Sebastian County treasurer, collector race leads to runoff election

Two candidates are continuing to compete for the county treasurer and collector position; a runoff race will determine who gets the job. 

Ken Blevins, who collected 5,711 votes, and Lora Rice, who had 4,788, beat out Charity Gregory with 3,544 votes. 

The runoff will be from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at all 32 voting centers. 

“I’m just trying to make as many people as possible aware that there even is a runoff. Turnout, voter turnout is so key in a runoff, and it’s typically, historically low, so my big struggle right now is just getting people to know that they need to go back and vote again for me," said Rice, 59. 

Rice developed a desire to serve about 10 years ago after she was diagnosed with H1N1 and spent weeks in the hospital comatose. 

Related:Runoff between Lora Rice and Ken Blevins for Sebastian County treasurer underway

Read this:Meet the candidates for Crawford County's four runoff elections for June 21

Lora Rice is running for Sebastian County treasurer and collector.

“My community was just very, very good to me, and I came out of that wanting to serve and wanting to give back," Rice said. 

Rice has worked as an accountant for 37 years. She now works at SPF America and previously worked at Umarex USA and Walter Arms. Rice has lived in the county all her life. 

“This is my home," Rice said. 

She said she thinks she is the person for the job. 

“I have the integrity. I have the skills. I have the experience," Rice said. 

Rice said that she has experience running an accounting department, whereas her opponent does not. She also pointed out that she has remained a lifelong Republican, and Blevins has run as both a Republican and  Democrat in years past. 

Blevins, 48, previously worked as the circuit clerk in 2011 and 2012. He also ran for this office in 2008 and for county judge in 2018. 

“I am running to help provide good representation and do a good job for the people of Sebastian County," Blevins said. 

Blevins said he is aware of the issues facing the county government and can help to grow the county. 

Professionally, Blevins ran a vitamin store for about 20 years. 

Previously:How Sebastian County voted in Arkansas primaries

From last month:Sebastian County results from Tuesday elections

During Blevins' term as circuit clerk, six deputy clerks accused Blevins of sexual harassment, retaliation and creating a hostile work environment. A county grievance committee investigated and substantiate the claims, according to articles from the Times Record. 

Later in his term, after Blevins fired two deputy clerks, the county forced him to reinstate them when a county grievance committee found that he fired them for constitutionally-protected activity. 

Alex Gladden is a University of Arkansas graduate. She previously reported for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and The Jonesboro Sun before joining the Times Record. She can be contacted at agladden@swtimes.com.