Denise Garner

Denise Garner earned a B.S. in nursing from the University of Arkansas. Garner's career experience includes owning a business and working as a nurse practitioner. She founded Role Call, serving as its board chair, founded Feed Communities, and has served as the board chair of the WRMC Foundation. Garner has also served on the University of Arkansas Medical School Psychology Research Institute Board, the University of Arkansas Medical School Board, the University of Arkansas Foundation Board, the Fulbright College Advisory Board, the Arkansas Committee of the National Museum of Women in Arts, the College of ED/HP Advisory Board, and the Amazeum Board.[1]

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What would be your top three priorities, if elected?

(1) Listening to my constituents (being accessible, responsible to their concerns). The biggest problem with the incumbent is his "guns everywhere" legislation that he pushed through last legislative cycle without listening to all stakeholders. We need to fix Act 562 to make it more pragmatic and takes into account the local control of public colleges and universities again.

(2) Ethics Reform (we have several ethical issues with our current state legislature that need fixing)

(3) Healthcare to all Arkansans, support for public education (in the form of teacher raises, protection for teacher retirement, & stopping the syphoning off of public funds for other purposes).

(4) Focus on Arkansas's Infrastructure - special attention given to roads/highways and repairing/improving bridges throughout our state

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Public education and healthcare are my biggest two passions and uniquely there are also the same biggest areas of focus for our state legislature. Another close issue to my heart is food insecurities. I founded Feed Communities to help bridge the gap between our local farmers and those areas in our community that need food.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honesty, integrity, & respect for differing viewpoints

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am honest, compassionate about helping others, & deeply value the ideas and opinions of differing viewpoints.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want to make our community better so our kids and grandkids want to come back here. I've given my last 30 years to seeing northwest Arkansas succeed and I know we can still be better!

What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?

Pictures of my kids and grandkids.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Fight Song by Rachel Platten

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

I think a variety of backgrounds is important to ensure different voices are represented in the state legislature.

What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?

We've got to focus on our growing infrastructural needs. Our state is a natural beauty but we also need to balance that we the growing urban sprawl to protect the needs of the environment and local communities.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes, one of the first things I want to do when elected is start a women's caucus comprised of female legislators (new and veteran from both parties) to come together for common goals to improve the lives of women across our state as well as find ways to encourage more female legislators. I also think we should have a "moderate" caucus of legislators comprised of both parties who will help govern from the middle. Arkansas succeeds best when we listen to our middle voice.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

Independent, third party should redistrict our state and federal boundaries for legislative offices.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Senator Joyce Elliott

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Nope. I am not a career politician. Unlike my opponent, who just recently updated his website that said he was running for Lt. Governor (in 2013), I do not aspire to any higher office. I want to serve the people of District 84 to the best of my abilities. This is not be my full time job either, though I will work tirelessly for Dist. 84 and the state of Arkansas. I am a grandmother and want to spend as much time with my grandkids as possible during these special, early years.