Candidates for state legislative, county and municipal offices raised concerns about government accountability, political divisions and local infrastructure during a candidate forum Tuesday, Oct. 13, in Carlisle.

About a dozen candidates participated, including some running unopposed. While much of the event involved candidates introducing themselves and discussing their qualifications, several spoke about problems they believe need to be addressed in government.

Lonoke County judge

Independent candidate Toby Troutman accused the Lonoke County government of corruption, misuse of tax money and a lack of transparency.

“I’m not part of the chaos, the corruption and turmoil that we tended to have here in our Lonoke County government for several years,” Troutman said. “I can’t promise that I can clean that up immediately if I’m elected, but I can guarantee you that I won’t contribute to the problem.”

He said his concerns about county government are what motivated him to seek public office for the first time.

Troutman described his experience as a businessman, developer and contractor, including work on housing developments, roads and infrastructure projects. He also spent about 28 years in the petroleum industry and said he has managed large projects and hundreds of employees.

Republican candidate Mike Verkler emphasized his career in law enforcement and public service. He has lived in Lonoke County for more than 50 years and spent 28 years with the Little Rock Police Department where he also represented the police union in contract negotiations.

Verkler discussed his involvement with several organizations, including the Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association, Arkansas State Fair Board and Arkansas Ballet.

“So I’ve had a whole life of service and that’s the reason I’m running for county judge,” Verkler said. “I want to continue to serve.”

Lonoke County sheriff

The two candidates for sheriff also spoke about problems they believe need to be addressed, offering different perspectives on the experience and leadership needed to run the office.

Independent Larry Behnke emphasized his extensive military and law enforcement background. After serving in the U.S. Army, he worked for the Sherwood Police Department, then the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office, participating in an international police mission involving human trafficking investigations.

Behnke eventually joined the North Little Rock Police Department, retiring as a lieutenant in 2021. He said his experience includes investigations, supervisory positions, training officers and managing budgets and grants.

“I’m ready to lead the department in challenging times because we have a lot of challenges,” Behnke said. “It’s not insurmountable, the challenges. We have problems in the county that we need to address, but we also should see that as an opportunity to grow and build a department that’s gonna last longer than any one sheriff candidate.”

Republican Aaron Spencer acknowledged he does not have a traditional law enforcement background but said his experience in the military, business and other professions has prepared him to lead.

Spencer served in the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division and the Connecticut National Guard. His professional background includes construction, management and farming.

Spencer said his decision to run for sheriff grew out of experiences that exposed what he believes are broader problems in the community.

“I became aware of some very real problems within our community,” Spencer said. “The more people began sharing their own experiences and concerns with me, I realized that many of these issues that my family encountered were not unique just to us.”

Spencer argued the sheriff’s responsibilities include accountability, protecting constitutional rights and treating residents fairly.

“I believe being sheriff isn’t about being the best cop in the department, it’s about being a good leader, ensuring that the department is doing its duty to protect your constitutional rights,” Spencer said.

Arkansas House District 60

Candidates seeking the District 60 seat in the Arkansas House of Representatives offered contrasting presentations, with the incumbent focusing on his experience, while his challenger said personal tragedies shaped her political views.

Incumbent Republican Roger Lynch discussed his background, including six years in the U.S. Army Reserve, 42 years working for Remington Arms and 10 years on the Lonoke County Quorum Court. First elected to the state House in 2016, Lynch is seeking a sixth term. He did not address specific legislative issues during his remarks.

Independent challenger Quendy Gibbins Medlin, a librarian at England Elementary School, described caring for her husband as he battled cancer and later having a drug-addicted son dying at 21.

“I didn’t study policy, but I lived healthcare policy,” Medlin said. “I was on the phone with the insurance company. I did all of that for my husband and my son. Ultimately, I lost them both.”

She said a friend encouraged her last year to consider running for the legislature.

“Like many of you, I have become disappointed, disillusioned, disgusted with what’s going on in our government, and the fighting between the political parties,” Medlin said.

She chose to run as an independent because she did not want to be beholden to either major political party, Medlin told the crowd.

“People are way more important than the politics,” Medlin said. “I want to do what is right for the citizens of our district.”

She said communities throughout the district, including England, Carlisle, Lonoke, Hazen and Des Arc, face many of the same challenges.

“We all need the same things. Good public schools, and good healthcare, and economic conditions that can help our towns grow and our farmers survive,” Medlin said.

Democratic candidate Beverly Coleman-Keown did not attend. A moderator said she sent a note expressing regret that a she wasn’t able to participate.

Carlisle mayor

The two candidates seeking to become Carlisle’s next mayor also introduced themselves, with one outlining concerns about the city’s infrastructure and finances.

Curtis Gray, a retired Arkansas Game and Fish Commission wildlife officer and local business owner, said the city needs to prepare for challenges involving water and sewer systems.

“The reason I’m running is just because I feel like we have to start looking at some infrastructure stuff that’s gonna be coming down the pike,” Gray said.

He said he wants to investigate problems residents have reported with their water bills and determine how the city can address them.

Gray now operates local businesses, including a lumber business and taxidermy shop. He said he would bring a business-oriented approach to city government, emphasizing transparency about revenues and expenditures.

“It’s not a for-profit business, but it is a business as far as showing everybody what comes in money wise, what we spend out money wise, and how we can get the most bang for a buck,” Gray said.

His opponent, Joey Russell, said he has lived in Carlisle for nearly 10 years and served on the city’s fire department for more than five years.

The city’s current mayor, Jon Plafcan, withdrew his candidacy in August just a few weeks after filing to run for another term.