Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Coleman seeks second House term
MOUNTAINBURG — Rep. Bruce Coleman, R-Mountainburg, will run for a second term for state House District 81, he said in a statement.
District 81 includes Alma, Mountainburg, Rudy, Winslow, Elkins and West Fork. Coleman is the first Republican to announce and will face Democratic opposition in the Nov. 6 election. Democratic challenger Donald McKinney filed earlier for the seat.
Filing for partisan primaries began last week and ends Thursday at noon. As of Monday, Coleman had no primary challenger. The primary is set for May 22 with the general election Nov. 6.
Coleman is the retired co-owner of Coleman Butane Gas Co. and C&C Transport Co. He serves on the House Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee and the Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs Committee, as well as Joint Committee for Public Retirement and Social Security Programs.
Coleman is a recipient of the 2017 Business Matters Leadership Award from the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas, as well as being honored by the Arkansas Municipal League Distinguished Legislator Award for service benefiting cities and towns of Arkansas.
A longtime Republican, Coleman says government’s proper role is protecting citizens while allowing them to protect themselves by supporting gun rights. He supports Gov.
Asa Hutchison’s plan for work requirements in return for state benefits. He also supports the exemption of military retirement pay from state income tax, he said.
“I understand how critical small businesses are to our economy because I operated a successful small business for over 30 years,” Coleman said. “Small businesses create most of the jobs in Arkansas, yet excessive regulations have stifled job growth. I will continue to work to apply conservative principles and fight for our farmers and agri-businesses.”
Coleman is a graduate of Mountainburg High School, holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Arkansas, and also holds a Ph.D. in nutritional biochemistry. He resides on a farm near Mountainburg with his wife, Mabel.
Arkansas House members serve two-year terms and have an annual salary of $39,400. Members can serve 16 years in the Legislature under the state constitution’s limit on terms.