Mike Rushin and Wendell Griffen discuss issues at Pulaski County forum

Mike Rushin and Wendell Griffen debated key local policies Wednesday during a Pulaski County election forum. The county judge candidates presented their competing visions for regional growth, public safety and county resources. The Arkansas 4-H Center hosted the event.

Development and Housing Priorities

Griffen said the debate over data centers depends on local property impacts. “I believe the first question that we have to ask is, number one, is a data center a sustainable land use in the place where it is sited,” Griffen said. He said officials must consider how facilities operate near neighboring land.

Rushin said he is studying data center designs used in other regions. “The one thing that I’ve been doing is researching around the country what works and doesn’t work in terms of design,” Rushin said. He said corporate developers must upgrade electrical lines and pay their fair share.

Rushin also proposed converting dilapidated residential properties into affordable housing for local families. “Another thing of affordability we’re working on is looking at taking a dilapidated or abandoned homes, purchasing them, remodeling them, and preparing them for first-time homebuyers so that they can have an affordable mortgage and start living the American dream,” Rushin said. He said this approach puts existing structures into use for first-time buyers.

Griffen said county officials cannot control retail fuel prices in Pulaski County. “One thing we have to do is talk about the factors that we can control and the factors we cannot,” Griffen said. He said local geography supports public transit options that do not rely on fuel.

Public Safety and County Infrastructure

Griffen said overall crime rates in the county are currently trending downward. “Any crime is higher than you want it. It is lower than it has been, and it is trending downward,” Griffen said. He said leaders must analyze property offenses, violent crimes and personal attacks separately.

Rushin said sheriff deputies require better local funding and updated equipment. “I’ve been met with a sheriff a couple of times so far and told him I’d love to sit down with him. Let’s go through the budget because I know he’s asked for more deputies,” Rushin said. He said county law enforcement vehicles require urgent and costly maintenance.

Rushin said county leaders must communicate regularly with elected justices of the peace. “When I’m doing projects, getting things done for the county, I will make sure I’m communicating effectively with our JPs, the elected officials for each district,” Rushin said. He said district officials will keep county residents informed on local projects.

Griffen said county government requires continuous communication rather than sporadic meetings. “I believe that people have a right to know what the government is doing and why,” Griffen said. He said citizens have a clear duty to help resolve community problems.

Griffen addressed aging drivers in Pulaski County. “We’ve got to hurry up and do it because fuel costs are not going down and those of us who are driving are not getting younger,” Griffen said. He said older residents will need transportation options beyond standard automobiles.

Rushin said infrastructure planning includes major road projects and small safety upgrades. “So we’re going to make sure little things like that and the big things like roads are going to be taken care of,” Rushin said. He said one local school requires speed bumps and an added turn lane.

A county judge oversees administrative operations and road systems in Arkansas. The general election will take place on Nov. 3. Early voting across Pulaski County begins Oct. 19.

Rushin said functional bridges and roads define success for a county executive. “At the end of the day, I don’t care if I’m the most boring judge ever. That means you have solid bridges, strong roads, proper infrastructure,” he said.