The Daily Hatch

I am Jake Files, a devoted husband, loving father, common sense conservative, and small business owner.  I have a passion for politics because I honestly believe we can still make a difference, and it is time we elected people who will stand with us and for us.  One of my favorite quotes is “The only thing needed for evil to prosper is for good men to do nothing.” (Edmund Burke)  We live in a time where our most basic freedoms are being challenged, and I believe we must stand together and fight.  The time is now.

FAITH & FAMILY

My faith is the catalyst for everything I do, and my family is the backbone of who I am.  Michaela (Mitchell) and I have been married since 1998, and we have 3 little girls we are raising the best way we know how!  Kate is a 1st grader at Immaculate Conception, Liz is in preschool at Hobson/First Presbyterian, and Bella is still in diapers at home with mom.  Michaela is a RN and has made the choice to stay at home with them and help run our household…no easy task!  We attend Eastside Baptist Church, where I sing and play guitar in the Worship Band, coach little league baseball, and help in the children’s choir.

EDUCATION

I attended Ouachita Baptist University on a track scholarship, and I graduated Cum Laude from Arkansas State through the University Center at UA-Fort Smith (then Westark College) with a bachelors in Accounting.  My mom and sister are both teachers, and I have a tremendous respect for not only education, but also the role education plays in the opportunities we have in life.

The students in this generation will be the leaders of the next generation.  Our future literally depends on them and the education they receive.  WIth such a tremendous amount of our resources dedicated to education, we must insist that we are getting the best return possible in terms of educated young people who understand themselves and the world around them.

BUSINESS EXPERIENCE

As a 14 year old paperboy for the Southwest Times Record, I learned the value of a dollar, and more importantly, how quickly it went.  After graduating from college, I accepted a position with Baldor Electric Company as part of the management team for their new flagship plant in Ozark, Arkansas.  What a great company to work for and learn about excellence.  It was there that I learned about manufacturing and what a vital role in plays in our economy and this region.

With a heart for young people, I moved to Fort Smith Christian School, where I later served as President and Superintendent of the Pre-K-12 accredited institution.  While serving in that capacity, I was able to work with educators to shape curriculum and learn what was most important to the educational process.  I also learned that education was not just about what was taught in the classroom, but that the investment we make in the lives of children pays dividends forever.

After seven years at FSC, I went to work for ERC Properties in Real Estate Development and grew immensely.  I was able to work on and close several multi-million dollar deals, and I also obtained my Real Estate License during this time and became a Realtor.  While working in this corporate environment, my entrepreneurial spirit pushed me to look at starting my own business.

In 2006, with much prayer and determination, Michaela and I ventured with two partners into the business we currently own and operate, which is a General Construction Firm and Real Estate Development company.  We develop, build, own, and manage real estate and have been taught great lessons by making a payroll every week and seeing the demands on business owners as insurance and taxes threaten to limit our ability to make money, and in some cases, keep our doors open.

I can assure you that I can identify with you and will work hard to be a pro-business Senator who understands what you go through on a daily basis.

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE

Jake was elected to the House of Representatives in 1998, when he successfully won the primary and general election at the age of 26.  He served two terms without being defeated, and he is very proud of his past legislative accomplishments.  He was a leader and instrumental in the bill that transitioned Westark College to the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, and he also worked hard to effectively represent Fort Smith in the Legislature while serving his terms.  He announced for this state Senate position in 2002, but because of job obligations, he decided not to file for the office at that time.  Since that time, he has started his own company to enable him to set his own schedule more freely and not be dictated by corporate obligations.

In Jake’s last legislative session, he was presented several awards by groups who appreciated his dedication, leadership, and work, and he also passed some substantial legislation.  One of his greatest achievements was borne from a tragic accident that killed a close family friend.  Determined to make something positive from this, Jake vigilantly fought for tougher safety seat laws and was successful in raising the requirement for children to be in safety seats and in seatbelts.  Many lives have been saved since this legislation became law, and countless others will be saved in the future.

Jake also authored and led the fight to protect Arkansas school children against sexual predators with the “Arkansas School Children Protection Act” which kept our children safer by banning anyone convicted of a sexual offense from working in ANY capacity in a school.

He and then Senator Gunner Delay worked together to pass and fund the Tennis Center at Creekmore Park so that everyone could be afforded the opportunity to play in a first class park and facility.  Jake also was able to secure funding for the Health Science building at Westark College which was a highlight with then Chancellor Joel Stubblefield.  He worked with the legislative delegation in the early stages of Fort Chaffee being transitioned to the Trust and was able to help in the funding of $2 million dollars to the Trust as well.

Jake’s greatest satisfaction comes from being able to serve his constituents and help them get problems solved while interacting with governmental agencies.  “Some of my best memories are not of seeing things happen in Little Rock, but hearing from people that I have been able to help find resolution with state government.  To me, that is the essence of public service.  Making a difference for someone every day,” added Files.

On May 18th, 2010, Jake won the Republican Primary with 40% of the vote over opponents Frank Glidewell and Jim Medley.  Because no one received 50% of the vote, a Run-off between Jake Files and Frank Glidewell ensued.  Files was victorious with nearly 58% of the vote on June 8th, 2010.  There was no Democrat to file for the position, so Files will be the next Senator from Fort Smith on January 1, 2011 in District 13.