GRAVETTE — Helping control state spending would be a top priority for Bella Vista resident Jim Parsons if he wins the election to the Arkansas General Assembly next year, he said.

“I want us to live within our means,” the 78-year-old Republican said.

Parsons announced he is running for the House of Representatives in District 92. The district includes Gravette, Sulphur Springs, Decatur and part of Bella Vista. Parsons has run for local and statewide offices and has been elected to the Northwest Arkansas Community College Board and the Bella Vista Property Owners Association board, he said.

Arkansas is prohibited by law from operating with a budget deficit and had a surplus of $94 million at the end of the fiscal year on June 30, said Brandon Sharp, administrator for fiscal and budget at the state Department ofFinance and Administration.

Parsons said he is pleased the state budget is sound, but is concerned a shaky global economy could affect Arkansas some day. Acrossthe-board budget cuts and limited travel by state officials would help control spending, he said.

Parsons also wants to be an advocate for area residents in their dealings with public officials and government agencies, he said.

“I want to represent thepeople and listen to their interests and concerns,” he said.

The district has 28,977 residents and is represented by Republican Mary Lou Slinkard of Gravette. Its boundaries were redrawn this summer when the state Board of Apportionment adjusted legislative lines to reflect population shifts shown in the 2010 U.S. Census. Its district number was changed from District 100 to District 92.

Fast-growing Washington and Benton counties gained a Senate seat and all or part of four House seats during redistricting. All legislative seats are up for election after the census.

News, Pages 2 on 09/28/2011