PEA RIDGE — Registered voters in the Pea Ridge School District may vote early at the County Clerk's office until Monday, Sept. 14, or go to the polls Tuesday, Sept. 15, to choose between four people seeking the Pea Ridge School Board seat being vacated by Mark Davis. The term is five years.
Candidates are John Cody, Leon Kelley, Angie Pratt and Joshua Ramsey.
Early voting began Tuesday, Sept. 8, and ends Monday, Sept. 14. Early voting is available from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at all County Clerk Office locations.
Cody, 41, a Pea Ridge city councilman, is the water and street superintendent, city building inspector and code enforcement officer for the city of Garfield. He has two children who are students in the school.
"With the School Board, one of my main concerns is sports," Cody said. "I think that's very important - a new stadium or anything. I'm pro sports."
Kelley, 35, is currently employed as a logistics engineer with J.B. Hunt. He and his wife, Charlene M. Kelley, have four children, all of whom attend Pea Ridge schools.
"Our school system needs to be the lifeblood of our community," Kelley said, "A board member must be accessible and willing to collaborate with all members of the community. Anyone that comes before the board has a right to be heard. It is the responsibility of a school board member to create understanding and support in the community.
Pratt, 34, works for Village Home Center. She and her husband have three children in the school.
"I want to be involved in the community," she said. "With my background in business and working with kids, I can offer a fresh voice and new ideas."
Ramsey, 40, is self-employed; he owns and operates a marketing company, Cornerstone Productions. He and his wife have two sons in the schools.
"I truly love the community we're in. I have a strong commitment to our community," Ramsey said. "I understand the responsibility of the School Board. We have a financial and educational responsibility here."
News, Pages 1, 9 on 09/09/2009