Prissy Hickerson To Run for Arkansas House District 1

As expected, former Arkansas Highway Commission chief Prissy Hickerson, a Texarkana Republican, announces she’ll run for the Arkansas House of Representatives District 1 seat, currently held by Democratic Rep. Steve Harrelson, who is running for state senate. Hickerson’s full release is at the jump.

Prissy Hickerson to Run for Arkansas House

TEXARKANA, ARK—Long time Texarkana advocate Mary P. “Prissy” Hickerson has officially announced her candidacy for Arkansas State Representative, District One in Texarkana, Arkansas. Hickerson is seeking to replace State Representative Steve Harrelson, who is now running for the District 21 State Senate position. The Republican Primary is May 18, 2010. The general election will be held on November 2, 2010.

Hickerson is no newcomer to Texarkana or politics. Raised in Texarkana, Arkansas Prissy and her husband Randy have made Texarkana their home since 1977.  She has been active in many community organizations throughout the years.  As a Texarkana native Prissy understands the rich history of the Texarkana community and has been an eye witness to its growth, successes and challenges. Prissy and her husband Randy own a dental practice. They’ve worked as active members of the Texarkana business community.

Hickerson is the business manager for her husband’s dental practice and this experience has given her a deep appreciation for small businesses. “I understand what it’s like to work hard and make a payroll. Randy’s practice has made me appreciate the long hours and hard work so many families put into their small businesses to keep our economy going. Economic development & making life easier and less burdensome for small businesses will always be a priority for me.”

Hickerson has been a long time advisor to former Governor Mike Huckabee. She helped run his first campaign for public office in 1992. Huckabee appointed her to a ten year term on the Arkansas State Highway Commission in 1997. She served two years as the chairman. It was during her time on the commission that Hickerson learned to work the legislative process—fighting for Texarkana projects.

While on the Highway Commission, she was instrumental in securing a record $291.5 million in funding for highway projects in Miller County, including the new segments of future I-49 from Doddridge to Highway 71 north in Texarkana.  She also worked with the commission, the Governor and state legislators to gain voter approval of the successful Interstate Rehabilitation Program that reconstructed over half of Arkansas’ interstate miles in five years.

“As Highway Commissioner, I witnessed the positive economic impact that transportation improvements have on communities.  When all of the construction on I-30 and the future I-49 corridor is complete, and with the existing airport and freight lines, Texarkana Arkansas will be in a unique position to serve as a transportation hub.  This could lead to new business and industry for our area, creating new jobs and bolstering our economy.  I want to use the experience I gained working with local, state and national leaders to make that happen.”

Prissy went on to say, “Texarkana is a great town. We’ve spent our lives here and benefited from the many friendships we’ve made. I see serving in the House as a way to give back—a way to do something for Texarkana. I hope to get to visit with many of you on the campaign trail and would be honored to have your support.”

Prissy and her husband Randy, a local dentist, have a son and daughter in law, Chris and Stephanie and four granddaughters. Former Governor and First Lady Mike and Janet Huckabee will be in Texarkana on Tuesday, September 22 to help host a fundraiser for her campaign.  For more information please contact Prissy at 870-773-1603 or through her campaign website: www.prissyhickerson.com.

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