County Judge

Drew County Judge JESSIE GRIFFIN Statement:

After proudly serving my country for 26 years in the U.S. Army and retiring as a Command Sergeant Major, I am now in my second dream job: Drew County Judge. My journey began right here in Drew County, where I graduated from Drew Central High School in 1971 and immediately enlisted in the Army at the age of 17. My extensive military career provided me with invaluable leadership experience and a deep commitment to public service, which I am eager to bring back to my community.  

Upon returning home, I worked in various public sector roles, gaining a broad understanding of local government operations. Now, I am motivated to take on the role of Drew County Judge to address several key areas that are crucial for the betterment of our county. 

Key Objectives:  

1. Improving Infrastructure: I aim to significantly enhance our county roads, landfill operations, and sanitation department. These are fundamental services that impact every resident, and I am committed to making substantial improvements. 
2. Enhancing Employee Morale and Compensation: One of my priorities is to boost the morale of county employees by ensuring equitable pay and providing incentives. I believe that motivated and well-compensated employees are essential for efficient and effective public service. 
3. Increasing Transparency and Accountability: I am dedicated to improving transparency in how tax dollars are spent. This includes requiring local agencies that receive county funding to regularly attend Quorum Court meetings to provide updates. Additionally, I will implement monthly reporting to keep the community informed. 
4. Securing Grants and Funding: I plan to actively seek out more grants to fund improvements and projects within Drew County. This additional funding will be vital in achieving our goals without overburdening taxpayers. 
5. Long-Term Planning: I will develop a comprehensive long-range plan for the county’s roads and landfill, addressing critical issues such as uncollected sanitation payments. This strategic approach will ensure sustainable development and maintenance. 
6. Promoting Collaboration: I am committed to fostering a cooperative relationship between the city and county. I believe that by working together, we can accomplish much more for our community. 

Leadership Philosophy: 

Leadership, to me, is about making everything work seamlessly. My experience as a Command Sergeant Major has equipped me with skills to lead effectively. I understand that true leadership is not about forcing anyone to follow, but about inviting people to join a shared journey towards common goals. I am confident in my ability to lead Drew County with integrity, transparency, and a strong sense of service. 

Personal Background: 

I am married to Linda (Bordeaux) Griffin, a retired schoolteacher who currently works in Adult Education with the Arkansas Workforce Center. We have two children, Brandon Lloyd and his wife Brandy of Monticello, and Heather Leser and her husband Eric of Raleigh, N.C. We are also blessed with five wonderful grandchildren.  

I am deeply committed to serving Drew County and believe that my extensive experience and dedication to public service make me the right person for Drew County Judge. Together, we can achieve great things for our community.