New justice of the peace appointed for Jefferson County Quorum Court

PINE BLUFF, Ark. — The last few weeks in Jefferson County have been controversial and tense. 

Since mid-January justices of the peace and the county judge have been stuck in a stalemate on what should and should not be cut from the 2025 budget.

Failed meeting after failed meeting even led one justice of the peace to resign. Now, Governor. Sarah Huckabee Sanders has appointed his replacement. 

Richard “Doc” Victorino was appointed by Gov. Sanders to be the justice of the peace for the Jefferson County Quorum court. 

“Everybody knows it’s been a lot of animosity and chaos,” said Victorino.

However, when he got the call to serve his community, he happily answered.

“I’m hoping to be able to mend these hurt feelings or animosity and come together as a group,” he added.

Victorino is the former constable of the Spring Township and he still volunteers with the fire department. Now that he has been appointed to the quorum court, he’s hoping to serve for all of Jefferson County.

“I’m there to represent the whole community, right, wrong or indifferent. My opinion is going to be in the best interest of the whole community,” he described.

While Victorino might not know everyone in Jefferson County by name, he explained how he still wants to hear any concerns that community members might have.

“I want to represent everybody as a whole. Take the time to meet with them and hear their concerns. That’s the big thing,” he said.

Victorino hopes that the quorum court will be able to come together to work on issues such as public safety and heal the community. 

“Just [having] fresh eyes and hopefully the right attitude would be able to make an impact on the quorum,” he said. “I am committed to upholding Christian ethics and the core values of our party in every decision I make.”

The quorum court is still working to pass a budget for 2025.

Since Gov. Sanders signed SB182, the county has reverted to working with the 2024 budget for the time being.