PINE BLUFF, Ark. — In an extensive legal battle in Pine Bluff, a nearly 10-hour testimony unfolded on Thursday before Special Judge Randy Wright in the Second Division of the 11th West Circuit Court. The case involves County Judge Gerald Robinson suing the entire Quorum Court of Jefferson County, alleging that the governing body has been operating illegally without an updated procedural ordinance since January 2023.
Robinson’s lawsuit, part of a series initiated since 2022 against justices of the peace or other elected officials, claims malpractice over the Quorum Court operating under an outdated 2021 procedural ordinance. The 13 justices of the peace named in this contentious case include notable community figures such as Alfred Carroll Sr., Reginald Adams, Reginald Johnson, among others.
Defense attorney Kimberly Dale of Paragould spearheaded the calling of multiple county officials as witnesses. Their testimonies revolved around the management discrepancies and procedural disputes in the Quorum Court under Robinson’s administration. These included testimonies from Chief Deputy County Clerk Tiffany Lowery, Tax Collector Tony Washington, and others like Sheriff Lafayette Woods Jr.
Amid the court’s proceedings, friction was evident between Robinson and District 5 Justice of the Peace Lloyd Franklin II, who is considered influential among his peers. The lawsuit pinpointed a critical incident where Franklin allegedly substituted another procedural ordinance which Robinson claims was improperly introduced.
Special Judge Wright, who had previously ruled on a related case favoring Robinson against Tax Assessor Gloria Tillman in August, stated that his ruling on this current case would be issued after Christmas. This continuing narrative unraveled with testimonies reflecting deeper administrative rifts. One such example is the June 26, 2023, Quorum Court meeting video clip where Robinson walked out after a failed attempt by Franklin to alter the meeting’s agenda.
During the session, County Attorney Terry Wynne voiced concerns over the justices infringing on Robinson’s executive powers, recommending they draft a suitable procedural ordinance that harmonizes with administrative needs. The underlying tension peaked during cross-examinations, highlighting Franklin’s resistance to adaptative changes proposed by Robinson, who has sought to optimize county finances since his office assumption in 2019.
The hearing also touched on past collaborations among justices to endorse procedural ordinances, a process which Franklin attested had never before been contentious. Additionally, the debate extended to budgetary allocations, with discussions on whether certain expenditures, such as legal representation for justices, were judiciously managed under Robinson’s directive.
In his legal pursuit, Robinson is adamantly seeking a writ of mandamus to enforce the passage of an updated procedural ordinance by the Quorum Court. He further demands the nullification of the current ordinance he considers unlawful, alongside reimbursement for legal expenses incurred during this protracted litigation.
The resolution of this case could impact the operational dynamics of Jefferson County’s governance, potentially reshaping administrative interactions and the distribution of power among its officials.
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