Leadership with Integrity: Denouncing Counterproductive Radio Stunts
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT
Major John Bean
Office: (870) 541-5351 / Cell (870) 329-5638
Email: john.bean@jefffcoso.org
Leadership with Integrity: Denouncing Counterproductive Radio Stunts: Jefferson County, Arkansas - January 19, 2025 -
Dear Jefferson County residents,
Ever since I was elected to serve as your sheriff, I have made it my mission to be a man of the people. By doing so, I have worked tirelessly to serve, protect and honor the mission of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. Throughout my tenure, I've faced resistance and pushback. However, I've never allowed challenges or individuals with hidden agendas to distract me from my ultimate goal: being the leader Jefferson County deserves.
It has recently come to my attention that a publicly promoted special radio broadcast has been scheduled without my knowledge or agreement to participate. Despite what's being advertised across airwaves and/or social media, I have not consented to be a part of a DeltaPlex live radio mediation with purported coverage sponsorship by Sissy's Log Cabin and Central Maloney, Incorporated. Let the record show that members of my budget/finance team and I have done our due diligence in presenting a balanced and fair budget to members of the Quorum Court for their review and approval. Similar to other elected officials in the county, we have presented budgets that we believe fully support our operations both fiscally and operationally that are aimed at enabling us to provide effective public services to all citizens, while also meeting the statutory requirements under the law. Despite facing resistance throughout much of our terms in public office, my colleagues and I have consistently stood united, fighting for the rights of our staff and steadfastly advocating for what is right and that's okay. What's not okay are the personal attacks on our character for the misunderstanding by others on how government and policy work hand in hand.
The meeting that has been advertised to take place between Jefferson County Judge Gerald Robinson and I is a farce. Why do you ask? Robinson nor I have a vote in determining how the budget plays out in the county. That decision is left solely up to the 13-member quorum court. So, to place Robinson and I in a room for clicks and giggles doesn't seem genuine to me and most importantly fair to the citizens of Jefferson County when according to the law budget approval is solely the responsibility of members of the quorum court. In my opinion, it feels like a ploy for ratings and I won't be a show pony for profit. As the sheriff of this great county, I implore you, the citizens, to reach out to Justices Patricia Royal-Johnson, Roy Agee, Ted Harden, Conley Byrd, Jimmy Fisher, and Danny Holcomb to encourage them to find middle ground with the remaining justices representing the majority of the court in support of a fair and balanced budget that does not include the elimination of jobs, salary reductions, funding cuts for essential operations and programs. While it won't be easy as we've seen over the past years and as recently as the last few weeks, the lives of so many depend on what happens next.
In a perfect world, we'd always get along and never have a difference of opinion on matters of the mind. But, that's not the case. However, what we can do is push our differences to the side to work toward a common goal. I'm going to continue to stand in the gap and make sure that I'm doing my part. I'm asking you, the citizens, to help in that effort. Jefferson County has come a long way and I believe with teamwork, we can transform this small oasis in the corner of southeast Arkansas into something even more special than what it is now.
But, we have to come together. We have to be the change we want to see.
Will you join me?
Lafayette Woods, Jr.
Sheriff