Carter County residents have three Republican candidates to choose from Tuesday for presiding commissioner.
This race will effectively determine who leads the county for the next four years, with no Democrat challenger in the November general election.
Incumbent Donald Black of Van Buren faces two challengers, Tom Wilder of Ellsinore and Ron Keeney of Van Buren.
All three men agree flood recovery needs to be a top priority, and feel they bring unique qualifications to the table that would benefit residents.
A historic flood in 2017 devastated the Carter County courthouse and justice center, as well as many homes and much of downtown Van Buren.
While the courthouse is structurally sound, it needs interior renovations before county offices can return. A new justice center will need to be constructed, officials have said. They have received approval from state and federal agencies for recovery money to help with these projects.
Candidates were asked the same questions and their responses are listed in ballot order.
Donald Black
After four years in office, Black feels he has built relationships across the state that benefit Carter County.
"To come back from this flood is going to take a lot of partnerships, working together with the surrounding counties, the state and FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)," said Black.
It will require a lot of time and effort, he said.
"I don't want this flood to get the best of us. I want to come out better, stronger than we've ever been," said Black.
The courthouse is a priority, he said, but even more important is bringing businesses and people back.
This needs to be done without tax increases, he continued.
"I work hard for Carter County and I will continue to do so," he said. "My goal is to see Carter County strong."
Tom Wilder
After working within and for the Ellsinore city government, Wilder believes he has experience that will benefit Carter County.
He has served as Ellsinore mayor, on the Board of Aldermen, and is currently city manager. Wilder said he has worked on city budgets, as well as helping take care of city streets, and water and sewer systems.
Wilder also cited 18 years helping build roads with Delta as other valuable experience.
"I would like to see the county as a whole treated fairly," said Wilder. "I want the citizens to be able to come to me and voice their opinions. I want to be able to talk to them."
On flood recovery, he says he knows this will take time.
"We can't fix it all at once. I'm not one that's afraid of work," he said.
Wilder has also been active in the community, helping organize Bread Shed efforts in past years, and serving with the ambulance district and volunteer fire department.
Ron Keeney
More then 40 years working for the city of Van Buren provide qualifications that a presiding commissioner needs, according to Keeney.
"I think my knowledge and ability would be a strong asset to help with the county leadership and government," he said.
As public works director, Keeney said he works with the public, oversees employees, as well as water and sewer systems and streets.
"I've worked with numerous sewer and water districts, dealt with planning and zoning, and budgeting for different towns and sewer districts," he said.
In addition to flood recovery, Keeney would like to find ways to help the Carter County Nutrition Center.
"They've always got an uphill battle. They feed a lot of people at the center," said Keeney, citing reported center spending of $330,000 last year, with an income of $300,000. "I'd like to see if there's any way at all we can help."