Perry County Hosts Legislators

Pictured on the front row are Perry County Judge Toby Davis, Rep. Spencer Hawks, Perry County Treasurer Jan Moore and Perry County Coroner Bill Greene. Pictured on the back row are District Judge Andrew Gill, Perry County Assessor Amanda Hawkins, Sen. Jason Rapert, Sen. Mark Johnson, Perry County Sheriff Scott Montgomery and Rep. Rick Beck.

Perry County hosts legislators for reception

Story and Photos by holland doran AAC Communications Coordinator

Perry County hosted state legislators, Perry County officials and employees, and local business owners for a reception to connect one-on-one with lawmakers Jan. 8.

About 50 people attended the event held at the Perry County courthouse. Legislators who attended included Rep. Spencer Hawks, Sen. Jason Rapert, Sen. Mark Johnson and Rep. Rick Beck.

Perry County Judge Toby Davis said he was pleased with the turnout and thanked legislators for their readiness to build relationships with Perry County.

Davis said an event such as a reception gives county and state elected officials rare one-on-one time to discuss issues facing counties.

“The state legislators are the people who represent us, and it’s great for county and local officials and business people to get together to discuss the issues that benefit everybody,” he said.

Davis urges other counties to schedule time to meet face-to-face with legislators.

“I encourage other counties to host legislators because a lot of people, like business owners, did not know who their legislators were,” he said.

Perry County Treasurer Jan Moore, who organized the reception, echoes Davis.

“This is the only way you’re going to meet them [legislators],” she said. “They need to see where you are and let them know that we need their help on some issues.”

Perry County Sheriff Scott Montgomery hopes Perry County’s event would motivate other counties.

“I would encourage every sheriff, county and city leader to meet with our legislators,” he said. “This [a reception] gives us a better chance to meet with them one-on-one to discuss our local needs for the betterment of our citizens.”

Perry County Treasurer Jan Moore chats with state Rep. Rick Beck during the reception.

Perry County Judge Toby Davis, Perry County Justice of the Peace Charles “Nub” Camp and Yell County Judge Mark Thone attend the reception.