Editor’s note: This is the second of a multi-part series.
With early voting for the primary election underway, local voters can now review the answers to questions posed to the candidates for Jefferson County judge by the Pine Bluff Commercial. The incumbent, Gerald Robinson, declined to participate.
The following questions were provided to the candidates. (Questions 1, 2 and 3 were published in the Feb. 17 edition):
Leadership & Governance
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
4. In past years, there have been serious accusations from some Quorum Court members about misuse of funds and calls for audits. If elected, will you support an independent audit of county finances, and what will you do with the results?
5. Several county employees and residents have publicly expressed that tensions between the county judge and other officials have distracted from basic government operations. How will you rebuild trust and promote effective working relationships with the Quorum Court and constitutional officers?
6. The veto and agenda control powers of the county judge’s office have been contentious. How do you interpret those powers, and how would you use them to advance county interests?
MICHAEL TURLEY
4. I have a Ph.D. in leadership studies, and I am a confident independent researcher (especially with my undergrad in mathematics). In that capacity, I have already initiated (Freedom of Information Act) auditing of longitudinal changes, and the results so far are disheartening. I will not only support a financial forensic audit — I will invite such an audit to confirm my findings (the essence of good research is in the ability to duplicate methodology and results) and provide razor-sharp recommendations to the VOICES for their consideration. If elected in November, I will ensure that the forensic audit is published and available for VOICES commentary, and I hope to attain those results prior to taking office in January.
5. I have zero history within the county political quagmire, so I’m confident that I will be a “breath of fresh air.” I’m not interested in rebuilding anything that I wasn’t part of building improperly in the first place, so I’m not hampered by looking back; I’m free to look forward and plan for what this fantastic county can and will be rather than what it has been. The quorum court and elected officials will have the opportunity to rid themselves of past pains and focus on future possibilities, and any of those who may have contributed to the previous distrust will have an opportunity to allow “water under the bridge” as we move forward in a collective service to our county’s VOICES.
I’m certain that — if I’m elected — it’s because I have already gained the trust of enough of our county’s VOICES to move forward with openness and transparency.
6. The veto and agenda control powers are contentious because the current county judge sees himself as two things: the alpha male in the room (notice his nonverbal need to stand), and the smartest person in the room (because he still thinks he’s sheriff and everyone else is a deputy). To me, veto control is essential only to expose an inappropriate submission of a budget item based on nontransparent motives. As for agenda control, I believe it is the result of unprofessional interactions and a lack of mutual respect among the servants of this great county.
I will use both veto and agenda to drive transparent professionalism that answers to the county’s VOICES. You said this section was “leadership and governance,” so let me address those. To me, public servants don’t govern a thing — we facilitate the organization’s multibillion-dollar entity by focusing energy to resolve what our VOICES seem are the priorities. Nothing more, nothing less. Occasionally, we lead by casting visions for economic growth and development, but — if our VOICES aren’t interested in such visions — we must listen to them and do what they prefer to help them feel safe within their own lives.
NATE TODD
4. In my first 180 days, my focus will be quickly establishing rapport and building trust with the Quorum Court. Other elected county officials and the constituents will be the foundation of that focus. Clear communication is critical so that citizens can easily understand how their county is run. Public safety, road maintenance, and stabilizing county operations are my priorities.
5. As secretary of the Arkansas Department of Veteran Affairs, I demonstrate and understand collaborative leadership and management from my experience with other secretaries, elected officials, the Veterans Commission and constituents. The county judge is the chief executive officer for county government. As the chief executive the judge has a unique opportunity to lead forward prosperity and quality of life for the citizens of the county.
As the Chief Financial Officer of Federal entities (Veterans and Department of Defense), Hospital, hospital systems and as a graduate of the National War College financial leadership program, I demonstrated and understand government financial management, goal setting, balanced budgeting and execution for the desired outcomes. We would work collectively with the Quorum Court and county offices in going forward.
6. The veto and agenda-setting powers exist to protect county interests, not to escalate conflict. I would use them carefully, transparently and only when necessary to protect taxpayers, maintain lawful operations or prevent harm to essential services.
EFREM NEELY
4. Yes, I support an independent audit because it is a way to get a true, unbiased analysis of what has been going on in the past and it sets a baseline of where the new administration starts. When there are accusations, rumors or confusion about how money is being spent, the responsible thing to do is open the books and let a neutral, professional auditor review everything.
If the audit shows problems, we will fix them immediately and put safeguards in place to prevent repeat negative processes. If it shows the accusations were unfounded, then we can put the issue to rest and move forward with facts instead of speculation.
Most importantly, I will make the results public. Citizens deserve to see exactly what was found and what steps we’re taking in response. I will use the audit to build stronger systems, clearer reporting and a budgeting process that’s more efficient and transparent going forward.
