Wagner seeking second term in District 54 seat

Wes Wagner of Manila has formally filed for re-election for Arkansas state representative for District 54.

The district encompasses part of Mississippi County and part of Poinsett County. It contains portions of Blytheville and Osceola, and all of Gosnell, Dell, Manila, Leachville, Etowah, Dyess, Lepanto and Trumann, plus the rural areas connecting the towns.

A Democrat, Wagner has no opposition in the May primary election. He will face Republican David Wallace, a Leachville city councilman, in the general election in November.

Wagner was an honor graduate from Manila High School, received his bachelor of science degree in business finance from Arkansas State University and received a juris doctorate from the University of Tulsa College of Law in Tulsa, Okla.

Wagner has practiced law for eight years in Manila and serves as the city attorney. His wife, Dr. Katy Wagner, is a dentist. They have a daughter, Scarlett, who is 3. Along with his law practice, the Wagners are small business owners with residential and commercial rental property.

"Being a self-employed attorney, I know the value of hard work and the importance of working citizens keeping more of their income," Wagner said. "That is why I supported over $100 million in tax cuts last session. I am also proud that I helped the state to balance the budget with $100 million left in surplus."

Wagner was a co-sponsor of one of the biggest economic development packages in years for Arkansas, a package that will bring Big River Steel to northeast Arkansas. The project is expected to create more than 2,000 construction jobs and 500 permanent employees in the area.

Working with groups such as Farm Bureau, Wagner helped pass legislation giving tax exemptions for grain storage and drying along with an exemption for cotton bale wrap. Wagner understands the need to help the state agricultural business, as he and his brother are involved with owning, renting and sharecropping farm land.

In the area of education, Wagner helped secure teacher insurance stability. He also helped secure the necessary funding for Arkansas Northeastern College to have additional staff to develop its workforce training programs.

Furthermore, Wagner knows there is no greater sacrifice than serving one's country in the military. That is why he co-sponsored and was dedicated to seeing that the state fund and build a new Veterans home, which will now become a reality with a new multimillion dollar, state-of-the-art, facility to be constructed in North Little Rock.

As hobbies, Wagner is an avid duck and deer hunter and loves to fish. He is and will continue to be a strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment.

As a freshman legislator, Wagner served on the following House committees: Judiciary, State Agencies and Governmental Affairs, Joint Performance Review, Courts and Civil Law Permanent Subcommittee, Constitutional Issues Subcommittee, Joint Committee on Constitutional Amendments, and City, County and Local Affairs.

Wagner's parents are Wayne and Charolette Wagner of Manila. His brother and sister-in-law, Tommy and Heather Wagner, also reside in Manila with their son, Ty, and daughter, Ella. Dr. Tommy Wagner works in Wagner Medical Clinic in Manila and Lepanto.

"After serving as your state representative, I am well-prepared for the job ahead. I have knowledge of the legislative process, energy and fresh ideas," Wagner said. "I will appreciate your support and vote for re-election to state representative, District 54, in November."