Arkansas State Senate District 34 candidate surveys, 2022

Elections in Arkansas, 2022

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This article shows responses from candidates in the 2022 election for Arkansas State Senate District 34 who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.

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• Click here to see Candidate Connection survey responses.

Candidates and election results

General election

General election for Arkansas State Senate District 34

Jim Dotson defeated J.P. DeVilliers in the general election for Arkansas State Senate District 34 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Jim Dotson (R)	69.8	21,349
		J.P. DeVilliers (L)	30.2	9,236

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 30,585
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

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Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

J.P. DeVilliers (L)

The current establishment does not represent us, it is by necessity and through the two party system, corrupt

We need to stop government overreach and limit the impact of our lives

Individual rights are a priority, the 1st duty of government is to protect those rights

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

J.P. DeVilliers (L)

Economic advancement, Tax Reform, Education policy, Electoral & Political funding,

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

J.P. DeVilliers (L)

The Constitution of Liberty, F.A. Hayek

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

J.P. DeVilliers (L)

Sincerity, empathy and the ability to work collaboratively with others to find the best solutions.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

J.P. DeVilliers (L)

Authentic, sincere, independant

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

J.P. DeVilliers (L)

To be the voice of the constituents, never forget that they are there to represent their constituents.

What legacy would you like to leave?

J.P. DeVilliers (L)

The the residents of Arkansas Senate district 34 are more free, less burdened by government overreach, they are able to keep more of their hard earned money and vote with their dollars on how they want to live, what services they need and how there children are educated. Dignity comes from freedom, from being on control of your own life. I want to be known for protecting that right.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

J.P. DeVilliers (L)

I was 10 years old. Living in South Africa. The US Bicentennial celebrations. Though my sister who was a journalist, i received a flood of information about what the USA stood for, the constitution, the culture. I made up my mind I needed to become an American. My career choices, well all my choices were focused on coming to live in the USA. It happened 25 years ago, what I did not understand that immigrating was only the 1st step, after raising a family and building a career, it time for my next step, to serve.

What is your favorite book? Why?

J.P. DeVilliers (L)

I really enjoyed the Goldfinch by Donna Trott, so beautifully written, and I could personally relate to places and scenes described.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

J.P. DeVilliers (L)

Mama Mia by ABBA, heard it being played on TV and there you go. But then who doesn't love ABBA.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

J.P. DeVilliers (L)

No question I have been blessed in so many ways I could not count them all. But sure there have been struggles, I have not cared as much as I could for health, not always eaten the right things, and so I want to be fitter.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

J.P. DeVilliers (L)

A highly collaborative relationship, where true support comes from both sides. Both are elected to represent that interests of their constituents. So there is natural overlap, and both need to be working together to ensure an environment where residents can lives their best lives.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

J.P. DeVilliers (L)

There is inequality across the state, which follows the money. We need to attract new business to the state by creating tax policy that is business friendly encourages investment across all parts of the state, while removing the burden of being the most taxed state in the region.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of a unicameral state legislature, in your opinion?

J.P. DeVilliers (L)

The benefit would be quicker decisions, less bureaucracy, less cost. The drawback is a loss of checks and balances. Unfortunately in the current political climate in Arkansas a single party has all the power they need. So I think it is necessary to keep the framework.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

J.P. DeVilliers (L)

I think there needs to be a balance in the legislature. I think you need both. Established politicians (Even if this is not a full time job) will and do, try to keep the status quo. You have to have diverse thought, to ensure the interests of constituents remain the focus, not simply following the patterns of the past. Experience, is required, but different experience, not all, political.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

J.P. DeVilliers (L)

Yes. I think this is a true statement for every endeavor, members of the legislature is no exception. In order to define policy members of the chambers need to understand each other, be able to put one another in the others shoes, this is only done by building relationships

What process do you favor for redistricting?

J.P. DeVilliers (L)

I think redistricting is required to ensure a balance of the number of constituents represented by an elected official. Benton County in Arkansas has experienced massive growth and the boundaries need to be adjusted. The process is managed at a state level, this is where I differ, local stakeholders will act with local interests at heart. The boundaries should be contiguous and be based on population, allowing elected officials to best serve, in the most efficient way the needs of the people they serve.

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

J.P. DeVilliers (L)

1. Children and Youth, 2. Education, 3. Revenue & Tax 4. Economic and Tax Policy

If you are a current legislator, what appealed to you about your current committees?

J.P. DeVilliers (L)

They align with my platform of removing the burden of the government from the individuals in the state and providing the best possible opportunities for the next generation

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

J.P. DeVilliers (L)

I have found Asa Hutcheson to be sincere and effective.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

J.P. DeVilliers (L)

Not sure yet.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

J.P. DeVilliers (L)

The most impactful for me is when a person is in need of help, and they could not get it. The brother of a lady that cuts my hair was incarcerated for causing a disturbance. He is diagnosed with a mental illness and is on medication. He was put in a cell meant for 2 with 2 other prisoners, so three. He has to sleep on the floor with his head up against a toilet, and does not have access to his medication. I think the primary role of the government is to protect the rights of individuals, this is exactly the opposite. We need to appropriately fund, educate and provide the proper facilities to our law enforcement agencies so they attract the right skills and provide the service that is so critical to the functioning of our society.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

J.P. DeVilliers (L)

There will always be times when quick action is required and delegation is needed. It does however need to be specific, for a task or situation and should be time bound.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

J.P. DeVilliers (L)

I believe it is important that to move policy forward the opinions, understandings of all stakeholders are considered. Collaboration is vital and so yes, compromise is part of the process of finding win-win solutions. Having said that there are certain fundamental values I believe we should be aligned on, not compromised. I have found that when people disagree it is primarily due to a gap in knowledge or understanding, so we have to take the time to actually listen. Our ability to do so is compromised by bias and influences such as demands from the establishment. We need to be conscious of this, understand how it affects us and be prepared to set it aside, this compromise will allow a better understanding and ensure our elected officials make decisions that are best for our constituents.

See also

More about these elections:

• Arkansas State Senate elections, 2022

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