Marion County Arkansas Republicans
CANDIDATE INFORMATION
To learn about the candidates, the sections below contain information that candidates have provided.
or
Click on their names for link to their web sites.
*Denotes Incumbent
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE
CHUCK VAN VELKINBURGH, JUSTICE OF THE PEACE DISTRICT 1
UNOPPOSED
Chuck Van Velkinburgh announced his candidacy for Justice of the Peace District 1 in Marion County.
Velkinburgh states, “My wife, Diane and I have been involved in the area since 1979. In the Fall 2015 we purchased property and built our home where we now live. In the Fall of 2022 we started attending the Quorum Court meetings in Yellville after hearing of several break-ins in our area to see what could be done to help strenghten the law enforcement effort in our area.
I became very interested in how the Ouorum Court works and what I could do to help. I realize the major responsibilities are to work towards keeping Marion County financially solvent and keeping the citizens safe.
I’m pro law enforcement and believe that a safe community is a strong community. If elected, I will look forward to working for the people of Lazy Acres, Oakland, Peel, Pine Mountain, Price Place, Promise Land and any other adjoining territory on ways to keep not only our JP area #1 safe and sound but also working towards keeping the entire Marion County a growing and prosperous county.”
SANDRA LEE, JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, DISTRICT 2
UNOPPOSED
Sandra Lee announces her candidacy for Marion County Justo of the Peace District 2. She is a part of the Marion County Republican Party.
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Originally born and raised in Wisconsin, she grew up on a small family farm where she learned dedication and discipline at an early age. Over the last 25 years and three
states, she has owned and operated three separate businesses, learning the importance of transparency and honesty within her daily life.
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Throughout her life, she has always prioritized giving back to the community, spending time volunteering with local human societies, park clean-ups, Angel Tree and rescue blanket ministries along with other service and boards within her church.
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Lee and her family have been vacationing in Bull Shoals since 1995 and put down permanent roots in 2019 with her husband of 29 years, Mark, to be closer to family. She
currently works for Bull Shoals Family Dental and is an active member and current treasurer of Bull Shoals Methodist Church.
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Mark is a Deputy Sheriff for the Marion County Sheriff’s Department, and they have one daughter, Alexis, and a rescued dog named Buddy.
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Sandra has an open mind, eagerness to learn and wants to help make a positive change and impact on Marion County by being the voice of the citizens of Bull Shoals.
TRAVIS HOPSON, JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, DISTRICT 3
UNOPPOSED
I am announcing my intent to run for Marion County Justice of the Peace, Pct #3. I feel that my 30 years of public service will help me to serve the Citizens of Marion County. I began my Law Enforcement career at the age of 19 with Campus Security while in college. I have worked as a Jailer, Bailiff, Patrol Officer, Criminal Investigator, Corrections Officer, and currently Police Chief of the City of Cotter. I have worked in City, County, and State Agencies, and have worked hard to serve the community with the utmost integrity and professionalism.
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My Wife and I have raised our two daughters in Marion County, and I have a deep love for this place. I feel that it is time I gave back to our hard-working Community. As your Justice of the Peace, I will strive to continue making Marion County a place to be proud of. I bring a unique set of skills having worked for municipal, county, and state government and possess a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science from the University of Texas at Tyler.
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As the current Police Chief for the City of Cotter I have an integral knowledge of the Budget process and how to work with people to obtain common goals. I feel that this position is truly an extension of the voters and citizens of Marion County, and as your JP I will work hard to create an atmosphere where compromise is welcomed. I am a Conservative Republican who believes in God, strongly defends the Constitution, and loves his family and community. I will work hard to bridge gaps and create a more productive and sound government so that citizens can be proud to live and work in Marion County.
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Thank you and God Bless,
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Travis Hopson
KOLTON JENSEN, JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, DISTRICT 4
​UNOPPOSED
My name is Kolton Jensen and I am very pleased to be your Justice of the Peace for Marion County District 4.
As a lifelong resident of Marion County, I will strive to maintain the values I was raised upon. I am a Christian, husband to my wife of 9 years, and father of two beautiful boys. I am the proud owner of Woods Wrecker Service 2, providing towing/recovery services to citizens of the county.
As your Justice of the Peace, I will work hard for the citizens of Marion County. I, just like you, I am a dedicated individual who understands the values and morals needed to make our county successful and prosper for generations to come. The success of our schools, law enforcement, road department, citizens, and county entities are my utmost priority, and I look forward to representing District 4.
