Benton JP #13
Over their two-year term, a JP is responsible for:Setting real estate, personal property and sales tax rates in the county.Determining the final budget for county departments and offices - including salaries - and appropriating funds for county expenses.Preserving the peace and order in the county, though they do not have the authority to make any offense a felony. This often takes the form of passing county laws and in some counties making planning decisions.Contract or join with any other county or city, or the federal government for a public purpose.Creating, consolidating, separating, or abandoning any elected office in the county if first approved by voters.Filling vacancies in elected county offices.Providing for any service or performance of any function related to county affairs.Many Quorum Courts also have subcommittees that JPs serve on and discuss the more nitty gritty details before an issue appears before the whole group. These committees have included budget/finance, building, economic development, environmental, personnel, legislative affairs, public safety, Justices of the peace also have the authority to marry a couple.https://www.uaex.uada.edu/business-communities/ced-blog/posts/2022/may/what-is-a-justice-of-the-peace.aspx
Click a candidate icon to find more information about the candidate. To compare two candidates, click the "compare" button. To start over, click a candidate icon.
-
John Matar
(Rep)
-
Kevin L. Osnes
(Rep)
Describe in your own words the duties of the office you seek.
Describe in your own words the experience and skills you have that qualifies you for this position.
Describe the first thing you plan to change/improve when you take office and how you will accomplish that goal.
Campaign Phone
479-306-9677
The primary duty of a JP is serving on the Quorum Court, which is the county's legislative body. They are one of 15 representatives who manage Benton County's multimillion dollar budget. They account for how the local taxes dollars are spent; from the Sheriff's Office, the County jail, roads, and rules that govern our growing community.
My career is defined by a commitment to service. As a combat veteran, I understand the discipline and sacrifice required to protect our freedoms. My time in law enforcement gave me a front-row seat to the challenges facing our community's safety. These roles have instilled in me a Service First mindset and the ability to make high stakes decisions with integrity and composure.
The primary duty of the Quorum Court is the oversight of the county budget. At J.B. Hunt, I manage million-dollar budgets, ensuring that every dollar is accounted for and used efficiently. I will bring this professionally financial scrutiny to Benton County, ensuring that your tax dollars are treated with respect and that the county remains fiscally lean and solvent.
Benton County's jail crisis isn't just a safety issue; it's a massive financial hurdle. I will use my dual experience in the field and the boardroom to ensure our home is safe, fiscally responsible and prepared for the growth of our community.
Rather than increase the budget each year, I will advocate for line-item reviews of the County budget. I will push to identify underutilized funds that can be reallocated toward critical public safety infrastructure and staffing for our jails and police.
I'll make sure our deputies have the resources they need to keep violent criminals off our streets and that our jail expansion is handled responsibly and without penalizing the taxpayer.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
To make a selection for a candidate you must first find your races. Would you like to find your races now?
You have already selected the maximum number of candidates for this race.
You must uncheck an existing selection before making another selection.