Editor’s note: This is the second part of a series.
Seven candidates for justice of the peace in Jefferson County responded to questions about their plans should they be elected.
The first set of questions covers budgets, fiscal oversight, checks and balances:
1. Given the recent budget stalemate that left county employees unpaid and services stalled, what is your plan for ensuring the Quorum Court can pass a balanced budget that protects essential services and employee pay?
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
2. How would you foster productive working relationships with the county judge and other justices to avoid future stalemates?
3. Some members have accused the county judge of retaliatory actions when budgets and priorities were challenged. How do you view the Quorum Court’s role as a check on executive authority, and what steps would you take to promote accountability and avoid abuse of power?
4. What reforms, if any, would you support to improve transparency in budget amendments, committee formations, and the agenda-setting process?
The second set of questions will be published in an upcoming installment of this series.
Oscar Bullard Jr. in District 4, Tina Butler in District 11 and Alfred Carroll Sr. in District 1 responded, and their answers were published in Wednesday’s edition. Answers from the other four who responded — Cedric Jackson in District 9, Reginald Johnson in District 3, Joseph O’Neal III in District 3 and Ivan Whitfield in District 5 — follow:
CEDRIC JACKSON
1. I believe the recent budget stalemate showed the need for better communication, early planning and responsible leadership. I plan to begin the budget process earlier, increase collaboration among Quorum Court members and department leaders, and focus on passing a balanced budget that prioritizes essential services while protecting county employee pay. We must strengthen financial planning, encourage cooperation and ensure county operations continue without disruption, so employees and residents are never placed in uncertainty again.
2. I believe strong working relationships start with communication, respect and a shared commitment to serving the community. I will prioritize open dialogue with the county judge and fellow justices, address concerns early and focus on collaboration rather than conflict. By encouraging transparency, listening to different perspectives, and working toward practical compromises, we can avoid gridlock and ensure the Quorum Court makes timely decisions that keep county government running effectively. It is also important to understand the perspectives of other members as we work toward common ground. Maintaining mutual respect, avoiding personal attacks and focusing on shared goals rather than individual agendas helps foster collaboration and ensure decisions are made in the best interest of the community.
3. The Quorum Court plays a critical role in providing oversight and maintaining balance within county government. Its responsibility is to ensure transparency, accountability and responsible use of taxpayer resources while working collaboratively with the county judge. I believe in asking thoughtful questions, reviewing budgets and policies carefully, and making decisions based on facts and what is best for the community, not personal disagreements. Promoting open communication, clear procedures and mutual respect helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures that authority is exercised responsibly while maintaining a productive working relationship focused on serving the people.
4. I support reforms that strengthen transparency, accountability and public trust in the decision-making process. This includes clearer timelines and public notice for budget amendments, ensuring committee formations are fair and representative and making the agenda-setting process more open and accessible to both members and the public. Providing clear documentation, encouraging public input and maintaining consistent communication will help ensure that decisions are made openly and that residents understand how and why actions are taken.
REGINALD JOHNSON
1. The majority of the Quorum Court began the budget process early and requested that all elected officials submit their departmental budgets in a timely manner. We scheduled and held meetings early enough to allow for thorough review, discussion and adjustments well before the deadline.
This timeline provided ample opportunity for the county judge to exercise veto authority if desired, while still allowing the Quorum Court sufficient time to override a veto without interrupting county operations or employee pay. Proper planning, transparencyand adherence to established timelines are essential to preventing future disruptions.
2. I have consistently made an effort to maintain open lines of communication with the county judge and my fellow justices, even when that effort has not always been reciprocated. All justices, as well as the county judge, receive notice of meetings and opportunities to participate in discussions.
I remain open to communication at all times and believe collaboration, mutual respectand regular dialogue are key to avoiding unnecessary conflict and ensuring county business moves forward efficiently.
3. The Quorum Court serves as the legislative body of the county and is responsible for overseeing county finances through approval of the annual budget and appropriations. This includes determining how public funds are allocated for essential services such as law enforcement, public health, roads, and libraries.
To promote accountability, the majority of the Quorum Court has implemented budgetary safeguards, including restrictions on how certain funds may be spent within specific line items. While the Quorum Court provides oversight through these financial controls, disputes involving reported abuse of executive authority are often matters for the courts to decide under the law.
4. Any budget amendment should be brought before the Quorum Court for discussion and approval. Transparency requires that no financial changes occur outside public view.
In Jefferson County, committee appointments are made by the county judge, and while state law limits how much that structure can be altered, I support clearer processes and broader participation. These formations under law are able to be manipulated by the county judge. The agenda-setting process should be transparent and collaborative. Agendas should not be controlled by the county judge’s office, as that concentration of authority has too often resulted in selective or inconsistent handling of county business.
JOSEPH O’NEAL III
1. Even as just one vote, I believe steady, respectful communication matters in tense moments. I would push early for open work sessions, encourage compromise before deadlines and keep the focus on the priorities. Paying county employees on time and keeping essential services running are priorities.
2. I would work to build strong relationships with the county judge and fellow justices by keeping communication professional, not personal. Disagreements will happen, but respect has to stay constant. I’d also support regular planning meetings so issues are addressed early instead of turning into last-minute standoffs.
3. The Quorum Court exists to provide oversight and balance. That means asking questions, reviewing spending carefully, and making decisions in the public’s best interest. This is should not be out of fear or politics. I support clear processes, written documentation and open discussions so accountability is built into how we operate, with matters handled behind closed doors only when necessary.
4. I would support publishing budget amendments in advance whenever possible, clearly listing who serves on committees and how they’re formed. I would also suggest that agendas are available early so the public knows what’s coming.
IVAN WHITFIELD
1. Using the 2025 budget as the baseline for planning, any proposed increase to a line item should be clearly tied to a specific, identified revenue source. All elected officials should be fully informed about and familiar with the county budget and its funding structure.
2. I encourage everyone to remember that a new year offers a fresh start and a clean slate. Let us remain focused on the issues before us rather than on individuals and work together toward meaningful solutions.
3. Understand the law and the separation of powers. The Quorum Court serves as the legislative branch of county government and holds authority over appropriations and budget decisions.
4. Budget amendments should be handled in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order. Regarding committee formation and agenda setting, I support any lawful process that allows the legislative branch to hear input from elected officials and members of the community.