*JOHN REED, JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, DISTRICT 5
UNOPPOSED
Experience
Manager of Information Technology
Long time Marion County residence
Lifetime conservative ideology
Common sense problem solving
Law enforcement background
Qualifications
Doctorate degree in Management
Conservative with a focus in fiscal analysis
Viet Nam Veteran
Christian ethics
LESLIE KERWOOD FOR JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, DISTRICT 6
UNOPPOSED
Leslie Kerwood, Republican, is officially announcing her candidacy for the position of Justice of the Peace, District 6.
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A Marion County native, Kerwood is a graduate of Yellville-Summit Class of 2000. She has a master’s degree in psychology and a bachelor’s degree in business management. Leslie is currently employed by Summit Community Care, an Arkansas Medicaid Passe program. PASSE is a program that serves Medicaid clients with complex behavioral health, developmental, or intellectual disabilities. She is a current member of the Board of Directors for Marion County Community Services. Leslie and her husband Mike, live on a small farm and raise cattle. These are experiences she will use as a Justice of the Peace.
“I am a lifetime resident myself and love my community and way of life”, stated Kerwood. Her work on the Board of Directors for Marion County Community Services has given her an opportunity to work on getting a community center built for the benefit of the residents of Marion County, which she is passionate about.
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Leslie Kerwood is married to Mike Kerwood and they have 6 children and 3 grandchildren. They enjoy their country life and their time with family.
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Kerwood states, “I am extremely passionate about helping the residents of Marion County to be the best version of our current selves and I would like to be your voice for Justice of the Peace, District 6.”
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*MARION WESLEY SHIPMAN, JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, DISTRICT 7
UNOPPOSED
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Marion Wesley Shipman, is seeking re-election for Justice of the Peace, District 7. Shipmen is semi-retired from a family business, Shipman Pump Service in Yellville. He has strong family ties to Marion County.
Shipman believes his business experience and working knowledge of the county helps him make good fiscally sound decisions to ensure that Marion County is run effectively for the citizens of Marion County.
Shipman has served as JP 7 for past 29 years and would like the honor of continuing to represent the constituents in Justice of the Peace, District 7.
TOMMY DORSEY, JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, DISTRICT 8
UNOPPOSED
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My name is Tommy Dorsey, and I am running for Justice of the Peace District #8.
I moved from Fayetteville to Yellville in 2003.
I have worked for the same Financial Institution for 24 years.
I currently serve as the City of Yellville Representative on the Marion County Equalization Board, as well as the City of Yellville Park Board and Planning and Zoning Board.
I am community oriented and want to see Marion County prosper.
I believe if we all work together, we can achieve this.
I would appreciate your support.
TOMMY DEAN JONSON, JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, DISTRICT 9
UNOPPOSED
Announcement was made of the filing of a Marion County resident for the JP District 9 seat. Tommy Dean Johnson of the Bruno area will be running for the JP seat that was held by Joyce McCalla. Johnson is a native born of Arkansas and a lifelong resident of Marion County and District 9.
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“I’ve worked the land here, so I have a relationship with the people who make their home in this district’ he said. Johnson brings to the seat a lifelong knowledge of local agriculture and livestock production. He has also worked the construction field from basic building to heavy equipment.
A 1972 graduate of Yellville-Summit High School, Johnson has worked various jobs from industrial down rigging to a time on an offshore drilling platform in the Gulf of Mexico. In 1989, he enlisted in the US Army Reserve training as a Combat Engineer from construction phase to mechanized armor.
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‘I never worked on financial budgets in government but that all changed on my last deployment in 2008’. I was reassigned to the 2145th Garrison Support Unit stationed in Nashville, TN where I deployed with them on my 2nd tour to the Victory Base Complex (VBC) in Baghdad, Iraq. My assignment was coordinating the military contracts of the civilian contractors to ensure the budget proposals met the standards issued by the military. Holding the rank of SFC E7, he was later assigned to be the Sr. NCO of Infrastructure Operations for the entire base, the largest in the Iraqi Theater of the conflict. ‘I had a broken system and was instructed to make it work better. I looked at what worked and what wasn’t working and with the help of the officers over me, we made it work’.
STATE CANDIDATES
STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 4
UNOPPOSED
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Jason Nazarenko, A republican, has announced his candidacy for District 4 state representative. This seat is currently held by Jack Fortner, who has announced that he is not seeking re-election and is supporting Jason in his Campaign.
