Day wins Craighead County Judge’s race; Walnut Ridge passes sales tax increase

Political newcomer Marvin Day won the Republican primary Tuesday night, defeating opponent Jeff Presley in the Craighead County Judge’s race. Day tallied 68% of votes cast (5,219) to the 32% (2,414) that Presley received. Day will replace outgoing Craighead County Judge Ed Hill who opted to not seek another term. Results are unofficial.

There are no Democrats running for the seat. Day told Talk Business & Politics the budget will be his top priority when he takes over for Hill in early 2019.

“It’s exciting. It’s humbling,” Day said. “I’m so thankful for all the people that came out and supported me. I’m excited.”

Presley had previously challenged Hill and nearly defeated him in 2016. Attempts to reach Presley for comment were unsuccessful.

Day said he intends to work with Hill before he departs. Hill has a lot of institutional knowledge that will be valuable, Day said. He hopes to bring a “business-like” approach to the office, he added. Internal polling showed that Day had a lead heading into election day, but polls can be inaccurate, Day said.

Walnut Ridge voters approved two sales tax hikes that will be used for water and sewer line improvements. A three-eighths of a cent increase received 58% or 383 of votes cast, and the second, a five-eighths of a cent increase received 56% or 367 of votes cast. Walnut Ridge Mayor Charles Snapp told Talk Business & Politics he’s grateful voters chose the best fiscal option to improve systems that have to be upgraded.

“I’m glad the committee and the members of the Walnut Ridge City Council gave the residents a chance to choose their future instead of forcing policy on them. We live in a great community and a great state,” he said. “I’m humbled to have their input on the sales tax options. It’s time to move forward, and keep our community’s growth moving forward. Thanks to all those who voted.”

Voters had two options to pay for the $5 million facility upgrade and other sewer and water line improvements mandated by the state. Every residential and commercial customer with a water meter would have had up to $13 added to their bills each month, or support two separate sales tax increases.

The three-eighths of a cent will go directly toward the construction of a new treatment facility. It would sunset in 42 years. The other five-eighths of a cent increase will be used for sewer and water system maintenance in compliance with the state regulations, asphalt upgrades, sanitation and mosquito control. If this sales tax increase is passed, the $12 per month per customer sanitation charge would be removed from customers’ bills, along with the $1.50 mosquito coverage charge.

In other races from around Northeast Arkansas, Greene County Judge Rusty McMillon soundly defeated Republican primary challenger Terry Gene Rogers. McMillon received 81% of votes cast (3,031) while Rogers tallied 19% (708). McMillon will face Democrat Jerry Shipman in the November general election.

Mississippi County Republican primary voters chose John Alan Nelson in the county judge contest with Ken Kennemore. Nelson received 65% (2,183) of votes cast, while Kennemore garnered 35% (1,191) of votes cast. Nelson will face independent Darrell Gist in the general election.

Incumbent Bob Cantrell defeated Mark Weston in the Poinsett County Judge’s Republican primary race. Cantrell tallied 57% (930) of votes cast while, Weston received 43% (699) of votes cast.