Successful "Rock The Vote" Event In Sheridan
Successful "Rock The Vote" Event In Sheridan
Kick Start Sheridan hosts voter registration drive on the courthouse square, some candidates MIA
John Pagan, a Democrat, is running against Thurston, an East End native in a special-called election by Gov. Sarah Sanders for state treasurer. East End in Saline County is 16 miles from Sheridan and part of the Sheridan School District.
Current Republican treasurer Larry Walther was appointed by Gov. Sarah Sanders after the death of Mark Lowery in 2023. As an appointee, Walther cannot seek a full term, per the state constitution.
Libertarian Michael Pakko, an economist, is also running. Pakko did not attend Saturday's event.
Thurston is already an office holder, but he decided to run for treasurer in August 2023. If he wins, Sanders will choose someone as to replace him as Secretary of State.
A sixth generation Arkansan, Pagan is a Harvard-educated attorney who has previously served as a state senator.
Pagan explained what the state treasurer job entails. The treasurer serves as the State's banker and is responsible for an investment portfolio of $9-11 billion.
“He's the banker for the state and he pays the bills,” Pagan told the crowd. “He collects the money and pays the bills. More importantly, he's the chief investment officer.”
Pagan sponsored the bill that created the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Program, which are funded primarily by proceeds from the Arkansas Lottery.
Last fiscal year the treasury earned $368 million by investing it, and then the state waits to spend it, Pagan said. He would like more of that money invested in scholarships for Arkansas students.
The lottery-funded scholarships help students attend Arkansas community colleges and universities. Pagan, if elected, wants to see some of the Treasury’s investment earnings to extend these scholarships to vocational-technical schools.
Incumbent Republican state Rep. Julie Mayberry, who represents District 92 in Grant and Saline counties, and her Democratic opponent David Murray also squared off in timed speeches.
Mayberry, who is serving her fourth term in the legislature, focused on her accomplishments including her support of pro-life issues, maternal health, the Second Amendment and elderly care.
Murray focused on a woman's right to choose and said “there are too many old white men” telling women what to do. He also discussed maternal health for women.
Sheridan City Council member Lee Henson also spoke. His opponent, Skylar Smith, did not attend.
A representative for Arkansans for Patient Access also spoke at the event. That group would like changes to the current medical marijuana laws including adding nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants and pharmacists to the list of who can prescribe medical marijuana cards.
The group also wants medical marijuana cards to expire after three years instead of the current one-year limit.
Voter verification and registration through Get Loud Arkansas was also available Saturday.
Wise said that more people registered Saturday in Sheridan than at the Arkansas-UAPB game last Thursday night in Little Rock.
“Still a lower number, but we'll take that win,” Wise said.
Wise said Kick Start plans to hold another political event before Election Day.
“We're extremely grateful to all those who participated in our Rock The Vote and voter registration event where voters had the opportunity to meet candidates, discuss the issues that matter, and verify and register voters,” Wise said. “The event has had overwhelming support and interest. We're looking forward to other candidate conversions as we enter the election season.”