Catsavis, County officials seek re-election

While the cold did not bring snow flurries, Thursday (Jan. 12) did bring a flurry of candidate announcements.

Sebastian County Clerk Sharon Brooks, Fort Smith City Director George Catsavis and Sebastian County Treasurer/Collector Judith Miller announced their plans to seek re-election in 2012.

Catsavis survived a municipal primary and general election in 2010 to complete the two years of a four-year term (Position 4) vacated by former City Director Bill Maddox.

Catsavis said Thursday his highlight in serving was involvement with the 1% prepared food tax — not necessarily the defeat, but the “learning the ropes” through the process. Catsavis was the only Director on the seven-member City Board to oppose the tax. Fort Smith voters on Nov. 8 rejected the tax by a 62.7% to 37.29% margin.

“I think I have represented the people of Fort Smith and did what was right for them,” Catsavis said.

He said this new year will be tough for the city with Whirlpool closing and the threat to the 188th Fighter Wing.

“We’re going to have some serious challenges, and I’m still looking for more smaller, efficient government,” Catsavis said.

Elections will be held for Fort Smith’s four wards in 2012. Directors serve four-year terms. The city filing period is May 16 through June 5. If needed, a municipal primary will be held Aug. 14.

COUNTY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Brooks, a Republican, was first elected to the office in 2010 in an open race following the retirement of longtime Clerk Doris Tate.

“I strive every day to live up to the expectations of the citizens of Sebastian County who have entrusted me with the stewardship of this office. I will continue to work toward offering access to online records as well as other ways to improve the services offered by this office,” Brooks said in a statement.

Miller, also a Republican, was first elected to the Treasurer’s office in 2008.

“I am grateful for the support that I have received from the citizens, voters and taxpayers. I stand on the record of achievements of my office. I am asking for your vote in the upcoming election. My staff and I strive for excellence in service and my door is open to address your concerns,” Miller said in her statement.

Other Sebastian County officials to announce for re-election are Sebastian County Judge David Hudson (R), and Sebastian County Assessor Becky Yandell (R).

Denora Coomer, a 28-year veteran of the Sebastian County court system, announced Aug. 17 she will run as a Republican for the Circuit Clerk post now held by Republican Ken Blevins. Blevins, who has faced several controversies in his department during 2011, has said he will seek re-election but has not officially announced.

Chief Deputy Circuit Clerk Kathy Guthrie, a 14-year veteran of the Sebastian County Circuit Clerk’s office, announced Dec. 29 she will seek the office as a Democrat.

SEBASTIAN COUNTY CLERK SHARON BROOKS STATEMENT
Sebastian County Clerk, Sharon Brooks, will seek reelection to the position in 2012. Brooks, a Republican from Fort Smith was first elected to the position in 2010.

Mrs. Brooks hit the ground running in 2011 after being elected to serve her first term in November 2010. She has made many noticeable changes in the County Clerk’s office since taking office. The County Clerk’s office now accepts credit card payments, the staff is continually being cross- trained to better assist the public, and she is implementing digitized maps to better assist voters in locating their precinct, a process that will also help greatly in future redistricting efforts.

Mrs. Brooks has implemented professional development opportunities for employees, and currently uses spreadsheets instead of ledgers for bookkeeping. She is converting the old microfilm system to digital records for modern research and has saved the taxpayers thousands of dollars by utilizing one software system in the office instead of three different systems that performed the same function.

In a reorganization, Sharon implemented new managerial responsibilities for both the Fort Smith and Greenwood offices to better serve the citizens of Sebastian County.

“I strive every day to live up to the expectations of the citizens of Sebastian County who have entrusted me with the stewardship of this office. I will continue to work toward offering access to online records as well as other ways to improve the services offered by this office. My staff and I are committed to offer the best customer service and assistance to all who call or come into the office. There is still much to be done in way of improving services to the public and I am looking forward to implementing new ideas in 2012. Once again I am asking for your vote of confidence and hope to continue to serve as your County Clerk.”

Brooks and her husband, Carter Brooks, have four children (two of whom are serving our Country in the military) and two grandchildren. They are members of the Ninth St. Church of Christ.  Brooks is a  member of The Arkansas Association of County Clerks, Southside Rotary Club, International Association Clerks, Recorders, Election Officials and Treasurers (IACREOT), National Association of Counties, Area Agency on Aging Board Member, Arkansas Circuit Clerk’s Grants Committee, 2nd Vice President of  Sebastian County Republican Women, the Chamber of Commerce, City of Fort Smith, Police, Fire and Sheriff Department Citizens Academy.

SEBASTIAN COUNTY TREASURER/COLLECTOR JUDITH MILLER
Sebastian County Treasurer/Collector, Judith Miller will seek reelection in 2012. Miller, a Republican who resides in Greenwood, was elected to serve in the position in 2008.

Mrs. Miller has 27 years experience in County government operations and has served as Treasurer/Collector for the last 3 years.  Miller’s experience includes eight years of service in the treasurer’s office before being elected as Treasurer/Collector.  She is primarily responsible for the investment of the county’s revenue and the collection of personal and real estate taxes. Miller’s service to the county encompasses a conservative financial approach in the management of the county’s funds.

Miller has introduced some innovative ways to make the Treasurer/Collector office more efficient and convenient in its service to the public. The Collector’s office offers partial payments and online payments or Smartphone applications for  taxpayers.  Also, the ability to view receipts online is available.

Mrs. Miller and her staff strive for fairness and equitable treatment of all taxpayers. She listens to taxpayer concerns and is willing to offer whatever help she can to resolve issues and concerns within the confines of the law.

Miller was instrumental in working with other elected officials and the Quorum Court to secure new financial software for the county. The implementation of the new software will bring Sebastian County into the 21st century in terms of technology and being able to communicate throughout the county.

Miller is a native of Greenwood, Arkansas and graduated from Greenwood High School with honors. She has a Degree in Accounting. Miller is a member of the Arkansas Association of Treasurers Continuing Education, the Arkansas Association of Collectors Continuing Education, National Association of Counties and International Association of Clerks and Treasurers. She is a member of the South Sebastian Historical Society, graduate of Sebastian County Sheriff’s Academy, Fort Smith Police Academy and the Fort Smith Fire Academy and a Board member of the Area Agency on Aging. She is also a member of the NRA.

Miller is married to Sam Miller and they have two children and one grandchild. Her parents were the late John and Gladys Williams of Greenwood. Miller is a member of First Baptist Church of Greenwood.

“I am grateful for the support that I have received from the citizens, voters and taxpayers. I stand on the record of achievements of my office. I am asking for your vote in the upcoming election. My staff and I strive for excellence in service and my door is open to address your concerns.”