As Miller County Judge, my focus will be accountability, public safety, and responsible use of taxpayer dollars. I believe county government should be efficient, transparent, and always focused on serving the people.
- Budgeting and Property Tax Rates
My first action as Miller County Judge will be a full audit of all county programs and policies. Each program will be evaluated based on:
- Efficiency
- Impact on citizens
- Original intent
Funding will be tied to clear, measurable goals, and results will be shared with the public on a quarterly basis. This creates transparency and ensures taxpayer dollars are being used wisely. Programs that are unclear, ineffective, or fail to serve county residents will no longer receive funding.
As a lifelong conservative, I believe smaller government creates more freedom. Property taxes should remain as low as possible while still allowing the county to fulfill its primary responsibility: public safety.
- Infrastructure Needs and Planning
In the first quarter of my administration, we will conduct Essential Infrastructure Safety and Vulnerability Assessments using the Department of Defense Mission Essential Vulnerability Assessment (MEVA) process. This data-driven approach will allow us to prioritize projects that have the greatest impact on public safety, roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure.
This information will also support long-term planning, helping us maintain existing infrastructure while identifying areas that need improvement.
We will actively pursue outside funding, including resources available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, as well as grants such as:
- Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)
- Arkansas Department of Transportation Local Bridge Program
By combining fiscal discipline with strategic use of state and federal funding, we can complete more projects without overburdening local taxpayers.
- Economic Development
My approach to economic development starts with doing business locally whenever possible. If a local business can provide a service currently outsourced outside the county, we will work to keep that business and those dollars right here in Miller County.
I will seek approval from the Quorum Court to set aside a portion of annual surplus funds to support small business projects within the county.
For larger economic development efforts, we will work closely with established organizations, including:
- ARTEX REDI
- Chamber of Commerce
- Airport Authority
This ensures county residents have a voice in negotiations and benefit from growth.
Miller County’s unemployment rate is currently higher than the state average, which means we have a ready and capable workforce. I have already met with a local university to discuss the skills and certifications needed to attract larger employers. They are now exploring ways to offer those programs locally.
Economic growth will be a joint effort between county government, local organizations, and citizens.
- Emergency and Disaster Preparedness
Emergency preparedness will be a top priority. We will use data from past disasters—such as flooding, tornadoes, and winter storms—to improve planning and response.
With over 24 years of military experience, including leadership within the Department of Military Support of the Arkansas National Guard, I understand what effective emergency response requires. We will conduct full-scale rehearsals involving all response agencies to evaluate real-world readiness.
These exercises will be graded on:
- Response time
- Effectiveness
- Care for vulnerable populations
- Equipment reliability
- Personnel training needs
This process will identify gaps and guide improvements. Annual rehearsals will ensure continued readiness.
For flood prevention, we will work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to assess levee systems and ensure they meet safety standards.
We will also expand Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) and partner with the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management to promote household-level preparedness before each storm season.
Prepared communities recover faster and suffer fewer losses.
- Promoting Conservative Priorities
Most local officials and Quorum Court members already support conservative values. My role will be to work collaboratively to advance those principles through action.
Key priorities include:
- Fiscal responsibility, with a focus on efficiency, transparency, and reducing waste
- Reducing regulations by establishing a review board to evaluate county ordinances annually and recommend changes or removals
- Modernizing county services through technology and improved communication to better serve citizens
This approach respects taxpayers, supports business growth, and ensures county government works efficiently for everyone.
In summary, my vision for Miller County is a government that is accountable, fiscally responsible, prepared for emergencies, and committed to public safety and economic growth. By focusing on transparency, conservative principles, and smart planning, we can build a stronger and more resilient county for all residents.
For more information and a complete list of qualifications, please visit the Chris Redfearn for Miller County Judge campaign page on Facebook @Chris Redfearn for Miller County Judge.
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