Neighbors steps down as chairman of Democrats

RUSSELLVILLE — Rick Neighbors has stepped down as chair of the Franklin County Democratic Executive Committee, citing personal commitments he said no longer allow him to serve in the role.

Neighbors said he made the decision after beginning a doctoral program and realizing he could not devote the time the position requires.

“I just really don’t have the time to give it the due diligence it deserves,” he said.

Neighbors said he announced his decision during a committee meeting in January but recently clarified the resignation in an email to eliminate confusion and allow the organization to move forward.

He served as chair for about a year and a half, he said.

During that time, Neighbors said he valued opportunities to engage with the community and encourage participation in civic discussions.

“The idea of democracy is a people issue,” he said. “People have to be actively engaged in those pursuits and those activities and those conversations.”

Neighbors said one accomplishment he was particularly proud of was helping organize a candidate event in Franklin County that brought multiple Democratic senatorial candidates to a rural setting for a public discussion.

He said events like that helped bring attention to rural communities and their role in the broader political landscape.

Neighbors said his future involvement in local politics remains uncertain and that he may revisit the idea in several years.

The committee’s remaining leadership includes Vice Chair Helen Mitchell and Secretary Wanda Myrick.