Bland not seeking second term as JP

BENTONVILLE — Bob Bland, justice of the peace for District 11, announced Friday he won’t seek a second term on the Benton County Quorum Court.

Bland, 61, lives near Gravette. He was elected to the seat in 2016, and his term ends in December. District 11 covers the northwestern corner of Benton County. The party primary election is May 22. The filing period begins Feb. 22 and ends March 1.

Bland’s decision means the Quorum Court will have at least three new members next year. J.D.

Hayes, justice of the peace for District 3, and Mike Jeffcoat, justice of the peace for District 5, were both appointed to the Quorum Court and are ineligible to run for those seats.

Bland said the slow pace of county government disappoints him.

“I am not a politician, just someone who had hoped to be able to help usher in change,” he said in a statement. “However, as I am constantly reminded, county government moves slow. I think we need to begin now to prepare for the shrinking revenues that will come after the next census. The county is in good shape, but change must begin now so we are ready.”

Bland said he will continue to be active through the end of the year, working on constituent concerns and other county issues including the proposed new courts building. He said he’s uncertain if the Quorum Court will bring the courts project to a successful conclusion this year.

County Judge Barry Moehring was surprised by Bland’s decision and praised his work on the Quorum Court. Moehring said he remains confident the Quorum Court will settle the remaining questions on the courts project, primarily the funding method, this year.

“I’m hopeful that by this time next year we’re shovel-ready,” he said.

Bland