With all the noise of National, and State Political news it can be confusing to know where to put your efforts in terms of candidate support, policy action, and momentum that will support or bring about change that will continue to enrich the communities where you live.
If you are challenged with this as well let me encourage you my friend, because the answer is easy and right in your own neighborhood.
Local government is where real work CAN be implemented quickly due to the size of governance, transparency of funding, access to representatives, and ability to move initiatives by an informed and activated community.
A county government can work expeditiously and efficiently on matters most close to home if given the right representation, oversight, community engagement, and voter access.
For most of us though, engagement with the local government, especially city and county government is limited and lacking in understanding of how integral this body is to support equitable distribution of federal and state funds, foster sustainable economies, create self sufficiency through workforce development, build equitable and inclusive communities, provide public safety for all, invest in inclusive and innovative public K-12 education systems, provide adaptive emergency response systems, health and human services, and good stewardship of voter rights, access and land use.
If interested: Check out these Nine facts about State and Local Government
How you perceive and prioritize local government is relative and oftentimes based on ideology, where you live, activities that you like, or industries that you support.
For rural friends and farmers, Quorum Court and County Government decisions are of special interest to you. If you’re more of an urban dweller, like myself, you will want to invest time in your Mayoral and City Council meetings, as well as their supporting Boards and Commissions activities.
If you’re a student, have students, or simply care about quality education, an often overlooked but highly important part of our local government is our School Board.
One thing to note about local government is that many of the representing positions are elected as nonpartisan with expectations to make voting decisions as such. To date, Faulkner county Democrats are underrepresented but working hard to fight for what’s right to build a strong Faulkner County.
Structure of Local Government in Faulkner County
Faulkner County is governed by our County Judge who presides over the Quorum Court, consisting of 13 elected Justices of the Peace. They, along with other elected officials, are charged to “administer”:
Additionally, Faulkner county leaders oversee and distribute federal and state funds that determine quality of:
Source: Overview of County Government in Arkansas
Maps of voting in Faulkner county
The city of Conway is governed by the Mayoral- Council form of government which is responsible for proper management of the city.
“This includes making sure that the residents receive maximum benefits and services for the taxes they pay”. The Mayor presides over city council meetings to handle business related to resolutions, ordinances, budgets, salaries, as well as appoint and remove all department heads, unless overruled by city council 2/3rd vote. In turn, our City Council “enacts ordinances and bylaws concerning municipal affairs in order to promote the health, safety, and welfare of the public. It is tasked with good management and control of the city finances and all real and personal property belonging to the city”. This can include: