Most of the attention on Arkansas’ March 3rd elections was focused on the presidential race. There was also interest in a few hotly contested judicial races and legislative races. But, perhaps the most interesting races in the state were the quorum court races in Pope County.
Local races are often decided by people just voting for the incumbent or voting for the person they know and think is a nice person. But, most quorum court races in Pope County appear to have been decided on one issue … casinos. For once, issues led the way, not incumbency or personality.
Prior to the election the opposition to a casino, United for a Better Pope County, released a voter guide showing whether the candidates were “For,” “Against,” or “No opinion” on the question of approving a casino.
Nine Pope County quorum court seats were on the March 3rd ballot. SEVEN, of the nine candidates elected oppose a casino and defeated a candidate who either was in favor of a casino or was neutral. FIVE of six incumbent quorum court members who had already voted for a casino were defeated.
The election was not the first time Pope County voters had expressed opposition to a casino and the vote appears to have expressed the sentiment … “I said what I meant and I meant what I said.”
Pope County politics has been in turmoil ever since a statewide initiative was passed in 2018 authorizing casino gaming at four locations – Oaklawn Racing in Hot Springs, Southland Racing in West Memphis and a casino in both Jefferson and Pope Counties. Before the casinos could be opened in Jefferson or Pope Counties the legislation required approval by local officials. Having a casino in Jefferson County was not controversial, but in Pope County many residents asked “Why pick on us? We don’t want it.” Even before the casino legislation was approved by a statewide vote, Pope County voters began fighting the casino with all the furor you might expect of someone who had just been told a sewage treatment plant was going to be put right next to their house.
Opponents got a voter-initiated ordinance put on the ballot to prevent county officials from approving a casino without a countywide election on the application. The initiated ordinance appeared on the ballot at the same time the statewide casino amendment was on the ballot. Pope County voters approved the restrictive ordinance, and although Pope County voters voted against the casino amendment it was approved by a statewide vote.
After the casino amendment passed, the pressure was on Pope County officials to approve a casino despite the local ordinance to the contrary. Casino applicants made big promises about how swell their facility would be, and how there would be more construction of hotels, etc. Local officials, who always look for more revenue, looked at how much more tax money the casino and other operations would bring into the county.
The outgoing county judge tried to approve a casino applicant, even before an application was submitted, but that move was challenged.
A legal challenge to the constitutionality of the restrictive ordinance was discussed by casino supporters. Then casino supporters realized a legal challenge would not be necessary if the quorum court repealed the voter-initiated ordinance, eliminating the need for an election to approve a casino.
After a series of secret meetings, a divided quorum court voted to move forward and approve an applicant for a casino and to repeal the ordinance requiring an election. This sparked even more lawsuits and more petitions to the Racing Commission.
March 4th, the day after the election, Larry Walker of United for a Better Pope County sent an email to Pope County residents thanking them for electing so many anti-casino candidates and updating them on legal moves. The email said in part:
“What an awesome 24 hours it has been! Praise the Lord! Thank you for taking part and making your voice heard. Your votes showed that the sentiment in Pope County has not changed. We want transparency in government; we don’t want a casino; and we certainly don’t want one shoved down our throat. Your message has been sent and your voice has been heard loud and clear.”
“Additionally, today there was a Racing Commission meeting to consider the CNB [Cherokee Nation Businesses] “good cause” application. The Racing Commission wanted nothing to do with this application. They voted unanimously to table the application until all litigation is complete (meaning through the Supreme Court level, not just the circuit courts). The Racing Commission attorney stated that this could potentially take close to two years. This motion was brought forth by Commissioner Butch Rice and seconded by Commissioner Michael Post. Please take time to email the commissioners and thank them for considering the will of the Pope County voters and for allowing the court system to do its work.”
“Thank you again for taking part in this crucial election and stay tuned for the next steps of this fight to keep Pope County casino free.”
Casino opponents clearly won a battle on March 3rd, but they have a long fight before them. Even if the new quorum court repeals approval of a casino next January, the war is still not over. It will remain a war as long at the Arkansas Constitution continues to put a target on Pope County. As long as Pope County is named as a potential site for a fourth casino, there will be casino developers looking to Pope County as a possible gold mine. In addition, some money hungry state officials may see the development of a Pope County casino as another untapped source of tax money.
This much is clear … Pope County opponents to a casino are tenacious and the election victories have them charged to carry on the fight.
The Pope County quorum court races show what happens when voters are informed about an where the candidates stand on an important to them. Like Pope County voters, you too can make a difference on issues important to you.
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For more information on the Pope County races see below for the voter guide put out by United for a Better Pope County and then the results of the elections.
ELECTION RESULTS
District 1
Phillip Haney 437 (78%)
Tachany Evans 44 (8%)
Harold Tate 81 (14%)
District 2
Jennifer Sloan 406 (51%)
Caleb Moore 393 (49%)
District 4
Reuben Brown 264 (40%)
Jason Muncy 396 (60%)
District 7
Roy Reaves 394 (53%)
Larry Pettus 354 (47%)
District 9
Bill Sparks 648 (68%)
Sean Jackson 306 (32%)
District 10
Philip Gray 230 (33%)
Allan George 476 (67%)
District 11
Lane Scott 204 (73%)
Ray Black 76 (27%)
District 12
Joseph Pearson 183 (55%)
Jason Ramsey 149 (45%)
District 13
David Ivy 314 (58%)
Ernie Enchelmayer 229 (42%)
I appreciate the votes I received in the election. I will continue to oppose the casino and the direction the current Quorum Court was taking our county. Larry Pettus – JP Dist. 7
Thank you for this coverage.
Now to challenge the legality of the state to force a county to do anything the population rejects, through federal laws.?
Encouraging article! I’d also be interested to know the voter turnout and how it compares to previous primary turnout.
I do not want a casino or any other gambling unit here in Pope county.
So pleased !!!!! Less keep it this way, !!!!!!