John Rech says ‘Vote Rev’ for a stronger economy

John Rech says ‘Vote Rev’ for a stronger economy

You may know John Rech as the Rev., as a local pastor involved in the community preaching at open gatherings for Holy Week, MLK Day or the 8th Street Mission for Jesus Christ. Maybe you know him from one of the three local non-profit boards he has served or noticed his name on a by line in the newspaper. Either way, Rech has displayed leadership and concern through active involvement in Crittenden County. Three top issues provide focus for his quest to represent District 12 on the quorum court, fiscal responsibility, economic development and the crime and drug crisis among our youth.

One of the best economic developments in West Memphis, the million square foot Family Dollar Distribution Center, drew Rech to Crittenden County 20 years ago. Unique experiences there helped forge a strong vision for the future of Crittenden County in Rech.

A father of four and grandfather to 13 children, Rech made a home in Marion in 1999 and went straight to work making hundreds of hiring decisions while running the biggest department in the new distribution center.

Since then he served the community as a pastor, volunteer, self-employed business owner, and newspaper reporter. Through it all Rech saw the need in the county for more big-time economic development and fighting crime pressed to the top of his needs list for the county.

His work at that big new distribution center developed an experienced perspective and a vision for a growing and prospering county. Developing the 1800-acre vehicle manufacturing site shared by West Memphis and Marion will transform the county and the region beyond.

'One thousand jobs at $30-35 changes the economic outlook and raises hopes for prosperity throughout the entire region,' said Rech. 'I'll help build a bigger stronger economic development coalition to deliver a vehicle manufacturer at the Megasite. The plant would provide a huge boon.

Concentrated focus from all economic development offices across the mid-south, east Arkansas cities and counties combined will drive home the next American auto manufacturing plant to our county.'

The jail and sheriff department represent the biggest county expenditure each year.

'I volunteer on the board for a family domestic violence shelter where I've seen firsthand the impact of physical and emotional abuse,' said Rech. 'As reporter I've written about, gun violence, and murder for four years all around the county, and exposed slow reimbursements for state prisoners at the jail. I accepted the invitation of the West Memphis Police Citizens Academy to learn practices in police work.

This unique combination of experiences made me the best Justice of the Peace 12 candidate to vote on budget appropriations and oversight at the sheriff office and jail.'

Rech feels positive activities for youth in the county represent keys to a positive future. His experience as a pastor and reporter witnessing the opioid explosion, drug trafficking, teenage gun play, and the gang activity seen from Turrell to Earle, Proctor to West Memphis, moved the candidate to ask the churches for action. The Crowley’s Ridge Development Council commissioned an Arkansas State study showed our county the neediest for social services among the eight northeast Arkansas counties. Rech already serves Crittenden County as the volunteer community representative and board secretary along with judges from seven surrounding counties.

'Youth get into trouble between the school bell and the dinner bell,' said Rech.

'If churches don't see the need for after school evangelism, discipleship mentoring, and tutoring, they have totally missed their call to local ministry. Teen pregnancy, STDs, and crime are born among latch key kids in the afternoon time slot. As JP I'll continue exhorting churches to engage

youth.

'Crittenden County let's grow together. I ask you to vote 'Rev.', vote John Leonard Rech Jr. for Justice of the Peace District 12.'