Constable seeks re-election

Sam Reyna is running for constable of Township 3.

He has served as constable for three terms. Now, the territory is broadened following an order by Benton County Judge Bob Clinard, and includes Pea Ridge.

Reyna, 66, said state law recently changed requiring constables to be trained law enforcement officers. Whereas there are currently 13 constables in Benton County, there will be five with the change in jurisdicition.

“We’ve made a lot of changes in the past four years. I belong to the state Constable Association and we providetraining twice a year,” said Reyna, who is president of the Benton County chapter of the Constables Association.

Constables have the same authority as a county deputy, he said. Laws now require constables to have their vehicle marked and to wear a uniform.

“I enjoy doing it,” he said.

“I provide an extra set of eyes on the rural areas.”

A former volunteer deputy with the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Reyna said he has completed the part-time two class for law enforcement officers 10 years ago and continues to train regularly.

Reyna is retired from an administrative position with Bentonville schools, where he was also a teacher. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1966-1970, and moved to Benton County 12 years ago.

“The main thing, I want the people of Pea Ridge to know they’ve got a constable out there in the road. I don’t mind getting out there and getting my shoes dirty,” Reyna said.

He said David Ibarra is running against him for the constable position.

News, Pages 1 on 10/31/2012