5. The tension in county government is unprofessional to say the least. It deflects from the prevalent issues before the Quorum Court which has cost the citizens hundreds of thousands of dollars if not millions. As county judge, I believe my job is to rebuild trust and create a professional, respectful working environment where everyone will be empowered to perform at their best and serve the public, especially the Justices of the Peace and the elected officials.
I will set a tone of cohesion and cooperation. I will start by having meetings early on with every justice of the peace and every constitutional officer to understand their priorities, concerns and expectations. People work better together when they feel heard, appreciated and respected.
I will establish clear communication practices by having regular leadership meetings share information and review ideas. I believe if everyone is on the same page, that disagreements become easier to resolve.
I will put in place transparent processes for budgeting, purchasing and decision making so that trust is built through structure, not personalities. For example, I will present complete contract and purchase information to the Quorum Court upfront so there are no surprises later in the process costing citizens hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars. I will not put my pride first in handling transactions on behalf of the county.
I will use structured, respectful problem solving, not public fights. I will not use media as a weapon during these processes, nor will I use the media to paint negative light on any official or member of the county government. I will focus on the issue, I will not focus on the individual, and I will keep the conversation grounded in facts, law and what’s best for the county.
I will do my best to model professionalism and accountability every day. The county judge sets the tone for the entire government. I expect collaboration, transparency, and respect; therefore, I will demonstrate those qualities in every meeting, every decision, and every interaction. My goal is simple: a county government that works together, stays focused on the people we serve and delivers results without drama or dysfunction.
6. The agenda power of the county judge should not be used as a weapon, as its intent is honorable and carries the requirements of good character, morality and ethical judgment. I would use the veto power for its true intent, which is to ensure there is a clear agenda, that the processes of the county government have structure and to safeguard against decisions that would harm taxpayers or disrupt essential services. The county judge’s role is not to dominate the Quorum Court; it is to work with them for the betterment of the county. I believe strong leadership means setting a clear agenda, transparency and intervening only when necessary to protect the interest of the county and its citizens. Research shows that misuse of the veto power causes chaos, costly mistakes in some instances and deflects the county government from serving its citizens. Moreover, I will provide clear, concise written explanations for any vetoes by my hand.
JEFF EDWARDS
4. Transparency and accountability are essential to maintaining public trust. I support independent audits conducted by qualified professionals. Any findings will be reviewed openly, corrective actions will be implemented promptly and progress will be reported publicly. Audits should strengthen county operations and improve performance.
5. Trust is rebuilt through consistency, respect and professionalism demonstrated through action. As County judge, I will communicate clearly, listen actively, and treat the Quorum Court and constitutional officers as partners in service to the public. My focus will be on resolving issues collaboratively and keeping county operations moving forward.
6. The powers of the county judge exist to protect the county’s legal, financial and operational interests. I would use them judiciously, with explanations and a clear path toward resolution. The goal is effective governance and continuity of services, not conflict.
ERIC WALDEN
4. Yes. In the candidate’s forum held a few weeks ago, I shared with the public my plan to have an audit conducted. That stems not only from accusations or hearsay, but from previous audit fundings done by state auditors, and information presented in quorum court meetings. From the results of the audit, as the County judge, I will work with the staff and the quorum court to address and fix those issues and also rebuild the level of integrity and trust in the office of county judge.
5. This is something I have already been doing. During the budget impasse, as a county employee I spent a lot of time reaching out to all the members of the quorum court trying to work through the barriers. I also spoke out publicly a lot by addressing this issue with media, as some employees were concerned about retaliation if they spoke out. Despite it being a negative experience, Jefferson County employees have seen and know Eric Walden Jr. They know I have their best interests at heart and will go to bat for them. Leadership is not just about making tough decisions, but also leading with empathy, trust and working towards maintaining relationships in an intentional and positive way. Trust and the promotion of effective working relationships is something I do each and every day and will continue to do if elected. I understand that I cannot do this on my own. We all play a role.
6. The powers of the county judge (including agenda-setting and veto authority) are important tools, but they are not meant to be weapons. They exist to ensure county government operates legally, transparently and in the best interest of the people.
Under Arkansas law, the County judge does have veto authority, but that power is balanced by the Quorum Court’s ability to override a veto by a supermajority. I understand that reality, and I respect it. A veto should never be about personal disagreement or politics. It should be used sparingly and only when there are clear concerns about legality, fiscal responsibility or long-term impact on the county.
My goal as county judge would be to prevent conflict before it reaches that point. Strong leadership means working collaboratively with the Quorum Court, department heads, and the public early in the process so issues are addressed before votes are taken. When communication is open and information is shared transparently, the need for vetoes is greatly reduced.
Agenda control should be used to ensure orderly, lawful and informed decision-making, not to shut out voices or avoid difficult conversations. I believe everyone deserves a seat at the table and an opportunity to be heard.
Advancing county interests is a team effort. When decisions are made openly, within the law, and with respect for differing perspectives, Jefferson County moves forward stronger. My leadership style is grounded in collaboration, accountability, and doing what’s right, not in power struggles.