Coalition Report Card
Pulaski County Justice of the Peace #12
Karilyn Brown
Possible: 60 pts. – Scored: 10 pts. – Grade: 17 percent in Agreement
Question 1
Do you support a Zoning Code and Land Use Plan for the Maumelle Watershed?
I have looked into this issue, and it is my understanding that there are sufficient regulations in place to protect the watershed, and indeed the water quality has been tested and is excellent. The QC is awaiting the results of a study being done by, I believe, the US Geological Service, so that issue has been tabled for now. It is one that we are all closely watching. None of us wants our drinking water to be threatened, but I would not want to be responsible for imposing unnecessary regulations that would cause harm to the landowners and businesses in the affected area and not achieve any appreciable benefit.
0 pts. Since 2007, water utility officials have sought regulations to protect against excessive development, which they concluded, after prolonged study, to be the greatest threat of pollution to our drinking water in Lake Maumelle. That proposal is now pending for a vote.
Question 2
If you do support this drinking-water protection ordinance, outline major features that you think should be included, such as annual review of water quality testing, to be reported to the Quorum Court.
From my experience having worked with civil engineering design consultants and environmental consultants who have extensive expertise in protecting and regularly testing water quality and reporting the results to regulatory agencies, I feel confident that the testing you are asking about is already mandated and is being done. However, because you raised this question, I will inquire about who is doing the testing and who the results are being reported to.
0 pts. There is no process by which JPs are informed about quality of drinking water and current testing does not include any requirement that the county determine whether pollution is increasing, and if so, is mandated to obtain remedies. No other government has the duty or power to protect this water reservoir from pollution.
Question 3
Most of our jail inmates are repeat offenders; most have alcohol or drug- addiction problems. What would you do to close revolving door of jail, which has led to overcrowding?
The Quorum Court does not manage the jail, the County Sheriff does that; nor do we or the Sheriff make the laws that determine who is incarcerated. If I am the candidate selected in the Primary on May 22, I plan to meet with Sheriff Holiday to discuss his outlook for the jail and find out what his concerns are. The Quorum Court reviews and approves the budget he presents to the Justices of the Peace. I can tell you that several people have told me that the Sheriff has done a great job in managing the jail.
0 pts. Keeping offenders out of jail and diverting them into treatment has long been a Coalition goal, and we hope more JPs see a link between spending prevention and diversion dollars and reducing repeat offenses. Treatment is cheaper than jail, and nobody beats an addiction in a cell. JPs do approve the Prosecutor’s budget, and he decides whether to permit a case to go to Drug Court, or another diversion.
Question 4
Do you support additional funding for the county Youth Services program, which offers prevention and intervention programs for youth,?
With the reduction is grant funds available from the federal and state governments that have provided matching funds for various projects, I'd just have to take a look at the funds available. Youth Services would fall under the QC County Services committee. I know for a fact that at least two of the Justices on that Committee are very committed to the youth, both in their professional lives and in their volunteer activities, so I will be happy to discuss this issue with them. Charles Mobley is the Director of Youth Services. Department Directors present their proposed budgets for the coming year in the fall, so I do not know if he requested additional funds, but I do know that his budget passed.
0 pts. The Coalition supports programs to keep at-risk youth out of jail and prisons, and we hope more JPs learn more details about today’s programs, and what is desirable.
Question 5
What would you do to support and expand the Brownfields program in the county Community Services program, which enables cleaning and recovery of contaminated sites for redevelopment?
The EPA awarded Pulaski County $400,000 to do assessments in Little Rock and North Little Rock. These grants were just announced in June of 2011. I could find nothing on the Internet to tell me who would be doing the assessments or if the assessments have been completed, but am anxious to read them as soon as they are available. Restoration of poluted properties is always desirable.
10 pts. More publicity is needed so more ground gets cleaned and redeveloped, and the public learns Federal EPA dollars fund this important work
Question 6
Pulaski Co. built Verizon Arena, which has lived within its means, but now is consuming its savings. In the event the Arena runs out of operating money, what, if anything, should Pulaski Co. do?
No answer was returned.
0 pts.
© CGLRN 2012