Fayetteville woman files for election to Swayze’s seat on Quorum Court
Posted on Saturday, March 8, 2008
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/nwat/News/62939/
A Fayetteville woman filed Friday for election to the District 6 justice of the peace seat on the Washington County Quorum Court.
Barbara Fitzpatrick, 56, a Democrat, also issued a campaign announcement Friday.
The District 6 seat is held by Bonnie Swayze, of Fayetteville, who is also a Democrat.
District 6 includes the northern and western portions of Fayetteville.
Fitzpatrick is a staff member at the University of Arkansas, and has been active in the Fayetteville community for the past 11 years.
She could not be reached for comment Fri- day.
She stated in her announcement that Swayze, a retired University of Arkansas employee, has done an excellent job for District 6, and she hoped to learn much from Swayze during the remainder of her term. “ I would be honored to have the opportunity to continue that tradition, ” Fitzpatrick stated.
“ Washington County has a diverse population with diverse needs, and I will work hard to build the necessary consensus for an effective government that addresses problems and finds practical solutions, ” Fitzpatrick stated.
“ Declining tax revenues means that we will have to find ways to do more with less while maintaining a balanced budget. ”
In addition, Fitzpatrick stated, “ I am committed to an open process, both between myself and my neighbors I hope to represent, and in the operation of our county government.
“ Just as we demand a financially stable county government, we must also work to ensure sustainable public policies and practices that protect the wonderful environmental blessings we have and preserve that natural heritage for our children and grandchildren, ” her announcement stated.
Also filing for a JP seat on Friday was Stacy Cavender, of Hindsville, a Republican. She is vying for the District 13 seat held by Joe Patterson, of Springdale, also a Republican. He filed for reelection on Monday.
District 13 covers the northeast corner of the county.
Cavendar could not be reached for comment on Friday.
In other filings, Les Carnine, a Republican from Rogers, filed Friday to run for the District 94 seat that is held by State Rep. Eric Harris, R-Springdale. Harris is term-limited and cannot seek re-election.
District 94 covers parts of Washington and Benton counties.
Fourth Circuit Judge Kim Smith filed Friday for reelection to the second division judgeship in the circuit.
Monday at noon is the last day for candidates to file for county and state seats.