Editor's Note: The following are unedited responses from Miller County Justice of the Peace, District 7, candidates Roy Pitt and James Syler. Each candidate was allowed a total of 500 words to distribute as they saw fit among their responses to the same five questions. The primary election is May 24.
What makes you a good candidate for Miller County District 7 JP?
Roy Pitt: Texar-kana resident and tax payer since '79 and District 7 resident since '04. Retired Master Electrician, Electrical Supervisor for Electrique Corp. 35 years, United States Marine "67 - '73, & Trap Team Coach for Texarkana School District /AYSSP since '13.
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James Syler: My experience, education, and community service combine to show that I am the best qualified to represent the residents of District 7. I hold both a B.A. in Public Administration from Henderson State University, and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Arkansas School of Law. For the last 19 years, I have been standing up for the citizens of the State of Arkansas as an attorney specialist with the Office of Child Support Enforcement. I have made public service the focus of my career, not money. I hold a license to practice law in both State Court, and Federal Court in Arkansas. As I believe community service is vital to leadership, I am the incoming president of the Kiwanis Club of Texarkana, a Board member of HandsOn Texarkana, and the Treasurer for the Board of Texarkana Resources for the Disabled.
What are your top priorities if elected?
Pitt: Represent all residents/tax payers of District 7 equally regardless of party affiliation.
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Syler: If elected, my first priority will be the safety and security of the citizens of Miller County, because everyone has the right to feel safe in their own home and community. My second priority is safeguarding the hard-earned tax dollars that are paid to the county. I must live within my budget, so should the county. And my third priority is placing an emphasis on economic development. The only way we can grow our tax base is to recruit new jobs and industry to our area.
How do you plan to connect with the community of District 7?
Pitt: I plan to pole District 7 residents in all maters that may come before the Quorum Court. Their opinion is of equal value as my own.
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Syler: I want to be available to the citizens of my district. The concept of transparency in government is something that should be more than words. My plan includes posting meeting information and proposals to Facebook, which will give the citizens the ability to stay informed. The citizens deserve to have the ability to easily see what the county is doing. Additionally, my email will be available for anyone to reach out at any time.
What Quorum Court committees do you hope to serve on?
Pitt: County infrastructure and maintenance of existing buildings.
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Syler: Given my experience and education, I believe I could best serve the citizens of my district on the Budget & Finance Committee, the Ordinance & Grant Review Committee, the Personnel Committee, or the Correctional Facilities Committee.
How do you hope to improve District 7 during your two-year term if elected?
Pitt: Dist. 7 is 80% farm and ranch country. I hope to assist these activities where possible. Our home owners and residents have needs also, I plan to represent those needs when called upon to do so.
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Syler: If elected, my main goal for my district is to improve the safety and security of our area. Unfortunately, the increase in drug abuse in our area has caused crime to increase as well. I would also like to focus on bringing new jobs and industry to our area. We are unique in having easy access to both Interstate 30 and Interstate 49, it is time to put that advantage to use.