FORT SMITH (KFSM) - Mike Ross and Asa Hutchinson, the state's major party candidates for governor, were in Fort Smith on Friday (Aug. 1) for the First Friday Breakfast.
The Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce brings in speakers from around the country to inform chamber members and business leaders.
Ross and Hutchinson were the featured speakers of the August event. Both discussed job created in the area.
"I'm going to talk about six great opportunities that we have here in the River Valley for job creation and economic development," said the Republican Hutchinson.
Ross, the Democrat, said, "We need to improve our schools and create more better-paying jobs."
Each candidate spoke for about 15 minutes.
"I want to be the education governor," Ross said. "Everything starts with education."
Hutchinson said, "I will address fewer regulations in Arkansas to [create a] friendly business environment in our state."
Both candidates are vying in the Nov. 4 election to replace Democrat Mike Beebe, who is prohibited by term limits from running again.
Also running for governor this year are Green Party candidate Josh Drake and Libertarian Frank Gilbert.