“I am passionate about serving our district and the citizens within it to make positive impacts where needed and to ensure their voice is heard on the capital floor.” “I will focus on positive growth, while maintaining a push for lower taxes and less government.”
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Nazarenko said. “ I am anxious to serve the citizens of our district.”
Nazarenko is a 1994 Cotter graduate who left the area in 1996 to join the US Army serving over 23 years on Active duty with the last ten years flying Blackhawk helicopters for the Army’s elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment more commonly known as the Night Stalkers. Nazarenko currently flies for Air Evac LifeTeam in Harrison, as well as being an on-call pilot for the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office and Reserve Deputy. Nazarenko holds a Bachelor’s degree in Professional Aeronautics from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, and a double Masters in Business Administration and Philosophy of Management.
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Nazarenko is a long standing member of Twin Lakes Baptist church in Mountain Home and will rely on his strong conservative beliefs as he represents District 4 in the capital.
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“ Representative Fortner has done an excellent job of representing our community in Little Rock with his strong Conservative, Christian beliefs and voting record. I am anxious to continue to serve District 4 in a way that makes your voice heard clearly.”
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Nazarenko currently volunteers as the president for the Cotter-Gassville Chamber of Commerce and is the commissioner for the Planning and Zoning boards in Cotter.
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Nazarenko and his wife of 27 years, Kammi (Statler – of Lakeview) reside in Cotter where they have focused their attention on updating many of the buildings, providing homes and jobs in the process.
SCOTT FLIPPO, STATE SENATOR, DISTRICT 23
UNOPPOSED
Senator Scott Flippo represents District 23, which includes Baxter and Marion Counties and parts of Boone, Fulton and Izard Counties. He was elected to the Senate in 2014 and took the oath of office on the first day of the 2015 regular session.
Senator Flippo is chair of the Senate City, County and Local Affairs Committee, co-chair of the Review Subcommittee and vice co-chair of the Joint Energy Committee. He is a member of the Senate Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee, the Joint Performance Review (JPR) Committee, the Senate Rules, Resolutions and Memorials Committee, the Joint Budget Committee, the Arkansas Legislative Council, the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee, the Game and Fish / State Police Subcommittee, the Higher Education Subcommittee, the Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review (PEER) Subcommittee and the Policy-Making Subcommittee.
In past sessions Senator Flippo has served as the Senate co-chair of the Legislative Council’s Review Subcommittee and the Behavioral Health Treatment Access Legislative Task Force. He has served as vice chair for the Council’s Hospital and Medicaid Study Subcommittee and vice chair of the Joint Energy Committee. He was the Senate Majority Whip for the 92nd General Assembly and served as the Senate Majority Leader for the 93rd General Assembly.
In the 2021 session Senator Flippo sponsored legislation to amend the penalties for a violation of the mandatory seat belt law, to expand the review of license applications for long-term care facilities and to amend the Medicaid eligibility verification system. He was also the Senate sponsor for House bills on chemical abortion, the use of firefighting foam and the authority of the Attorney General to legally challenge federal regulations.
In past sessions, Senator Flippo sponsored legislation to reform procurement policies of state agencies. He sponsored legislation to strengthen the General Assembly’s oversight of procurement rules and practices.
Senator Flippo is a member the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) and the Southern Legislative Conference (SLC). He is a member of the Bull Shoals Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club and Mountain Home Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club.
Senator Flippo is a native of Mountain Home and lives there. He is a graduate of Mountain Home High School and earned a degree in Business Administration from the University of Arkansas.
He is the owner of Carefree Living, an assisted living center. He is a member of the Methodist church.
SECRETARY OF STATE JOHN THURSTON
CANDIDATE FOR STATE TREASURER
Arkansas Secretary of State John Thurston, first elected in November 2018, was re-elected to a second term in November 2022. Previously, he served two terms as Arkansas Commissioner of State Lands. John is the past chair of the Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council and past president of the Western States Land Commissioners Association.
By law, the Secretary of State serves as chair of the Capitol Arts and Grounds Commission and the State Board of Election Commissioners. In his official capacity, he is also a member of the Capitol Zoning District Commission, the Capitol Parking Control Committee, and the Information Network of Arkansas Board. In addition, the Secretary of State serves as a member of the Board of Apportionment, which oversees the redistricting of state legislative districts.
