Beebe Appoints Justice Of The Peace From Farmington

FAYETTEVILLE — Washington County Quorum Court members welcomed a new justice of the peace Tuesday to represent Farmington and western Fayetteville.

Gov. Mike Beebe’s office announced Diane Bryant, a Democrat, will replace Mary Ann Spears. Spears, a Republican, resigned from office Aug. 31 after taking a new job as superintendent for the Lincoln School District.

Bryant, a retired librarian, attended her first public hearing as justice of the peace at Tuesday’s Finance and Budget Committee meeting.

“I knew that Mary Ann Spears, who lives a few blocks aways from me, resigned and thought this is a good opportunity to serve Washington County,” Bryant said.

Bryant said she applied for the vacant seat through the Governor’s Office after learning of Spears’ resignation.

Bryant has lived in Farmington for six years and worked as a librarian for 30 years mostly for a school district in Olathe, Kan., outside of Kansas City, she said. She has worked as a substitute librarian for schools in Washington County.

She said she has never held a public office but brings experience with finances after putting together budget proposals for her libraries and volunteering as the treasurer for the Valley View Subdivision Property Owner’s Association in Farmington. He was also fundraising chairwoman at her church, she said.

The Quorum Court is in the midst of budget season and justices of the peace are reviewing budget proposals from all departments and elected officials.

The Quorum Court now has nine Republicans and six Democrats after Beebe’s appointment.

County Judge Marilyn Edwards said she hadn’t heard from Beebe’s office about the appointment before this week.

“I think she is very conscientious,” Edwards said. “I think she’ll follow the issues, and I think she’ll do a wonderful job for us.”

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