FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 12, 2010 

CONTACT:
Caleb C. Lites (501) 590-0678
caleblites@gmail.com

Horton Appointed To Searcy "Refund & Reinvest Committee"

Searcy, AR - Nicholas Horton, candidate for Searcy Alderman in Ward 1, has been appointed to the Searcy Refund & Reinvest Committee.  The committee will outline recommendations for the refunding of the illegally exacted A&P Tax revenue collected during 2009.  The total of the funds, including interest, is $452,000. 

Collection of the tax was halted after Judge Tom Hughes ruled the city had illegally refused the petitions for referendum presented by the Searcy Friends of the Voters, a local Ballot Question Committee who petitioned to have the A&P Tax ordinance referred to the people of Searcy.

"I am honored to take part in this important effort to refund money that was illegally exacted from the voters of Searcy, surrounding communities, and tourists from across the country.  Alderman Nutter is committed to working for the people of Searcy.  He and I agree that this should be a fair and transparent process--I am committed to working towards that outcome.  I trust that the committee can come together and work to make reasonable recommendations to the city council in a quick manner," Horton said.

"This should be an easy and convenient process for the people.  The money was illegally exacted and therefore the city has an obligation to go the extra mile for the people."

In regards to specifics, Horton said he would like to see the refund forms made available online and provisions made for out of town residents to receive their checks via mail.

"The proponents of this tax told the people of Searcy for nearly a year that this tax would be paid by visitors to the city.  Therefore, we should work to accommodate those visitors by making the refund process accessible to them," Horton said.

Alderman Nutter said he was glad to have Horton on board.  "Nicholas brings a fresh perspective and will give needed energy to the committee.  His input will help make this a transparent and fair process for the people of Searcy.  I look forward to working with him on the committee and on the city council for years to come."


About Nicholas

Nicholas Horton is a candidate for Searcy City Council in Ward 1.  He grew up on the baseball fields of Searcy, involved in church ministry and community service from a young age.  Nicholas is a graduate of Harding University and currently a candidate for a Master's of Business Administration.  During his time at Harding, he served as Chairman of the College Republicans and was involved in several economic projects with local businesses as a member of the Capitalism Corps.  Nicholas is currently a volunteer coach in Searcy's baseball program.  He is the owner-operator of Horton's Lawn Care.

For more information about Nicholas' positive campaign for Searcy City Council, please visit www.Horton4Searcy.com and www.Facebook.com/Horton4Searcy.

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Exercise Your Right--VOTE Now.

Friends,

I do not wish to over-dramatize the events of the last 15 months, but let's be honest: the Searcy city government has done everything in their power to keep the people of Searcy from voicing their opinions on the A&P Tax.

They denied our legal and sufficient petitions for referendum; they have refused to let us speak at City Council meetings; they have brought in armed guards at Council meetings to "keep us under control;" and they have hidden this issue at a special election, rather than waiting 4 more weeks and placing the issue on the primary ballot at virtually no cost to the taxpayer--this option is costing you and I over $5,000. Not only is the issue hidden at a special election, but the locations for early voting and election-day voting are being held at two different locations. They do not think you will show up and vote.

Despite all of these delaying and diversion tactics, the mayor recently told KARK-4 News that the issue was placed at a special election because "we wanted to get this issue before the voters as soon as possible." 15 months after the people of Searcy asked to vote--after the Council voted down 7 specific motions to set an election date--does anyone really believe this claim?

Myself and many, many others have been sounding the alarm about the perils of an A&P Tax and the accompanying A&P Commission for over a year. I have no doubt that you are equally tired of hearing about it as we are tired of talking about it. Just in case you need more information, all the info you need and more is available at www.arkansaspatriot.us

Quite honestly, this issue has consumed public discussion for far too long. The issue should have been resolved in February 2009 when we asked to vote on the tax. Or in June 2009 when we submitted over 1,200 signatures on petitions for a referendum election. Or in October 2009 when the circuit judge ruled in our favor. Instead, the politicians in city hall chose to drag this issue out as long as possible in hopes that they would wear us down. We have news for them--we're still here and we are as fired up as ever.

And now, after a long, long fight, the time has come for a vote. We have already won a partial victory because the people were granted their legal right to vote on this tax. However, if the people fail to exercise this right, all of our sweat, breath, and money spent fighting this issue for the last 15 months was all for naught.

Today was the first day of early voting on this issue. Early voting is being held now through Monday, April 12th at the County Clerk's office. Voting on Tuesday the 13th will be held at the Carmichael Center.

Please, before you close this browser and forget, consider email this post to your friends and family who live in Searcy. We need them to vote to preserve Searcy's economic future.

VOTE.

Thank you.

Nicholas Horton

Searcy City Council Candidate

www.horton4searcy.com

www.arkansaspatriot.us

Merry Christmas, patriots.

Dear friends,

I just wanted to write you and thank you for the support I have already received in this young campaign for Searcy City Council. I had initially planned to kickoff my campaign in high-gear at the beginning of 2010, so I launched this page to help organize canvassing efforts. However, the City Council has since voted to become "non-partisan," moving all elections to the general ballot in November. I hope to use this page to organize door-knocking in Searcy late next summer.

I want to knock every door in Ward 1 and shake every hand--I need your help to reach this goal! I strongly believe that we have a winning message. We share the values of Searcy citizens. If we get that message out, we cannot fail. I hope you will stick around and join us in the fight.

I am more optimistic than ever about our path for victory, but I know I cannot do anything without you. I appreciate your continued prayers and support. If anyone ever told you that politics is easy, they were mistaken. But I believe politics is worth it. If good men and women do not stand up and fight tyranny, who will? I am ready and willing to fight for our freedoms--freedom from burdensome taxation, overbearing regulation, and wasteful government spending.

Again, I am very excited about working with you in the upcoming year. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your family. God bless you.

Nicholas H. Horton

horton4searcy@gmail.com

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"But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.' Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.' " - Luke 2:10-14