Secretary Thurston is a member of the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS). There, he serves on the Elections, Cybersecurity, and International Relations Committees. He also currently serves as co-chair of the Business Services Committee.
Born in Little Rock and raised in Saline County, John graduated from Sheridan High School in 1991. He has a diploma in biblical studies from Agape College and a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
John now resides in East End with his wife Joanna and their five children. He is an avid outdoorsman.
US RACES
U.S. CONGRESS, DISTRICT 1
Raised in an Air Force family, U.S. Representative Rick Crawford has lived all over the United States and in England. His parents instilled in him a devotion to service from a young age. Those simple life lessons have remained with Rick, and are at the forefront of his mind when working on creating a more prosperous America for future generations.
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Rick enlisted in the United States Army straight out of high school. He served as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician, completing four years of service and advancing to the rank of Sergeant. He earned numerous medals for service at home and in Southwest Asia.
After completion of his military service, Rick matriculated at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro and graduated in 1996 with a degree in Agriculture Business and Economics.
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Throughout college, Rick competed in rodeos across the country and, while recovering from a career-ending injury, discovered a talent for announcing and producing rodeos. He became a freelance rodeo announcer and producer after completing his bachelor’s degree, which led to a career in agri-news reporting and broadcasting. He founded and operated the AgWatch Network – a web-based farm news content provider serving more than 50 radio station affiliates in five states. Rick also served as marketing manager for one of the largest John Deere dealer groups in North America.
Driven by a desire to serve and help secure a brighter future for Arkansas’s First District, Rick decided to run for Congress in 2010. In his six terms in Congress, Rick has voiced the concerns of his district while bringing solutions to the national table. He is a senior member on the House Agriculture Committee, having played a critical role in passing two Farm Bills, having served on the Conference Committees in 2014 and 2018, and as Chairman of Agriculture Subcommittees in three of his first five terms in Congress. He views agriculture as a national security issue – a nation that cannot feed itself is a nation that is not secure.
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National security is one of Rick’s top priorities and he was appointed in 2017 to serve on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI) – the first Arkansas representative to do so.
Rick also serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee where he has worked to create safer and more reliable highways, waterways, railways, and runways. His most significant accomplishment on the transportation front for the First District was the interstate designation of I-555, a vital corridor for Northeast Arkansas. He is current Chairman of the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit after serving two terms as the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
Rick and his wife Stacy, also an A-State graduate, live in Jonesboro with their two children. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his family, cooking, watching old western films, and playing guitar and singing with his band, Triple Nickel.
PRESIDENTIAL CANDIATES
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TRUMP'S PLAN TO MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN:
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1. Seal the border and stop the migrant invasion
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2. Carry out the largest deportation operation in American history
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3. End inflation, and make America affordable again
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4. Make America the dominant energy producer in the world, by far!
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5. STOP OUTSOURCING, AND TURN THE UNITED STATES INTO A MANUFACTURING SUPERPOWER
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6. Large tax cuts for workers, and no tax on tips!
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7. Defend our constitution, our bill of rights, and our fundamental freedoms, including freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right to keep and bear arms
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8. Prevent World War three, restore peace in Europe and in the middle east, and build a great iron dome missile defense shield over our entire country -- all made in America
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9. End the weaponization of government against the American people
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10Stop the migrant crime epidemic, demolish the foreign drug cartels, crush gang violence, and lock up violent offenders
11. Rebuild our cities, including Washington DC, making them safe, clean, and beautiful again.
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12. Strengthen and modernize our military, making it, without question, the strongest and most powerful in the world
13. Keep the U.S. dollar as the world's reserve currency
14. Fight for and protect social security and Medicare with no cuts, including no changes to the retirement age
15. Cancel the electric vehicle mandate and cut costly and burdensome regulations
16. Cut federal funding for any school pushing critical race theory, radical gender ideology, and other inappropriate racial, sexual, or political content on our children
17. Keep men out of women's sports
18. Deport pro-Hamas radicals and make our college campuses safe and patriotic again
19. Secure our elections, including same day voting, voter identification, paper ballots, and proof of citizenship
20. Unite our country by bringing it to new and record levels of success
NONPARTISAN CANDIDATES
STATE SUPREME COURT CHIEF JUSTICE POSITION 1
Bull Shoals Mayor*
William ‘Bill’ Stahlman Jr.
