In November, Arkansans will have the opportunity to choose between three candidates for state treasurer.

The treasurer's office describes itself as being the “state's banker.” Similar to how most of us have bank accounts, government agencies across Arkansas have accounts with the treasurer's office. The office manages the deposits, withdrawals and money distributions.

They pride themselves on trying to “maximize returns” by collecting interest. The treasurer's office boasts that they manage about $9 billion dollars.

The last person elected to the post was former state Rep. Mark Lowery, but Lowery died in July of last year at age 66. He had been suffering from health problems before his death including two strokes the same year he died. He announced his retirement the day before his death.

Three candidates compete in special treasurer election

*Democrat John Pagan (Left), Republican Secretary of State John Thurston (Middle), Libertarian Michael Pakko (Right).*

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

It was a quieter day at the Arkansas state capitol on Day 2 of the candidate filing period as fewer than 30 people submitted paperwork to run for public office.

Former Arkansas State Sen. John Pagan, a Democrat from Little Rock, filed for Treasurer of State, which will be filled by a two-year term due to the death of former Treasurer Mark Lowery. Yesterday, Secretary of State John Thurston filed as a Republican for the post.

Pagan was a law professor at the University of Arkansas Little Rock School of Law in the 1980’s and later served as dean and professor at the University of Richmond School of Law. He represented a portion of Little Rock in the Arkansas State Senate in the early 1990’s.

Former State Sen. John Pagan files for Treasurer, U.S. Rep. Womack files for re-election