AAC a goal to digitize records every year. He hopes to help other counties do the same. “Every county clerk, as far as I’m concerned, needs some kind of fund that can help protect all these old records,” he said. “There are all kinds of counties right now that at any minute they could have a courthouse fire and it would burn up our history… you need a secure place to keep your records.” Curtis is also passionate about pushing new voting equipment for county clerks’ offices. As Second Vice-President of the Arkansas Association of County Clerks, he has taken a “semilead” in lobbying for voting equipment funds from the Arkansas state legislature. It took Curtis seven and half years of requesting funds to get new equipment in Saline County. Though he said working with the legislature is “tiresome,” Curtis enjoys attending legislative meetings and lobbying for funding and other issues affecting county clerks. “That’s one thing that’s hard for county clerks or for any officials in the county — you look at it as wasting your time. In reality, it’s not because they (legislators) see you there. They know you’re representing (county clerks).” Curtis has helped institute a lot of upgrades to his office throughout the years, and the one that he’s most proud of is Saline County’s transition to voting centers. The county previously had six voting sites within a half mile of the office, he said. Those sites were consolidated. “That right there has made it more efficient and cost effective,” he said. “It’s a bigger bang for the taxpayers’ buck.” A few other changes his office has implemented include an automated marriage license registration program, a comprehensive website and additional storage space. COUNTY LINES, WINTER 2020
FEATURE
Conway County Judge Jimmy Hart has been named interim AAC Board Secretary/Treasurer Jimmy Hart. He was elected county judge in 1999 and has served on the AAC Board since 2009.
Judge moves to AAC Board Secretary/Treasurer position Story by Holland Doran AAC Communications Coordinator
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onway County Judge Jimmy Hart will serve as secretary/ treasurer for the AAC Board of Directors, replacing retired Clark County Clerk Rhonda Cole. AAC Board President Debbie Wise, who is the Randolph County Circuit Clerk, made the appointment at the Board’s February 2020 meeting. Hart was elected Conway County Judge in 1999 and has served on the AAC Board in various capacities since 2009. “I’ve enjoyed serving with great people from various walks of life, and it’s what makes our association a greater associa-
tion,” he said. “I feel very honored to be considered for the position and look forward to serving the AAC Board as best as possible.” As a member of the board, Hart serves as one of the voices of his fellow county judges, pushing for legislation and issues that affect their offices. Hart says he’s most proud of the strides that have been made in securing more funding for county road maintenance and 911 operations. “One voice doesn’t work,” he said. “But everybody together in one voice makes the difference.” Hart and his wife of 41 years, Nancy, have four children and eight grandchildren who call him “Papa Judge.” 29