Travis Fancher
Phil Friese
Carol Duss*
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Bull Shoals City Recorder
Paula Reynolds
Tina Bailey*
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BULL SHOALS CITY COUNCIL
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Ward 1 Position 1
Daryl J. Lindman*
Merle E. Fawcett Sr.
Ward 1 Position 2
Randal Bolen
George J. ‘Joey’ Grede*
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Ward 2 Position 1
Michael Castagna*
Russell Meinking
Ward 2 Position 2
Michael Howell
Brenna Ferrell
Dino Giannini*
Ward 3 Position 1
Dale Forbus*
Nancy Jo Pucci
Ward 3 Position 2
Wesley Phelan*
Kevin Hutchison
UNOPPOSED CANDIDATES
State Senate District 23
Senator Scott Flippo* (R)
State Representative District 04
Jason Nazarenko (R)
Justice of the Peace
Chuck Van Velkinburgh (R), District 1
Sandra L. Lee (R), District 2
Travis Hopson (R), District 3
Kolton Jensen (R), District 4
John D. Reed* (R), District 5
Leslie Kerwood (R), District 6
Marion Wesley Shipman* (R), District 7
Tommy Dorsey (R), District 8
Tommy Dean Johnson (R), District 9
FLIPPIN CITY COUNCIL
Lacie Bettencourt*, Ward 1, Position 1
Jodi Howard*, Ward 1, Position 2
Margaret Ott*, Ward 2, Position 1
Yellville City Recorder
Travis Doshier*
YELLVILLE CITY COUNCIL
Layton Lee*, Ward 1, Position 1
Vickie L. Fogerty*, Ward 1, Position 2
Lorna D. Goodwin*, Ward 2, Position 2
Maggie Davenport*, Ward 3, Position 1
Clark Gustin*, Ward 3, Position 2
BALLOT ISSUES
BALLOT MEASURES
Adoption of a 1% local sales and use tax within the City of Pyatt, Arkansas
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT REFERRED TO THE PEOPLE BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Issue No. 1
(Popular Name)
A Constitutional Amendment to Provide that Lottery Proceeds May Be Used to Fund or Provide Scholarships and Grants to Arkansas Citizens Enrolled in Vocational-Technical Schools and Technical Institutes.
(Ballot Title)
AN AMENDMENT TO THE ARKANSAS CONSTITUTION TO PROVIDE THAT LOTTERY PROCEEDS MAY BE USED TO FUND OR PROVIDE SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS TO ARKANSAS CITIZENS ENROLLED IN VOCATIONAL-TECHNICAL SCHOOLS AND TECHNICAL INSTITUTES.
ó †› FOR ISSUE NO. 1
ó †› AGAINST ISSUE NO. 1
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Marion County Republican Committee supports this issue.
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT PROPOSED BY PETITION OF THE PEOPLE
Issue No. 2
(Popular Name)
An amendment requiring local voter approval in a countywide special election for certain new casino licenses and repealing authority to issue
a casino license in Pope County, Arkansas.
(Ballot Title)
