Voters in District 1 of Jefferson County face a choice between two distinct visions for the role of justice of the peace.
Incumbent Justice of the Peace Alfred Carroll Sr., a long-time county government veteran, emphasizes his commitment to established rules and the need for new youth funding. Challenger Jackie Tillmon, a leader with a legal and ministry background, focuses on action, accountability and securing essential resources like a full-service grocery store.
Ahead of Tuesday’s preferential primary election runoff, the two candidates offered similar definitions of the role while highlighting differences in their approach. Because no one filed to run in another party, the winner will take over the seat Jan. 1.
Carroll sees the justice of the peace role as being “a legislature for county government” with the function to “oversee spending in county government, the number of employees and the salaries for those employees.” He also views the role as helping to “forge the kind of relationships between government officials and our citizens” and acting as a “liaison.”
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
He describes his leadership style as one of openness and transparency.
Said Tillmon: “The role means serving my community with fairness, integrity, and a commitment to justice.” Her plan to serve effectively includes staying informed, being prepared, listening carefully to all parties and making decisions that are both just and consistent with the law. She adds that while fiscal responsibility is important, her primary focus is on upholding the law and serving the community through the judicial process.
Tillmon’s leadership style is “rooted in collaboration, accountability, and action.” “I don’t just listen — I follow through,” she said.
What sets her apart, she says, is her “ability to build strong relationships while staying focused on results that truly impact the community.”
TRANSPARENCY AND ADHERENCE
Both candidates stressed the importance of transparency and adherence to guiding principles when voting on county ordinances and resolutions that impact residents.
Carroll explained that he approaches voting by gathering background information on how legislation will impact citizens, including the cost and what restrictions or requirements would be placed. He emphasizes the need to inform and educate them on what the real impact of legislation is. When faced with difficult issues, Carroll is guided by the rules.
“I’m pretty much a stickler for the rules to be followed, and I want to know that we’re doing the best thing for our citizens,” he said.
Tillmon stated she will approach every vote with integrity, independence and a clear focus on what is best for the people of District 1.
“I will not be swayed by pressure or outside influence — I will stand firm in doing what is right,” she said.
For controversial issues, Tillmon said she will be guided by integrity, sound judgment and a commitment to fairness. She commits to seeking out all the facts, listening to every perspective and making decisions with a clear and steady mindset.
Since the Quorum Court controls county spending, the candidates detailed how they would prioritize the budget.
Carroll emphasized communicating with elected officials on time regarding their budgetary needs and establishing a better system of intervals for continued dialogue. He stressed the need to stay within the 90% parameters dictated by state laws.
A key priority for Carroll is to look at giving the county employees the cost-of-living increases state government allows.
Tillmon’s top priorities for the budget are accountability, transparency and making sure every dollar is spent wisely. She is committed to ensuring bills are paid on time, funds are allocated where they are truly needed and there is full accountability for every transaction.
“The public deserves clear and open access to how their money is being used,” she said.
COUNTY FUNDS
Both candidates identified areas for new investment and reallocation of current funds.
Carroll suggested maintaining current services, stating it would be “difficult in my estimation to cut back on the services that we provide” due to the county’s low-income level. He proposed several reallocations for savings and new investments.
He would look at moving the beautification of county grounds back to the “Jefferson County Clean and Beautiful Organization,” using volunteers rather than contracting it out for up to “$50,000 to $60,000 annually.” He also wants to move Christmas decorations back to the students, rather than pay for expensive decorations that have cost up to “$35,000.”
Carroll strongly advocated for establishing a new budget line item funded by “the casino tax revenue” to support “youth programming throughout Jefferson County.” He also wants to earmark rural grant funds to “improve housing conditions” by investing in single-family home repairs.
Tillmon stated: “I believe we should invest more in what strengthens our community — access to essential resources like grocery stores and opportunities for our youth to grow, stay engaged, and feel supported.”
Tillmon plans to “take a hard look at current spending to identify inefficiencies and areas where we can cut back responsibly.” She promised that “Any reduction will be done thoughtfully, with a clear understanding of how it impacts residents.”
She has a priority to create a “youth summer employment program focused on neighborhood upkeep” to provide young people with job experience and improve neighborhood appearance.
FOOD ACCESS
Both candidates agreed on the crucial challenge of access to essential resources in their district.
Carroll identified the biggest challenge as District 1 being “currently a food desert,” which is a hardship for people with limited transportation. Another challenge is the shortage of new single-family housing units.
Carroll suggests the county and city should collaborate to finish projects like Turtle Creek and ease some of the zoning restrictions that would allow owners of these small vacant lots to adopt something like the zoning laws in Little Rock to permit building structures.
Tillmon echoed the food access issue.
“One of the biggest challenges facing District 1 is the lack of access to essential resources, particularly a grocery store on the east side of town,” she said.
She emphasized the need for a grocery store to create jobs, support families and demonstrate that the community is a priority. Tillmon also plans to address infrastructure by advocating for road repairs and pushing for regular cleaning of ditches and storm drains to reduce flooding risks.
FINDING COMMON GROUND
Carroll wants to work with other Quorum Court members by creating social opportunities to reduce animosity and discover what their common grounds are. For collaboration with the county judge, he proposed Quorum Court members should receive funds similar to the City Council to support projects in their district, which would allow them to be more visible in the counties.
Tillmon committed to working with other Quorum Court members by maintaining open and respectful communication, and focusing on finding common ground. Her approach to resolving disagreements is to de-escalate the situation and create space for everyone to be heard. When collaborating with the county judge, she plans to be “both a strong advocate and a reliable partner,” focused on active collaboration “to align resources, cut through delays, and move critical projects forward.”
Carroll cited his extensive experience. “I’m already in the position, I’m aware of the unique problems, and I’ve been working for the last 20 years,” he said.
Carroll further noted his experience and background knowledge of state statutes and his willingness to do the work. His core message to voters is that he is a person of his word, that he speaks truth to power, and that he’s not for sale to any group, any organization, and that his loyalty is to the citizens of District 1.
Tillmon cited her 30 years of experience in the legal field, which has equipped her with a deep understanding of how the court operates. She also noted her 10 years of work in outreach ministries, which she says have strengthened her ability to connect with individuals from all walks of life.
“I stand firmly on truth, accountability, and transparency — unapologetically,” she said. “I am prepared to make the decisions necessary to serve the people with strength and fairness.”