Sen. Burnett to seek reelection

Senator David Burnett has formally announced his intentions to seek reelection to the District 15/22 Arkansas Senate seat.

Senator Burnett was a graduate of the 1959 Blytheville High School class. He attended the University of Arkansas where he obtained a BSBA degree in history and political science in 1963 and a Juris Doctorate in law in 1966. He also took post graduate studies at the University of Nevada, Memphis State University and Oxford's Durham College in Oxford, England in comparative law, toward a master in judicial studies.

After graduation from university, Burnett was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army. Upon completion of law school he was promoted to the rank of captain. Burnett completed a one-year tour in Vietnam where he received the Bronze Star, Army Commendation award and other decorations. Upon returning home from Vietnam, Burnett was associated in law practice with the firm of Swift, Alexander and Burnett for a number of years. He was elected prosecuting attorney for the Second Judicial District in 1974 and served seven counties until being elected Circuit Judge in 1982. He has served the people of Poinsett, Craighead and Mississippi Counties and the Second Judicial District for 37 years.

Senator Burnett has been active in civic and community affairs, his activities include membership in the VFW, American Legion, past president of Osceola Kiwanis Club, past president Arkansas Prosecuting Attorneys Association, past president of Arkansas Judicial Council, former chief judge of Second Judicial District, scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 222 for nine years, BSA Silver Beaver Award, Scoutmaster Award of Merit, past president East Arkansas Boy Scout Council, board member of Mississippi County 4-H, and board member of Little Rock Council of Boy Scouts.

His activities also include chairman of the board at First Christian Church in Osceola, member of the Arkansas Bar Association, member of the Blytheville and Osceola bar associations, admitted to practice before eastern and western districts of Federal Court and to the United States Supreme Court, governors DWI Task Force, chairman of Judicial Advisory Board to the Department of Corrections, past chair of Arkansas Supreme Court Committee on Criminal Practice, secretary of the Osceola Port Authority, member of Mississippi River Parkway Commission and numerous other activities.

In the Arkansas Senate Burnett has served on Senate committees: Public Health, Welfare, and Labor; vice chair of City, County and Local Affairs Committee; and chairman of the Joint Performance Review. He serves as a member in the Arkansas Legislative Council Member; Sub-committees of the Arkansas Legislative Council; Administrative Rules, Game and Fish/State Police, Litigation Reports Oversight Committee; Substance Abuse Taskforce; and Resolutions and Memorials. He is also a member of the Joint Budget Committee.

"I have enjoyed serving the people of Mississippi, Poinsett and Craighead counties in the state legislature. I pledge to the people of this district that I will continue to seek transparency in government and to promote economic development and job growth for all our citizens," Burnett related.

Senator Burnett said 37 years ago, " 'I sought public office with a slogan; "Help me make this district a better place to live.' I will continue to work toward this goal with all my energy and your help."