JP Voters Guide 2020: Republican Kris Kendrick, District 9

Here’s the responses to our Faulkner County Quorum Court/JP Voters Guide from Republican incumbent candidate Kris Kendrick in District 9.

Part 1:
Role of the Quorum Court

1. What do you see as the main function of the Faulkner County Quorum Court? How can you contribute?

   The main purpose of the Quorum Court is to appropriate money for the County departments through the budget process. We are also required by state law to ensure public safety is properly funded.

   As a JP I have — and will continue to do so if elected — ensured that we do not spend more money than we are bringing in.

   In my first year on the Court, we actually spent less than we brought in, which hasn’t happened in many years. We also helped make strides in public safety with jail maintenance upgrades and funding six additional patrol officers.

2. Is it important to increase transparency around the actions of Faulkner County government? Why or why not?

   Yes, I believe transparency is essential which I why I sponsored putting all County spending online as well as County bids.

   I have been an advocate for transparency since joining the Court and I will continue to push for more transparent government because citizens deserve to know how their tax dollars are being spent.

3. How do you plan to best reflect the views and desires of constituents in your JP District?

   My constituents elected me to ensure that we are fiscally responsible by controlling spending, keeping taxes low, improving transparency, and strengthening public safety. I have worked to do all of those things in my first term as JP.

4. What role should Faulkner County government play in the population growth of the County?

   We should continue to focus on responsible spending and ensuring taxes are low so people can start businesses and thrive in Faulkner County.

   We must also continue to focus on ensuring public safety has the resources it needs to keep our citizens safe while ensuring that roads and infrastructure are maintained.

5. In the past, the Quorum Court has often compared Faulkner County to Class 6 counties, which are grouped together based on population alone. Should Faulkner County’s financial and tax decisions mirror those of other Class 6 counties, or should we determine our choices based on our County’s unique circumstances? Why or why not?

   Each county is unique so decisions must be made based on the different circumstances for the particular county. I think it does help to view what other counties are doing but I want Faulkner County to be the leading county in the state so our decisions must be based on what is best for us.

Part 2:
County Concerns & Issues

1. Various groups and elected officials have weighed in on Faulkner County’s most pressing financial concerns. What do you think are Faulkner County’s top 3 financial issues, and how do you plan to address them?

   First is replacing the Unit 1 Jail. Second is increasing pay for County employees, especially our law enforcement officers. Third is replacing the Courthouse.

   I think addressing these issues is a change in how we do business in our County.

   We need a strategic plan. Currently, there is no strategic plan for our County. A strategic plan would help us identify and prioritize issues we face and give us a direction for moving forward to ensure we are on the correct path.

   Next, we have to control spending. Past Quorum Courts have spent more than they have brought in. The current Court spent less than we brought in. This is the first time that spending has been controlled in numerous years.

   If we cannot control our spending, then we will never be able to properly address the issues of our County.

   Finally, we have to become more transparent. Transparent government is essential for public trust. Citizens have to know how their tax dollars are being spent.

   The more eyes we can have looking at things, the more improvement we will see as a county.

2. Everyone has seen the news coverage of this summer’s ongoing civil unrest across the country, and Conway has already experienced a brief incident. With that ever-present threat in mind, what role should Public Safety play in the operations of Faulkner County?

   Public Safety is vital to Faulkner County. I have supported jail maintenance upgrades and funding additional patrol deputies. Our law enforcement officers should know that we support them while they are out protecting the citizens of our County, especially during these difficult times in our nation.

3. Faulkner County has tried to address an ever-growing animal control issue; for years, many volunteer groups have been involved at varying levels of interest. What is the optimal solution for animal control in Faulkner County? What issues do you see that support or restrict your optimal solution?

   I believe this court has made positive strides forward with animal control. I sponsored Spay & Neuter Program funding that was approved which will help cut down on the numbers of stray animals in our County in the future. This won’t solve our problems but it will help reduce stray numbers long-term.

   The court also approved a ballot initiative to allow the citizens to vote to determine if they want to fund animal control for our County. This will allow people to decide if it is a priority to them and help determine a path forward.

   I believe the biggest obstacle is that there is no strategic plan for our County that helps us address these issues.

4. Arkansans now have the second highest taxes in the country. Given the Arkansas Legislature’s 2019 tax increases (Internet sales tax, fuel tax, electric car tax, water bill tax, cell phone tax, tobacco tax), do the citizens of Faulkner County have an appetite for higher taxes now? Why or why not?

I do not believe citizens want higher taxes. I have heard continually from Faulkner County residents that they want low taxes so they can keep their money to support their families and businesses.

As a fiscal conservative, I would not support any tax increase that came before the Court, especially during these difficult economic times with the pandemic.

5. Our 70-year-old County Courthouse needs remodeling or replacement. How would you decide whether to remodel the building or replace it?

   A study needs to be conducted to determine the cost of a remodel versus the cost of a new building. Once the costs are determined, then we can have a discussion about what is the right path forward for our County. We cannot make an informed decision without knowing the facts so we can create a plan to move forward.

6. For the past several years the Sheriff has reported to the Quorum Court that the Department is significantly understaffed, given the County’s size and growing population. How would you rank the Sheriff’s Department’s longstanding identified and documented needs along with the other financials needs in Faulkner County?

   I’ve told constituents that funding additional deputies and replacing the Unit 1 Jail are the top priorities for our County. I listened to Sheriff Ryals and our deputies about their needs to help them perform their job. Thankfully, we were able to provide the funding for the additional deputies. We also voted to approve a study for a new building that would replace Unit 1. I believe replacing the aging Unit 1 facility is the top priority for our County.