Beth Coger’s drive to save the rule of law in Washington County
Our Quorum Court is problematic in so many ways. Right now we can only roll our eyes at it. But that’s just not enough. The Q Court and parts of Washington County government have real authority over our lives, and they’re not doing a good job of exercising it. Their bungling and manipulation of money were disastrous during covid. The same dynamic is still playing out in other ways.
The county attorney, Brian Lester, has demonstrated a lot of incompetence over the years with no accountability. That may have something to do with the fact that he’s the long-time chair of the county Republican Committee. As senior staff he has taken on power far beyond his job title and his abilities. For instance last year he demanded a huge pay raise and got it. As long as the Court is controlled by one party it will be hard to change that.
When Eva Madison was JP for District 9 there were several legal battles between Eva and the county Judge which included attorney Lester. It was really hard for them to cope with an informed woman with opinions. More than once the Judge said .”…lady if you don’t like my decision sue me..” It’s also fair to note that he generally lost the battle.
Now that Beth Coger has replaced Eva, it appears that the same dynamic continues even though there’s a new judge. In a Court dominated by one party not too concerned with the rule of law, state codes for responsibilities and duties to guide the interaction of the Court, JPs and the public don’t seem to mean much. Beth has sued Brian Lester twice for refusing to honor FOIA requests. We can see that clearly now since our Governor found FOIA so threatening that she tried to change law to keep from disclosing her travels. What is Brian Lester hiding?
To learn the latest about what Beth has been going through to keep Washington County transparent, see the regular blog she posts about her work as a Justice of the Peace in our county. Washington County Update
Beth has severalf ways you could help her get the attention of the Q Court. If you’d like to write a supporting letter to the editor to tell Lester he’s being watched, along with others who glower at women who are too sure of themselves , see Beth’s ask right here:
Here’s more:
You can also
- ATTEND The Quorum Court meeting Thursday! (6:00 pm at courthouse)
- Speak at the 15-minute public comment period at the beginning of the meeting. There are 12-minute public comments before the vote on any ordinance or resolution. This is your chance to be heard, to address the court, to be more involved.
- Call County Attorney Brian Lester 479-973-8415 or email blester@washingtoncountyar.gov and ask the questions about the lawsuits, and/or any other questions you have or more information you’d like to have.
- Support Pre-trial services. Talk to Judge Deakins and ask him why he’s not interested in pursuing the data analyst and other assistance (coordinator) for the Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee (CJCC). The National Institute of Corrections (NIC) has offered to assist the county in implementing pretrial services AT NO CHARGE TO THE COUNTY! We must take advantage of their knowledge and skill. And we need a coordinator and data analyst in order to be successful.
- Call Judge Deakins, Sheriff Cantrell and as many Justices of the Peace as you can. Get to know them. Meet them for coffee. Tell them you want a real pretrial services program in Washington County.
- Write letters to the editor.
- Share this Newsletters with your friends and neighbors!