Republicans from across Arkansas's 4th District came together in Monticello on Saturday, February 26th, at 9a.m. at the First Assembly of God on Highway 425. A reception was held the night previous, at the Holiday Inn Express. Drew County had been selected to host this meeting this past fall. The 4th District is comprised of 29 counties and is the largest district by area in the state.
The main agenda for this meeting was to elect officers for the next two year term. District Chair, Kermit Parks, from Union County, had served in this position for 8 years and was term limited out. In a democratic contest against Glenn Gallas, of Garland County, Larry Bailey, of Garland County, was elected the new Chair for the 4th District. Chairman Bailey was instrumental in the recent landslide of victories for the Republican Party in Garland County during the midterm elections this past November. He has served as the Chairman of the Garland County Republican Party and held seats on numerous boards within the county over the past several years.
Dwayne Hall, from Miller County, won the position of 1st Vice Chair and Pam Ravenscraft, from Columbia County, was elected as the 2nd Vice Chair. Other newly elected positions included Ben Finley, treasurer; Sue Vaughn, secretary; and Kermit Parks, 4th District Representative to the Republican Party of Arkansas. Representatives at large to the RPA for the 4th District included Stu Soffer of Jefferson County, Gregory Borse of Drew County; Dwayne Hall of Miller County; and Mary Offutt of Montgomery County.
Guest speakers for the day included former Candidate for the 4th District U.S. House of Representatives, Beth Anne Rankin from Columbia County, and Colt Roan, the new Alumni Relations representative from the University of Arkansas at Monticello in Drew County, who spoke about the ways in which the newly invigorated Republican Party can reach out to the next generation. Chase Dugger, Executive Director of the Arkansas Republican Party, also shared valuable information regarding the relationship between the Arkansas State Republican Party and local affiliates. Other dignitaries attending the meeting were State Senator Bill Sample and State Representative Nate Bell. Among the themes touched upon throughout the day was the need for the Republican Party of Arkansas to reach out not only to youth, but to welcome active participation by independents, Tea Party, and Patriot Party voters in the Republicans' efforts for limited government founded upon Constitutional principles devoted to individual liberty, a strong national defense, and a rational tax-philosophy that encourages economic growth, a reduction of government debt, and a maximization of individual prosperity.
The meeting was concluded with a catered lunch from Cowboys restaurant, of Monticello. The fall meeting will be held in Garland County with the date to be determined.
If you are interested in learning more about the Republican Party of Arkansas or the local Drew County Republican Party, you can send an email to drewcountyrepublicans@gmail.com or visit the state website at www.argop.org. The Drew County Republicans meet the last Tuesday of every month at 6pm at the Chamber of Commerce Building on East Gaines in Monticello and everyone is welcomed and encouraged to attend.
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