Editor’s note: This is third part of a series.
Candidates vying for a seat on the Jefferson County Quorum Court have found common ground on government transparency.
All seven candidates who responded to questions for this series endorse independent audits of county departments. However, their plans to ensure equitable distribution of public funds and engage residents in the fiscal process differ.
The second set of questions covers audits, financial oversight and public engagement:
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
1. Would you support independent audits of county departments and finances if requested by constituencies? Why or why not?
2. How will you ensure that county funds are used efficiently and equitably across all districts?
3. Many county employees and residents have called for better communication and community involvement in budgeting decisions. How would you engage residents throughout the fiscal process?
OSCAR BULLARD
1. Yes. Independent audits are a best practice in public administration. Audits promote accountability, identify efficiencies and strengthen public confidence. Supporting audits is about stewardship and continuous improvement, not blame.
2. I support performance-based budgeting, regular financial reviews and need-based assessments to ensure all districts receive fair consideration based on data and demonstrated need.
3. Community engagement should be ongoing throughout the fiscal process. I support district-level updates, public budget summaries and early opportunities for resident input. Open public communication helps residents understand how decisions are made and builds trust in county government.
TINA BUTLER
1. Yes, I would support independent audits. Audits are necessary to establish trust and credibility. Audits are also necessary to find errors, fraud and to ensure compliance.
2. The elected offices create the budget for their office to run efficiently. The treasurer submits monthly reports to the Quorum Court. I will review the treasure reports against the budget reports to ensure compliance.
3. The elected offices create the budget for their office. The Quorum Court is the legislative body that either approves or amends the budgets submitted by the elected officials. The residents are always welcome to communicate their concerns.
ALFRED CARROLL
1. Yes. This type of audit is becoming very commonplace. It can provide needed information to the county government as an organization and those who support the organization (citizens and employees).
2. Enact legislation that would provide county funds for each justice of the peace to support small projects in their respective districts and or joint projects. Authorize by ordinance the development of a Needs Assessment of each legislative district. Possibly partner with incorporated areas on some projects (provide quarterly reports). Establish and give public access to an electronic Jefferson County bulletin board.
3. Make public as much of the budget process as possible. Secondly, each department provides a more detailed (citizen-friendly) list of how county funds are spent and with whom (vendors).
CEDRIC JACKSON
1. Yes, I would support independent audits when there is a legitimate need and a clear purpose behind the request. Independent audits can strengthen transparency, build public trust and help ensure county resources are managed responsibly. However, audits should be conducted professionally, free from political motivation and with careful consideration of taxpayer costs. The focus should always be on accountability, improving efficiency and maintaining confidence in county government.
2. I will ensure county funds are used efficiently and equitably by supporting transparent budgeting, data-driven decision-making and regular oversight of spending. This includes evaluating needs across all districts, prioritizing essential services and making sure resources are allocated fairly based on impact and community priorities. Open communication with residents, department leaders and fellow justices will help ensure funds are managed responsibly and benefit the entire county. I believe it is important for each elected official to have the authority to manage and operate their own department without unnecessary interference from members of the Quorum Court. At the same time, every elected official has a responsibility to ensure their departments are operating efficiently, maximizing their workforce and delivering services in a way that keeps the county safe and serves residents at the highest level.
3. I believe strong community engagement is essential to building trust and making informed budget decisions. I would support public meetings, town halls and accessible online updates to keep residents informed throughout the fiscal process. Encouraging public input early, clearly explaining budget priorities and maintaining open lines of communication will help ensure that residents and county employees feel heard and that decisions reflect the needs of the entire community.
REGINALD JOHNSON
1. Yes. Regular and independent audits are essential to responsible government. Audits help ensure public funds are being used appropriately, efficiently and in compliance with the law. They also build public trust by providing accountability and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
2. Under the current leadership structure in Jefferson County, no single justice of the peace has the authority to ensure equitable distribution of funds. Funding decisions ultimately depend on executive action and administrative control. However, I will continue to advocate for fairness, transparency and accountability in the budgeting and appropriation process, and I will use my vote and voice to push for equitable consideration of all districts.
3. I support open community involvement in the fiscal process. I consistently share information on how county funds are spent and distributed through my social media platforms and encourage public engagement. Additionally, I support public meetings, open agendas and clear communication so residents can understand decisions being made and have opportunities to voice concerns before budgets are finalized.
JOSEPH O’NEAL III
1. Yes. Independent audits protect taxpayers, employees and elected officials alike. If everything is being done correctly, an audit confirms that. If not, it helps fix problems early. Accountability should never be viewed as a threat; it’s a safeguard.
2. I would look at needs across all districts, not just one area. That means reviewing data, listening to residents and making sure funds are distributed based on infrastructure condition, service demands, population impact and legality.
3. I would encourage public input through community meetings if feasible, clear social media updates and easy-to-understand budget summaries. People are more likely to support county decisions when they understand where their money is going and why.
IVAN WHITFIELD
1. I support an independent audit when it is properly justified. I believe transparency is beneficial and essential to maintaining public trust.
2. Since the Quorum Court has authority over appropriations, we should encourage everyone entrusted with spending county funds to do so with fairness, integrity and sound judgment.
3. Public engagement is essential. It should be welcomed both when things are going well and when they are not. I support maintaining a county social media account that is updated weekly or monthly, with each district’s requests clearly outlined and a transparent system for identifying high-priority needs.