Curtner ready to start another chapter of service as Cross County Judge
He seeks the Republican nomination in the March 3 primary
Mike Curtner has lived and worked in Cross County his entire life.
He served with the Wynne Fire Department for 28 years, retiring as assistant chief in 1999. He also served two terms on the Cross County Quorum Court and was a Justice of the Peace.
Now, after retiring from Helena Chemicals in August, Curtner wants to open another chapter of service with a run for Cross County Judge.
Curtner faces Rick May in the Republican primary March 3 for the seat left open by the departure of current Judge Lynn Blake. The winner will face Jack Caubble, an independent, in the November general election.
“I want to get in there and start making a difference,” Curtner said. “I have a lot of plans, but the first thing we need to do is get in there and start trying to clean up our roads.”
But before the road situation can be fixed, Curtner said drainage issues need to be resolved.
“I have a plan to bring people in and to work with our current staff to get it done,” he said. “We’re going to put in the work and put in the time to do it right.”
Curtner said his work experience and his time on the Quorum Court and as a Justice of the Peace will benefit him.
“It’s a great opportunity for me to work and to give back to the county,” he said. “The farmers in Cross County have been good to me over the years on my job.
“I want to work with our farmers and landowners on these issues, such as the drainage problem. So much of it is just simply communicating. As county judge, I have plans to notify the radio stations so people know where we’re going to be working.
“And with my county experience, I understand the course that has to be taken. We have to work with everyone, and I understand that. I’ve been in those meetings.”