Voters in Jefferson County will, among other races, be picking a county clerk this year. The Pine Bluff Commercial contacted both candidates for the position, asking them if they would answer a few questions regarding their candidacy. While incumbent Shawndra Taggart submitted responses outlining her experience and priorities, challenger Rosetta Giddens did not return the questionnaire. Here are Ms. Taggart’s responses:
Why are you seeking the office of county clerk, and what experience prepares you for managing both elections and county legislative records?
I am seeking reelection because I love the work I do and believe experience and continuity matter in an office responsible for elections, public records and payroll coordination. The county clerk’s office touches every voter and every county department. I have 21 years of experience in organization, accountability and public service, and I am committed to modernizing processes while strictly following the law.
The county clerk serves as the official record keeper for Quorum Court proceedings and ordinances. How do you view your responsibility to remain neutral during political disputes between county leadership?
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
My responsibility as county clerk is to follow the law. During Quorum Court meetings, my role is to accurately record minutes and to document Quorum Court proceedings, ordinances and related records exactly as they occur, in full compliance with state law. I do not allow personal opinions or feelings to influence how decisions are made in my office. Every action and decision made within my office is supported by and guided by the law.
What will be your top priorities as county clerk?
My top priorities are to strengthen operational resilience, enhance accessibility for citizens and ensure the clerk’s office remains future-ready, legally sound and trusted by the public.
Recent disagreements between the county judge and Quorum Court members have disrupted county operations. As clerk, how would you ensure accurate documentation, timely filings and procedural integrity even when tensions are high?
My approach is straightforward: Follow the law and fulfill the duties assigned by the Arkansas Constitution, regardless of which side the law may favor. Consistency and adherence to statutory requirements ensure that documentation, filings and procedures remain accurate and timely, even during periods of disagreement.
How will you guarantee that meeting minutes, ordinances, resolutions and votes are recorded objectively and published promptly — regardless of political pressure?
My stance has always been consistent. The clerk’s office follows all applicable laws and procedures as outlined by the Arkansas Constitution and state statutes. Political pressure has no influence on how this office operates. Our responsibility is not to react to opinions but to comply with legal requirements and established procedures.
If disagreements arise over agendas, ordinances or procedural steps, how will you handle those situations while remaining within the law and protecting the integrity of your office?
As demonstrated over the years, my office does not waver in following the law. While policies and procedures may be questioned by various officials, every position taken by my office is grounded in statutory authority and supported by lawful guidance. Protecting the integrity of this office means remaining consistent, lawful and impartial at all times.
What safeguards would you put in place to ensure county records cannot be delayed, altered or withheld due to political conflicts?
My team and I take great pride in the safekeeping and proper management of county records. We strictly follow established procedures and implement updates as necessary to remain compliant with the law. Internal controls, consistent documentation practices and adherence to statutory timelines ensure records are neither delayed nor altered due to political circumstances.
How will you improve public access to Quorum Court records, ordinances and voting history?
Despite budget constraints in recent years, I am committed to expanding public access. My goal is to establish a more comprehensive online archive where citizens can easily access Quorum Court records, ordinances and related documents in a timely and user-friendly format.
Do you support digitizing county records and making more information available online? If so, what would you prioritize?
Yes. As government services continue to evolve in a digital world, ensuring information is readily accessible to citizens remains a priority. We have already begun expanding our digital presence by making marriage license searches available online, and we plan to continue broadening access to additional public records as resources allow.
How will you ensure residents can easily understand what actions the Quorum Court has taken, especially during controversial decisions?
The clerk’s responsibility is to accurately record and publish official actions taken by the Quorum Court. Providing interpretation or commentary on those actions falls outside the statutory role of the clerk and could create legal vulnerabilities for the county. My duty is to ensure the records are complete, clear and publicly accessible so citizens can review official actions directly.
How will you maintain voter confidence in elections while also managing your responsibilities to county government operations?
My team and I are committed to ensuring that every eligible voter has the opportunity to cast a ballot securely and efficiently. Since taking office, we have implemented a dedicated early voting location and streamlined procedures to reduce wait times and improve the voter experience. Maintaining organized internal operations allows us to balance election responsibilities with our broader county duties effectively.
What steps will you take to ensure polling places are properly staffed, trained and equipped?
While Election Day polling locations are under the authority of the local Election Commission, the county clerk plays a critical role in conducting early voting. We ensure the early voting site is staffed with trained personnel and proper equipment so that all citizens of Jefferson County can securely and confidently cast their ballots.
How will you protect voter data and election systems from errors or cyber threats?
The county clerk’s office works closely with the Arkansas secretary of state’s office to maintain secure voter data and election systems. Election-related systems operate on secure networks designed to ensure reliability and protect against cyber threats. Safeguarding voter information is a top priority, and we follow all state security protocols and best practices.
The county clerk must often work with officials who strongly disagree. How will you maintain professionalism and independence in that environment?
My role as county clerk is to lead with integrity and remain dedicated to public service. I believe I have demonstrated that even during disagreements, maintaining professionalism and a functional working relationship is both possible and necessary. When actions are guided by law rather than personal opinion, independence and professionalism naturally follow.
If you observe procedural violations or improper actions within county government, how would you address them?
I hold myself and my staff to a high standard of accountability. While we strive for accuracy in all we do, any procedural issues or errors that arise are addressed promptly and corrected in accordance with the law. Transparency and responsibility are essential to maintaining public trust.
What ethics standards should guide the clerk’s office, and how should citizens hold you accountable?
The clerk’s office should be guided by integrity, accountability, confidentiality, transparency, fiscal responsibility and professionalism. Citizens hold me accountable through open records, public meetings, audits, and ultimately through the electoral process. I welcome accountability because it strengthens public trust.
In your own words: What will success look like as Jefferson County clerk — particularly in restoring trust, transparency and stability in county government?
Success as Jefferson County clerk means maintaining a stable, legally sound office that citizens trust. It means open communication, proactive leadership, accountability when mistakes occur and the willingness to engage in difficult conversations when necessary. My commitment is to continue moving Jefferson County forward with integrity, transparency and steady leadership.