On Wednesday evening, the League of Women Voters of Washington County hosted a candidate forum at the Fayetteville Public Library, drawing 12 of the 19 candidates running for contested justice of the peace (JP) seats. Attendees heard the candidates address county growth, zoning, jail conditions and government transparency—issues that shape daily life for Fayetteville residents.
League President Michelle Wolchok explained that JP members serve on the Washington County Quorum Court, which decides the county budget and oversees services such as roads and the sheriff’s office. She likened the role to that of a city council member, noting that the court’s decisions “affect residents’ daily lives, including county roads and the sheriff’s office.”
In District 1, challenger Lou Reed Sharp and incumbent Brad Bruns both emphasized the need for proactive planning. Sharp said, “We have an incredible amount of growth that we need to get our arms around. We need some planning and some purposeful discussion.” He also called for a more responsive Quorum Court, citing his background in nursing and community health. Bruns, who highlighted his experience with multimillion‑dollar budgets and law‑enforcement development, urged a revisit of zoning efforts and greater citizen input, suggesting the formation of resident boards to shape future development.
District 4 candidates focused on conditions at the county jail. Incumbent Vladimir Rivera Lopez reported that “171 people sleep on the floor on any given night,” stressing the need to discuss standards of care for those awaiting trial. He also highlighted the county’s linguistic diversity, noting that more than 70 languages are spoken and that he has worked to ensure emergency services are available in those languages. Challenger Bill Ussery echoed concerns about bed space and added that he is collaborating with formerly incarcerated individuals to develop job‑training programs aimed at reducing recidivism.
Both Rivera Lopez and Ussery mentioned broader priorities. Rivera Lopez called for comprehensive planning to manage growth, while Ussery pointed to employee turnover in county departments and the desire to craft a zoning plan that balances rural and developed areas, promising “clarity and some common ground” on the Quorum Court.
Early voting in Washington County is currently underway and will remain open through Nov. 2. Election Day is set for Nov. 3, when voters will choose their JP representatives. Residents are encouraged to review the candidates’ positions and cast their ballots, as the elected JPs will help shape the county’s response to growth, public safety and fiscal transparency.
Sources: 4029tv.com
