Adams Seeks Second Term On Benton County Quorum Court

BENTONVILLE — Pat Adams, justice of the peace for District 6, will seek a second term on the Benton County Quorum Court.

Adams, a self-employed construction contractor with Adams Excavation, said he will run again because he has unfinished business as a member of the Quorum Court.

PROFILE

Pat Adams

Justice of the Peace

(Incumbent)

Age: 58

Residency: Rogers

Family: Wife, Ann; two children

Employment: Self-employed construction contractor, Adams Excavation

Education: Attended Crowder College in Neosho, Mo.

Military Experience: None

Political Experience: Benton County justice of the peace 2013-present

Source: Staff Report

“We started in on this ambulance service and I’m going to see it through to the finish,” he said. “Whether it takes one more year, three more years or five more years.”

Adams said he has enjoyed his first year on the quorum court and he believes the justices of the peace will be more productive as a group in his second year and beyond.

“I’ve learned a lot and I still have a lot to learn,” Adams said. “Having five new JPs on the court has changed the dynamics of things. I think the court as a whole may be more open to new ideas.”

Tom Sanders lives in the part of Springdale that is in Benton County. He said he’s known Adams for 19 or 20 years, dating back to the time when they both worked at the Benton County Sheriff’s Office. Sanders said he would recommend Adams as a candidate for justice of the peace.

“I know Pat more on a professional level than on a personal level,” Sanders said. “I can tell you that at work he’s always given his all. He’s extremely honest, and in law enforcement that’s very important. If Pat feels very strongly about something you’re going to have a hard time arguing with him because he always has his facts.”

Aaron Jolliff of Rogers said he has known Adams for more than 10 years, having worked with him in construction.

“As a person, Pat has a lot of integrity,” Jolliff said. “He’s a good, well-rounded business-type guy who has always shown a strong interest in politics.”

Adams’ background in construction is helpful in dealing with county road issues, Jolliff said.

“County roads, road improvements are always big issues,” Jolliff said. “I feel his knowledge of that is as important as understanding the government side of things. I think he makes a fine representative of the people.”

Adams also is interested in working on the proposed new courts facility. He said he will watch how the project develops and will keep an eye on costs. A preliminary draft study of the project carried a cost estimate of between $49 million and $53 million.

“I understand the issues of security and safety for the judges, the public and even the inmates,” he said. “But I’ll not stand for a $50 million building.”

Adams said he also will work to improve communication between the Quorum Court and the county’s elected officials.

“One thing I’d like to see is more direct communication between the elected officials and the JPs on things that are going on,” he said. “Like the letter the county is sending to voters on the ambulance vote. I’d like to have had some input on that before it goes out. I think we need to communicate a little better on day-to-day operations. We have to see that the county’s money is spent properly.”

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