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Wes Fowler, AAC governmental affairs director to retire in June.
Longtime county man makes the turn Legacy includes stronger, more efficient government
he was an advocate for Arkansas counties say Fowler displays the dedication and knowledge that only a natural leader possesses. “Wes Fowler is not a dabbler in county government; he is a county
A said.
married Rose Qualls. Te couple, which has three daughters, a stepson and six grandchildren, will celebrate their 36th wedding anniversary this summer. Fowler worked at Tyson Foods and National Home Center before
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owler was born in Twin Falls, Idaho. His parents moved back home to Madison County when he was 4. After high school, he
government connoisseur,” said Eddie Jones, former executive director of the Association of Arkansas Counties. Fowler’s accomplishments range from computerizing the Madison County Clerk’s office to ushering early voting legislation through the state legislature. “Everything he touched in county government, he left it in better
shape,” said AAC Executive Director Chris Villines. Fowler will retire in June from his position as AAC’s government rela- tions director, a position he has held since January 2011. Still, he says, he expects to keep his finger on the pulse of the counties. “I hope to still receive some calls from elected county officials,” he
t first glance, it might seem that Wes Fowler’s interest in county government could have been sparked by his family’s legacy of service to Madison County. But those who worked alongside him during the 26 years
becoming a custom homebuilder and licensed residential contractor. He also had poultry houses, and his family owns a nine-hole golf course. He made the transition to county government in 1989. It might seem a natural progression considering that his family has been active in county government for six decades. “Up until I left, there had been a Fowler in the courthouse since the early 1950s,” he said. His father served on the quorum court, and two of his cousins served
as treasurer and assessor. Fowler served 10 years as county clerk. During that time, he served as legislative chair and in officer positions in the County Clerks Association. He was in line for association president when he was elected county judge in 1998. Likewise active in the County Judges Association of Arkansas, Fowler
served as legislative chair, first and second vice-president, then president. He also served on the AAC Board of Directors and as AAC legislative chair. When he did not seek re-election in 2010, he joined the AAC staff. “Wes Fowler has the kind of background that makes him a very astute
AAC staff member — he has ‘in-the-field’ training. Having served many years as both a county clerk and a county judge, he has great practical knowledge of county government operations, and he knows the law governing those operations. Even before becoming a member of the AAC staff he was very instrumental in helping guide the AAC legislative package through various sessions of the Arkansas General Assembly,” Jones said.
COUNTY LINES, SPRING 2014
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