office, but in recent months the thought of working in the judge’s office intrigued him.

“I’ve got the background and the desire to do this,” he said.

Day, a graduate of Jonesboro High School received a civil engineering degree from the University of Arkansas and is employed as a senior engineer at City Water and Light. He has previously worked in the highway and heavy construction business and was a co-founder of Asphalt Producers.

The county budget will be his top priority if elected. The county needs to streamline some of its costs in different county offices, he said. For example, information technology could be shared among the elected offices, and office supplies for all departments could be bought in bulk, he said. Human resources could be utilized much better, he said. The key will be cooperation among all elected officials, he said.

“I want to foster cooperative leadership among all elected officials in Craighead County so that we can work together to serve all citizens in a more efficient manner. I would like to use my back ground as a civil engineer and business owner to improve the quality of the services the county provides and enhance a positive work environment for its employees,” Day said.

Efficiency and long-term planning will be a part of his approach to the job, he said. The county is one of the fastest growing in the state, and the county’s financial resources will come under strain, he said. Craighead County’s budget is $30.414 million in 2018. The number of county employees fluctuates from 280 to 324 based on how full- and part-time jobs are calculated, and if elected officials such as justices of the peace are added to the rolls. The county judge annual salary, not including benefits, is around $82,000.

“I want to work hard to provide a business-like approach to county government,” he said.

Day was a member and served as chairman of the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission, served on the City of Jonesboro Land Use Advisory Committee, worked as the vice chairman of the Master Street Plan Committee, and served as the vice chairman of the the Storm water advisory board. He is also a former member of The Rotary Club of Jonesboro and served as a loaned executive to the United Way.

“I want to ensure that the county attracts and maintains quality employees who have a heart to serve others. I look forward to getting to meet as many voters that I can before the May primary,” Day said. “I will take a common-sense approach and pledge to make every decision in the best interest of the taxpayer.”

Day is a hunter and outdoorsman. He and his wife, Ashley Thompson Day have two sons, Alex and Zac.