Editor’s Note: This is the second of a two-part series on the State Senate races in Cleveland County. This week, the candidates for District 26 respond to the same set of questions posed to each by the Herald.
Eddie Cheatham
- Party: Democrat
- Age: 73
- Family: wife, Ginger, with two children and six grandchildren
- Residence: Crossett
- Education: BSE, Southern Arkansas University; Masters, University of Arkansas
- Occupation: Retired educator, 19 years at Crossett High School; 16 years at UAM-College of Technology – Crossett.
- List the political offices you have held: Crossett City Council; House of Representatives (2007-2011); Senate (2013-Present)
- List any other information you would like people to know about you: Ginger and I are both retired educators and we have two children and six grandchildren. Our daughter, Gina, teaches at Crossett Elementary. Our son, Seth, is an electrical engineer and lives in Washington State. Ginger and I have been active members of the United Methodist Church in Crossett for 48 years where I teach an adult Sunday school class and we both serve on various committees. We have been involved in mission work with our youth for many years. I enjoy hunting and fishing and camping with family and friends.
Issues
What do you consider the three most pressing issues facing your senate district, and what would you do to address them?
- One of the most important issues in my Senate District is health care. I have worked to help provide state and federal funding to the five hospitals in my district for staff, equipment and supplies, especially during the Covid 19 pandemic. Rural hospitals are critical to Southeast Arkansas and many are struggling to just keep their doors open. I have been and will continue to be an advocate for them.
- Another important issue, protecting traditional family values, may be the hardest to fix. It seems to me that social media, entertainment we watch and even how our elected officials talk and act has a large impact on the people of this district. Ginger and I have tried to raise our children with the same Christian values we were raised with-to treat all people with respect, to speak ill of no one, serve others and be involved with a church of their choice. The adults must set examples for our young people to follow that show we are sincere in doing what is right, showing mercy to others and being humble.
- Public education is another important issue. Being a retired educator and serving on the Senate Education committee, I see first hand the issues we have in our schools in Southeast Arkansas. I am the only Senator on the Education Committee who lives south of Little Rock. I also serve on the teacher and state employee retirement committee. I have lived in this district 49 years and am committed to working with our individual school districts to provide an excellent and well funded education for our students.
Do you support Issue 1 making the state half-cent highway sales tax permanent? Why or why not?
I do support Issue One. Good roads are critical for the recruitment of industry and for the safety of our residents. It is not a new tax, just an extension of an existing tax.
What role do you see state government playing in regards to addressing the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic?
The state government is essential in the battle against Covid 19. The state must continue to support our local hospitals and health clinics in Southeast Arkansas during this battle. At the same time, we as individuals, must do our own part to stop the spread of this virus.
What positions do you take on the following issues:
- Abortion – Only to save the life of the mother, or in cases of rape or incest.
- Gun laws – I think we have enough gun laws, but we do need to ensure that they are enforced with common sense and with the protection of the 2nd Amendment in mind. I am like most Southeast Arkansas men, I grew up hunting with my dad and uncle and am a proud gun owner. I am a former Hunter Education Instructor, member of NRA and have possessed a concealed carry permit for many years.
- Protecting the Environment – We must protect our environment while at the same time using our natural resources to create jobs in a manner that will not affect our future generations. My family and I love to camp and have for years. We love the beautiful outdoors and want to use it and at the same time preserve it for others.
- Immigration – Current law sets the process for immigrants to enter the United States. These laws should be enforced and anyone wanting to become a citizen of the United States should go thru the process as required.
Why should voters elect you?
The reason I first ran for office was to make sure generations that come after have a place to live that provides healthcare, jobs, education, and opportunities for years to come. That is still the reason today. I have lived and worked in our communities for 48 years. I share your values and commitment to Southeast Arkansas.
Ben Gilmore
- Party: Republican
- Age: 28
- Family: Single
- Residence: Crossett
- Education: Attended the University of Arkansas at Monticello, Delta Regional Authority’s Leadership Institute, FBI Citizens Academy, and the Union County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class.
- Occupation: Small Business Owner, previously worked as Deputy Chief of Staff to Lt. Governor Griffin
- List the political offices you have held: No elected political office
- List any other information you would like people to know about you: Endorsed by: NRA, Gov. Hutchinson, Sen. Cotton, U.S. Rep. Westerman, U.S. Rep. Crawford, Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin. Member of the Arkansas Farm Bureau, Member of the NFIB, and Crossett Area Chamber.
Issues
What do you consider the three most pressing issues facing your senate district, and what would you do to address them?
- Job growth in Southeast Arkansas is my top priority. We must get government out of the way, remove job-killing regulations, and let business do what they do best – innovate and create new jobs. We must lower the overall tax burden that hinders growth as well.
- We must equip the next generation with the skills to meet business and industry needs. We have a duty to support our hardworking teachers, and we must empower parents to meet the individual needs of their children.
- Our country was founded on biblical principles that tell us life is precious; that we are all created equal; and that the freedoms we enjoy are God-given. These principles are under attack by the liberal left, even here in Arkansas, and as your Senator, will push back on these attacks and be a bold voice for our shared conservative values.
Do you support Issue 1 making the state half-cent highway sales tax permanent? Why or why not?
Good roads are an important and necessary tool for economic development, and if elected I will advocate for new and improved infrastructure for southeast Arkansas. I support the fact that the voters will have the final say at the ballot box and decide whether or not to extend the half-cent tax for road funding, but regardless taxpayers deserve to know that state government will spend their money wisely and their elected officials will work to lower their overall tax burden.
What role do you see state government playing in regards to addressing the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic?
State government plays a big role in addressing the COVID pandemic. I applaud the Governor for keeping our economy open unlike many states that shutdown completely and have had negative impacts on their economy. Just like I did while working for Lt. Gov. Griffin, as your Senator, I’ll work to make sure that our hospitals, schools, first responders have the PPE and other resources needed to do their job while advocating for what is good for our business and industry.
What positions do you take on the following issues:
- Abortion – I am the only one in this race that is 100% Pro-Life. As your state senator, I will be a fierce advocate for the unborn and defend against any effort to weaken the pro-life measures in our state.
- Gun Laws – I am the only one in this race to receive the NRA endorsement, and my opponent received a C rating from the NRA. Our Constitution is clear: “…the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.” I will defend our 2nd Amendment rights, and I will protect our rights to hunt and exercise self-defense.
- Protecting the Environment – I had the honor of working for Congressman Westerman who is the only forester in the US Congress. I had the opportunity to work on issues impacting forestry and agriculture in our state. The best way to protect the environment is with good conservation and forest management like our farmers and loggers practice every day and unlike the practices in states like California with wildfires.
- Immigration – We are a nation of laws and we have legal ways to immigrate to this great country. Also, I do not support sanctuary cities and my opponent would not cast a vote on this legislation when it was brought before the legislature.
Why should voters elect you?
Southeast Arkansas deserves a State Senator that will boldly advocate for its people, for conservative values, and for policies that will grow jobs and the economy. As a Republican in a Republican-led legislature, on day one I will have a much stronger voice for Southeast Arkansas and District 26 than my opponent who is a Democrat. My priority in the State Senate will be centered around policies that further economic development and job growth in southeast Arkansas. I will continue to fight for common-sense fiscal responsibility in state government, and I will work to lessen the regulatory burden on businesses and hardworking Arkansans. I will continue to advocate for reading and STEM education so that the next generation is ready for every opportunity. I will fight to protect life, the 2nd Amendment, and defend Arkansas values.
