Just last year the County budget was in the red with little or no hope of recovering.

The only solution the majority of the Pulaski County Quorum Court and the County Judge could see that would bring the finances into balance was a county-wide sales tax.

You, I, and a majority of voters answered with a resounding, 'not until you learn how to manage our money.' Even the report from UALR that was published this spring included a demand for responsibility in Pulaski County government.

But is a tax really what is needed to balance the county budget?

Fast-forward to today; the criminal that was in charge of county finances was discovered and punished. The Quorum Court has greatly reduced spending by following a roadmap I put forth in the first two months after you elected me. Using that same common sense approach as budget chair, 2007 budget process is flowing smoother and faster than ever before.

There is hope on the horizon of a cost of living increase for the county employees, the first in 3 years. We can actually plan to repair the county jail and return to pre-2005 levels of 1130 inmates to protect our county. And yes, there may even be enough funds left to deposit into our reserves for a rainy day. ALL without increasing taxes!

Proof once again that throwing money at a problem is the easy solution that never permanently solves financial problems.

First, you simply don't spend money until it is in the bank. Second, once it is in the bank, don't spend more than you have! Very basic financial principles that government often forgets. As the budget chairman for the 2008 budget process my goals have been for financial stability and public safety and most of all to win back the trust of the residents of Pulaski County.

This is a return from the brink year for Pulaski County and the Quorum Court. Now that we have our basics in place, we can go forward and lead this county the way our residents deserve.