Despite the murky waters of what constitutes a Jefferson County Quorum Court meeting, it did not go unnoticed that the Quorum Court did not approve an appropriation for the upcoming election.
It’s one thing when the recalcitrant members, mainly JPs Lloyd Franklin Jr. and Alfred Carroll Sr., conspire to gum up the work of the Quorum Court when it comes to paying to fix a bulldozer, for instance. But it’s quite another when their schoolyard antics get in the way of a constitutional mandate to hold elections. Apparently, they see no difference between the two. One would think they could park their differences at least long enough to take care of the big stuff.
Thankfully, there are workarounds to such snits. Mike Adam, chair of the Election Commission, said the November General Election would be held with or without immediate payment from the Quorum Court.
“If we have to, the prosecuting attorney, by law, is the Election Commission’s attorney,” Adam said. “And generally, if something like this happens, the prosecutor can go to court and sue for the funds because it’s the law.”
Adam did add that there could be repercussions. One would be that the people who work diligently to make the election happen would not get paid on time. Ditto for the bills from the company providing the software and support for the voting machines. Really, wouldn’t it be best not to irritate either one of those parties?
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
As Adam said, yes, the election will go on but “it’s silly the way this is all going on.”
Silly is a good word. Other descriptions could include irresponsible or sophomoric or even that their behavior is an abrogation of their duties. Take your pick.
All that said, no one really expects that certain JPs will straighten up in the near term. Last year, they came close to not levying the taxes, putting at risk the funding for school districts and cities in doubt. That’s because they think more of their little tirades than in the smooth operation of county government.
But it’s worth pointing out that what they are doing unnecessarily puts various county functions in jeopardy. The JP lineup changes slightly come 2025. Perhaps things will improve then.