The May 24 Republican primary election eliminated one candidate for county judge, and Bud Phillips and David Writer will compete in a run-off election on June 21. The winner will go on to face three other candidates in the general election in November.
Bud Phillips has served on the Green Forest School Board for 14 years and was president for 13 of those. That service has helped him acquire experience in budgeting and meeting complicated state and federal requirements. Phillips also raises cattle and poultry. “Anyone running a business knows what it takes to stay in the black,” he said.
Phillips also spent eight years as a police officer and detective in Pine Bluff.
In an interview last week, Phillips said he would not make any major changes, but he can see ways to increase efficiency in county offices. The growing population will present increasing challenges for the dual courthouses operated by the county. “There’s a lot of frustration in the world, and we’ll do anything we can do to relieve frustration,” he said.
Managing county roads makes up the biggest part of the county judge’s job, and Phillips acknowledged his opponent’s expertise in this area. “He knows the roads, and I hope he would want to remain in that capacity,” he said. Within the Road Department, Phillips would increase training and try to fix recurring problems, even if it costs more initially. “We can’t keep fighting the same losing battles,” he said.
Both candidates have acknowledged coming challenges with high fuel costs. Phillips said he expects to find other sources of funds for the county, including grants. He described the ConnectFour vocational school, which gives the county’s high school students a head start in preparing for work after graduation. That program began as an idea in Green Forest, and a million-dollar grant from Tyson Foods made the program a reality.
Road Department foreman also cites budget as needing attention
David Writer takes pride in describing the way he worked his way up from the bottom of the Road Department to become foreman. Even before becoming foreman, Writer had plenty of experience in dealing with complaints about county road problems. That experience will become even more important, as rising costs for fuel and materials will challenge the department. “If you go talk to people, and you’re straight with them, they’ll usually understand,” he said. “It’s important to acknowledge their concerns and discuss options.”
Writer said he was “glad to still be in the race,” although he admitted that he expected to win the primary without a run-off. The rainy spring, and subsequent road problems, have kept him busy, and he has not had the time he would like to spend campaigning. “I’m the only candidate with experience in the Road Department,” he said.
Writer noted that his opponent has promised to find grants to help the county meet its challenges. He said the county will continue to apply for funds from different sources, but even with the “disastrous” rains this spring, no state or federal money has been available to the county. “I can’t make empty promises, because I have to be able to sleep at night,” he said. Instead, he has already been working with the budget committee on long-range plans.
“The best way to serve is to be as efficient with the budget as I can,” he said.
Although overseeing county roads makes up a majority of the county judge’s duties, Writer addressed some other areas of responsibility. He has been reporting to the quorum court already and plans to work behind the scenes to improve relationships in all county offices. “It’s no secret that there have been tensions between the Sheriff’s Office and the quorum court,” he said. “I would foster a better relationship with them.”
Whoever serves as county judge will have face some big tests, but Writer said, “When you see things from different directions, it eliminates your blind spots.” With 15 years in service to Carroll County, he pledged, “That work ethic will go with me to the judge’s office.”
The run-off is June 21, and early voting starts June 14.