|
|
| |
| Thu, Aug. 28, 2008 |  |
 |
|
||
| |
Highway commissioner to run for state House seat Tuesday, Feb 12, 2008 By Doug Thompson Arkansas News Bureau FAYETTEVILLE - The chairman of the Arkansas Highway Commission announced Monday his intentions to run for the state House of Representatives. Jonathan Barnett of Siloam Springs said he would have to resign from his 10-year Highway Commission term if he won election to the District 97 House seat because his appointment would not end until a few days after being sworn in to the House seat at the start of the 2009 regular session. The district includes Siloam Springs in Benton County and parts of northwestern Washington County. Incumbent Rep. Mike Kenney, R-Siloam Springs, is prevented by term limits from seeking re-election this year. Barnett, a Republican, has no announced opposition. "I hope my service on the commission will be a plus," Barnett said. "I've made a lot of contacts in the Legislature and with the state constitutional officers. I think I can represent people and take care of my constituents. It's all about them." The Siloam Springs contractor was then-Gov. Mike Huckabee's first appointment to the Highway Commission in 1999. Transportation and infrastructure would be among his legislative priorities if elected, Barnett said. He said other priorities would include support for law enforcement, nurturing a pro-business environment, supporting a smaller and more efficient state government, maintaining an anti-abortion agenda and backing legislation that preserves the right to bear arms. A graduate of John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Barnett runs Jonathan Barnett Enterprises, Inc., a building contracting firm specializing in residential and commercial construction. Barnett is a longtime member of the Benton County Republican Committee and a member of the state committee of the Republican Party of Arkansas. He is a past chairman of the Benton County GOP committee and has served as an Arkansas delegate to seven Republican national conventions. Barnett was a member of the Siloam Springs City Council from 1974-1977. He was named chairman of Arkansas State Building Services in 1996 and served as chairman of the State Building Services Council from 1997-1999. Barnett is chairman of special committees on commissions and boards for both the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials and the Southeast Association of State Highway and Transportation officials. Barnett and his wife, Christy, have been married for 29 years and have three grown children. |