AN AMENDMENT TO THE ARKANSAS CONSTITUTION, AMENDMENT 100, § 4, SUBSECTION (I), TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF CASINO LICENSES THAT THE ARKANSAS RACING COMMISSION IS REQUIRED TO ISSUE FROM FOUR TO THREE; AMENDING AMENDMENT 100, § 4, SUBSECTIONS (K) THROUGH (N), TO REPEAL AUTHORIZATION FOR A CASINO IN POPE COUNTY, ARKANSAS AND TO REPEAL THE AUTHORITY OF THE ARKANSAS RACING COMMISSION TO ISSUE A CASINO LICENSE FOR POPE COUNTY, ARKANSAS; AMENDING AMENDMENT 100 § 4, TO ADD SUBSECTION (S), PROVIDING THAT IF THE ARKANSAS RACING COMMISSION, OR OTHER GOVERNING BODY, ISSUES A CASINO LICENSE FOR A CASINO IN POPE COUNTY, ARKANSAS PRIOR TO THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS AMENDMENT, THEN SAID LICENSE IS REVOKED ON THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS AMENDMENT; AMENDING AMENDMENT 100 § 4, TO ADD SUBSECTION (T), PROVIDING THAT IF A FUTURE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT AUTHORIZES THE ISSUANCE OF A CASINO LICENSE IN ANY COUNTY OTHER THAN THOSE ISSUED NOW OR HEREAFTER FOR CRITTENDEN COUNTY (TO SOUTHLAND RACING CORPORATION), GARLAND COUNTY (TO OAKLAWN JOCKEY CLUB, INC.) AND JEFFERSON COUNTY (TO DOWNSTREAM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE QUAPAW TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA AND LATER TRANSFERRED TO SARACEN DEVELOPMENT, LLC), THEN THE QUORUM COURT OF EACH COUNTY WHERE A CASINO IS TO BE LOCATED SHALL CALL A SPECIAL ELECTION BY ORDINANCE TO SUBMIT THE QUESTION OF WHETHER TO APPROVE OF A CASINO IN THE COUNTY; AMENDING AMENDMENT 100 § 4, TO ADD SUBSECTION (T)(1)-(3), SETTING THE DATE FOR THE SPECIAL ELECTION AND REQUIRING THE ORDINANCE CALLING THE SPECIAL ELECTION TO STATE THE ELECTION DATE AND TO SPECIFY THE FORMAT OF THE QUESTION ON THE BALLOT AS “FOR A CASINO IN [ ] COUNTY” AND “AGAINST A CASINO IN [ ] COUNTY,” AND, “THE QUESTION PRESENTED TO VOTERS MUST INCLUDE WHETHER OR NOT A CASINO MAY BE LOCATED IN THE COUNTY” – “A CASINO IS DEFINED AS A FACILITY WHERE CASINO GAMING IS CONDUCTED”; AMENDING AMENDMENT 100 § 4, TO ADD SUBSECTION (T)(4), REQUIRING THE COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTION COMMISSIONERS TO PUBLISH THE ORDINANCE CALLING THE SPECIAL ELECTION AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE IN A NEWSPAPER OF GENERAL CIRCULATION IN THE COUNTY IN WHICH THE SPECIAL ELECTION IS HELD; AMENDING AMENDMENT 100 § 4, TO ADD SUBSECTION (T)(5), REQUIRING A MAJORITY OF THOSE IN THE COUNTY WHO VOTE AT THE ELECTION IN CERTAIN COUNTIES WHERE A FUTURE CASINO IS PROPOSED TO BE LOCATED TO APPROVE OF THE CASINO AT THE SPECIAL
ELECTION BEFORE THE ARKANSAS RACING COMMISSION, OR OTHER GOVERNING BODY, MAY ACCEPT ANY APPLICATIONS FOR A CASINO LICENSE IN THAT COUNTY; MAKING THIS AMENDMENT EFFECTIVE ON AND AFTER NOVEMBER 13, 2024; PROVIDING THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS AMENDMENT ARE SEVERABLE IN THAT IF ANY PROVISION OR SECTION OF THIS AMENDMENT OR THE APPLICATION THEREOF TO ANY PERSON OR CIRCUMSTANCE IS HELD INVALID, SUCH INVALIDITY SHALL NOT AFFECT ANY OTHER PROVISION OR APPLICATION THAT CAN BE GIVEN EFFECT WITHOUT THE INVALID PROVISION OF APPLICATION; AND REPEALING ALL LAWS OR PARTS OF LAWS IN CONFLICT WITH THIS AMENDMENT.
ó †› FOR ISSUE NO. 2
ó †› AGAINST ISSUE NO. 2
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Marion County Republican Committee remains neutral on this issue.
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT PROPOSED BY PETITION OF THE PEOPLE
Issue No. 3
(Popular Name)
Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment of 2024
(Ballot Title)
THIS AMENDMENT TO THE ARKANSAS CONSTITUTION EXPANDS ACCESS TO MEDICAL MARIJUANA BY QUALIFIED PATIENTS UNDER THE ARKANSAS MEDICAL MARIJUANA AMENDMENT OF 2016, AMENDMENT 98 AND RATIFIES AND AFFIRMS THAT AMENDMENT AS ORIGINALLY ADOPTED AND AS AMENDED BY ANY LEGISLATIVE ACT, EXCEPT AS SPECIFIED; AMENDING AMENDMENT 98, § 2(4)(B) TO DEFINE “CULTIVATION FACILITY” AS INCLUDING SALE AND DELIVERY OF USABLE MARIJUANA TO A PROCESSOR; AMENDING AMENDMENT 98, § 2(12) TO REPLACE THE DEFINITION OF “PHYSICIAN” WITH “HEALTH CARE PRACTITIONER,” WHICH INCLUDES MEDICAL AND OSTEOPATHIC DOCTORS, NURSE PRACTICIONERS, PHYSICIANS’ ASSISTANTS, AND PHARMACISTS AND TO REMOVE REQUIREMENTS FOR FEDERAL CONTROLLED-SUBSTANCES REGISTRATION; AMENDING AMENDMENT 98, §§ 4(F), 5(A)(1), 5(F)(1), 5(H), AND 15 TO REPLACE REFERENCES TO PHYSICIANS WITH REFERENCES TO HEALTH CARE PRACTITIONERS; AMENDING AMENDMENT 98, § 2(13)(C) TO ADD LANGUAGE TO THE DEFINITION OF “QUALIFYING MEDICAL CONDITION” TO INCLUDE ANY CONDITION NOT OTHERWISE SPECIFIED IN AMENDMENT 98 THAT A HEALTH CARE PRACTITIONER CONSIDERS DEBILITATING TO A PATIENT THAT MIGHT BE ALLEVIATED BY THE USE OF USABLE MARIJUANA; AMENDING AMENDMENT 98, § 2 (14)(A) TO ALLOW NON-ARKANSAS RESIDENTS TO APPLY FOR AND RECEIVE REGISTRY IDENTIFICATION CARDS IN THE SAME WAY AS ARKANSAS RESIDENTS; AMENDING AMENDMENT 98, § 2(17) TO DEFINE “USABLE MARIJUANA” AS CANNABIS AND OTHER SUBSTANCES INCLUDING ALL PARTS OF THE PLANT CANNABIS SATIVA, WHETHER GROWING OR
NOT, INCLUDING ANY SEEDS, RESIN, COMPOUND, MANUFACTURE, SALT, DERIVATIVE, MIXTURE, ISOMER OR PREPARATION OF THE PLANT, INCLUDING TETRAHYDROCANNABINOL AND ALL OTHER CANNABINOL DERIVATIVES, AND TO EXCLUDE HEMP WITH A DELTA-9 TETRAHYDROCANNABINOL CONCENTRATION OF NOT MORE THAN 0.3 PERCENT ON A DRY WEIGHT BASIS; AMENDING AMENDMENT 98, § 2(19) TO REMOVE LANGUAGE REQUIRING A PHYSICIAN-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP FROM THE DEFINITION OF “WRITTEN CERTIFICATION” AND TO ALLOW ASSESSMENTS IN PERSON OR BY TELEMEDICINE; AMENDING AMENDMENT 98, § 3(E) TO ALLOW LICENSED DISPENSARIES TO RECEIVE, TRANSFER, OR SELL MARIJUANA SEEDLINGS, PLANTS, OR USABLE MARIJUANA TO AND FROM ARKANSAS-LICENSED CULTIVATION FACILITIES, PROCESSORS, OR OTHER DISPENSARIES, TO ACCEPT MARIJUANA SEEDS, SEEDLINGS, OR CLONES FROM ANY INDIVIDUAL OR ENTITY AUTHORIZED BY LAW TO POSSESS THEM, AND TO SELL USABLE MARIJUANA, MARIJUANA SEEDLINGS, PLANTS OR SEEDS TO QUALIFYING PATIENTS AND DESIGNATED CAREGIVERS; AMENDING AMENDMENT 98, § 3(H) TO REMOVE LANGUAGE ALLOWING PROFESSIONAL LICENSING BOARDS TO SANCTION A PHYSICIAN FOR IMPROPER EVALUATION OF A PATIENT’S MEDICAL CONDITION OR FOR VIOLATING THE STANDARD OF CARE; AMENDING AMENDMENT 98, §3(1) TO REMOVE AUTHORIZATION FOR DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH RULES CONCERNING VISITING QUALIFYING PATIENTS OBTAINING MARIJUANA FROM A DISPENSARY; AMENDING AMENDMENT 98, § 4(A)(4)(A) TO REQUIRE CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR ALL APPLICANTS SEEKING TO SERVE AS DESIGNATED CAREGIVERS, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF PARENTS OR GUARDIANS OF MINORS WHO ARE QUALIFYING PATIENTS APPLYING TO SERVE AS DESIGNATED CAREGIVERS FOR THOSE MINORS; AMENDING AMENDMENT 98, § 5(A)(2) TO REMOVE LANGUAGE REQUIRING REASONABLE REGISTRY IDENTIFICATION CARD APPLICATION FEES OR RENEWAL FEES; AMENDING AMENDMENT 98, § 5(D) TO EXTEND THE EXPIRATION DATE OF REGISTRY IDENTIFICATION CARDS FROM ONE TO THREE YEARS AND TO ADD TWO ADDITIONAL YEARS TO THE EXPIRATION DATE OF EXISTING CARDS; AMENDING AMENDMENT 98, § 8(E)(8) TO REMOVE AND REPLACE ADVERTISING RESTRICTIONS WITH RESTRICTIONS FOR DISPENSARIES, PROCESSORS, AND CULTIVATION FACILITIES NARROWLY TAILORED TO PREVENT ADVERTISING AND PACKAGING FROM APPEALING TO CHILDREN AND TO REQUIRE THE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL TO MAKE RULES THAT REQUIRE PACKAGING THAT CANNOT BE OPENED BY A CHILD OR THAT PREVENTS READY ACCESS TO TOXIC OR HARMFUL AMOUNTS OF THE PRODUCT; AMENDING AMENDMENT 98, § 8(M)(1)(A) TO REMOVE
PROHIBITIONS ON DISPENSARY-PROVIDED PARAPHERNALIA REQUIRING COMBUSTION OF MARIJUANA; AMENDING AMENDMENT 98, § 8(M)(4)(A)(II) TO ALLOW CULTIVATION FACILITIES TO SELL MARIJUANA IN ANY FORM TO DISPENSARIES, PROCESSORS, OR OTHER CULTIVATION FACILITIES; AMENDING AMENDMENT 98, § 16 TO REPLACE ITS CURRENT LANGUAGE WITH A WAIVER OF STATE SOVEREIGN IMMUNITY SO THAT A LICENSED PERSON OR ENTITY MAY SEEK INJUNCTIVE RELIEF IN THE EVENT THAT STATE FAILS TO FOLLOW AMENDMENT 98; AMENDING AMENDMENT 98, § 21 TO REMOVE A PROHIBTIION ON THE GROWING OF MARIJUANA BY QUALIFYING PATIENTS AND DESIGNATED CAREGIVERS AND TO ALLOW SUCH GROWING UNDER AMENDMENT 98; REPEALING AMENDMENT 98, §§ 23 AND 26 IN THEIR ENTIRETY; AMENDING AMENDMENT 98 TO ALLOW QUALIFYING PATIENTS OR CAREGIVERS AT LEAST 21 YEARS OLD AND IN POSSESSION OF A VALID REGISTRY IDENTIFICATION CARD TO POSSESS, PLANT, DRY, AND PROCESS MARIJUANA PLANTS IN LIMITED QUANTITIES AND SIZES AT THEIR DOMICILE SOLELY FOR THE PERSONAL USE OF THE QUALIFYING PATIENT, TO PROHIBIT SALE, BARTERING, AND TRADE OF SUCH MARIJUANA PLANTS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR REGULATION OF SUCH ACTIVITIES BY THE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL DIVISION; AMENDING AMENDMENT 98 TO ALLOW POSSESSION BY ADULTS OF UP TO ONE OUNCE OF USABLE MARIJUANA, TO ALLOW SALE OF MARIJUANA BY LICENSED CULTIVATION FACILITIES AND DISPENSARIES FOR ADULT USE IF CURRENT FEDERAL LAW PROHIBITING SUCH ACTIVITIES CHANGES, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE REGULATION OF THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL OF MARIJUANA BY LICENSED CULTIVATION FACILITIES AND DISPENSARIES BY THE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL DIVISION; AMENDING ARKANSAS CONSTITUTION, ARTICLE 5, § 1, TO PROVIDE THAT UNLESS PROVIDED IN SUCH CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT, NO CONSTIUTIONAL AMENDMENT SHALL BE AMENDED OR REPEALED UNLESS APPROVED BY THE PEOPLE UNDER THE CONSTITUTION; PROVIDING THAT THIS AMENDMENT’S PROVISIONS ARE SEVERABLE, NULLIFYING ANY PROVISION OF STATE LAW IN CONFLICT WITH THIS AMENDMENT; AND PROVIDING THAT THE AMENDMENT IS SELF-EXECUTING.
ó †› FOR ISSUE NO. 3
ó †› AGAINST ISSUE NO. 3
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Marion County Republican Committee does not support this issue.
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