Rural Candidates: Dr. Chris Jones
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Launching his campaign with touring every county in Arkansas, Dr. Chris Jones has a vision of spreading opportunity all over the state. He believes this begins by spreading PB&J across the state—expanding preschool to all families, affordable broadband for every home, and economic development focused on creating high wage jobs. To learn more about Dr. […]
Rural Candidates: Ricky Dale Harrington Jr.
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Pursuing the Libertarian party nomination for Governor, Ricky Dale Harrington Jr. has adopted the state’s motto,“Regnat Populus”, as his official campaign slogan: The People Rule. Ricky has prioritized changing the narrative around politics and hopes to make state government easier to understand and participate in for everyday citizens. To learn more about Ricky and his […]
Rural Candidates: Doc Washburn
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The Rural Candidates series has taken a turn to interview a gubernatorial candidate, Doc Washburn. Washburn was host of a local talk radio show in Little Rock for over seven years. He now does a national podcast with listeners in all 50 states. He is running for the Republican nomination for Governor. Two priority areas […]
Rural Candidates: Mattie Allison
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Longtime community advocate, Mattie Allison, is throwing her hat in the ring for Mayor of Marianna. Allison, a retired educator, has worked diligently over the years for her community and all of Lee County. With decades of public service experience, Allison feels now is her time to lead her town into the future. Listen to […]
Rural Candidates: Alan Yarbrough
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Alan Yarbrough, retiring Searcy County School District Superintendent, is running for the newly-drawn Arkansas House of Representatives District 27. The district includes Baxter, Izard, Newton, Searcy, and Stone counties. A 30+ years rural, public educator, Yarbrough’s vision includes improving educational and career training opportunities for students, and creating easier access to quality healthcare and mental […]
Rural Candidates: Series trailer
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In this new series, we’ll talk with rural candidates from across the state of Arkansas. Whether they’re running for school board or State Senator, we want to hear from them. If you’re a rural candidate or know of someone running, please contact us at rca@thenewrural.org Listen to Podcast
2021 Highlights
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RCA launched two key programs: Afterschool Initiative and Cybersecurity training program.
Rural Roots: Shalondra Smith
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With a passion to cultivate leaders, Shalondra Smith tells us about the love she has for Hughes and the importance of raising strong, young leaders. Arkansas Board of Apportionment: https://arkansasredistricting.org Listen to Podcast
Rural Roots: Bob King
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From Marshall, Bob King joins us to share life in Searcy County. With a true vision of building a rural Arkansas that we’d all be proud to call home, Bob speaks on the importance of strengthening rural infrastructure and capacity. Buffalo River Historic Jail and Museum: https://www.facebook.com/BuffaloRiverHistoricJailandMuseum/ Arkansas Legislature: https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us. RCA Rural Pitch Competition: https://tinyurl.com/RCAPitch2021 […]
Rural Roots: Coach Johnny Lomack
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We’re joined by Coach Johnny Lomack from Elaine for this Rural Roots episode. Coach Lomack moved back home in 2019 and has since started an AAU team in his hometown. To learn more about the Delta Kings and Queens, follow them on Facebook at DELTA KINGS. Coach Lomack can be contacted at coachlomack@gmail.com or (870)253-3198. […]