Scott County Judge Candidates: Side-by-Side Profiles

by Staff Reports

To help voters make informed decisions ahead of the upcoming election, The Waldron News distributed a standardized questionnaire to all candidates seeking the office of Scott County Judge.
In Arkansas, the County Judge serves as the chief executive officer of county government — overseeing budgets, roads and bridges, emergency management, county property, and administrative operations.
Because of the scope of this role, questions were designed to address executive leadership, infrastructure priorities, fiscal responsibility, transparency, and public service philosophy.
Each candidate received:

  • Identical questions
  • Equal word limits
  • The same submission deadline
  • The same opportunity for participation
Word limits were established to ensure fairness in print space and allow readers to compare responses side-by-side.
All responses are published verbatim as submitted. No edits were made to wording, grammar, or content.
Participation was voluntary.
The Waldron News does not endorse candidates.

 COUNTY JUDGE — CANDIDATE PROFILES

(Responses published verbatim as submitted.)
SECTION 1 — CANDIDATE INFORMATION
Full name as it should appear in print:
Office you are seeking:
Party affiliation (if applicable):
City/town of residence:
Current occupation or primary professional role:

JOHN JOSEPH EIGSTI
John Joseph Eigsti
Scott County Judge
Independent
Waldron, Arkansas
CEO of Egg Farm

BRIAN K. JONES
Brian K. Jones
County Judge
Republican
Scott County
County Judge

DAVID LEE TAFF
David Lee Taff
Scott County Judge
Republican – MAGA
Waldron, Arkansas – 9th District
Self-employed

SECTION 2 (150 words maximum)
What executive, administrative, or budgeting experience has best prepared you for the responsibilities of county judge?

JOHN JOSEPH EIGSTI
Auditor and inspector of Fair Field Specialty Eggs Seven year board member/treasurer Ft.Smith Farmer’s market Owner of Taste of Home Bakery for 10 years

BRIAN K. JONES
Being county judge for 3 years, plus running & operating a business in Scott County since 2005, and completed a 12 week course of Colin Powell leadership school.

DAVID LEE TAFF
My experience wasn’t learned in a classroom—it was earned in leadership roles where performance mattered. I served as a 1st Squad Leader in the 82nd Airborne Division, leading soldiers and ensuring missions were completed safely and on time. At Fort Bragg, I was trusted as Director of the Lee Field Complex, managing facilities and operations serving over 50,000 troops and civilians. In the private sector, I worked as a dispatcher for Arkansas Best Freight, moving equipment nationwide, managing leases, and controlling costs. I later served as Assistant Superintendent on major Arkansas State Parks projects, including Mount Magazine Lodge and the Crater of Diamonds water park. I’ve led people, managed budgets, and delivered results—and that’s exactly the kind of leadership our county needs.

SECTION 3 (100 words maximum)
Why are you seeking the office of county judge at this point in your life, and what do you believe is the greatest challenge currently facing county government?

JOHN JOSEPH EIGSTI
To incorporate ideas and principles to enrich the daily lives of all citizens of Scott County. Make Scott County great again and something to be proud of. Like most citizens I talk to I’m disgusted with observing the demise of Scott County. I see the need for motivation and organization, to create safe roads,and to address challenges head on with proper solutions.

BRIAN K. JONES
I enjoy taking care of county business, the citizens, and seeing projects coming together that benefits Scott County.

DAVID LEE TAFF
I’m running for County Judge because Scott County is my home, and too many people feel like things keep declining while nothing ever changes. I don’t accept that. At this point in my life, I’m ready to serve with experience, accountability, and conviction. The greatest challenge facing county government is breaking the mindset of “it’s always been this way” and restoring trust through results—better roads, better services, and responsible use of taxpayer dollars. I believe in faith, freedom, and conservative values, and I am proudly MAGA. With God’s guidance and the people’s support, we can change direction and move Scott County forward together.

SECTION 4 (75 words maximum)
In your view, what is the primary responsibility of the county judge, and how should success in this role be measured?

JOHN JOSEPH EIGSTI
To work every day for the safety,and well being,to create opportunity and prosperity of all of the citizens of Scott County and not just a select few.

BRIAN K. JONES
The main responsibility is protecting the citizens of this county, and building up the infrastructure within the county. Success is measured by your accomplishments.

DAVID LEE TAFF
The County Judge serves as the chief executive officer of the county, responsible for protecting the well-being of citizens while providing clear leadership and vision. Success should be measured by fiscal responsibility, well-maintained roads and services, and visible improvement across all 26 precincts—without favoritism—so every part of the county sees progress and benefits equally.

SECTION 5 (3–5 bullet points, 15–20 words each)
If elected, what would be your top priorities during your first year as county judge?
JOHN JOSEPH EIGSTI

  1. To get all roads restored so all emergency services can respond when needed to all the citizens of Scott County.
  2. To insure that all roads and bridges are safe for school buses full of our children going to and from school.
  3. To ensure that county government operates at peak efficiency. (No stealing from the cookie jar)
  4. To bring back a county government that is of the people,by the people,and for the people.And operates on the interest,of we the people,of Scott County.
  5. With God’s help we will make Scott County great again by using the important principles our country was founded upon.To use a moral compass so not to lose it.

BRIAN K. JONES
Whether its your 1st year or 5th year top priorities is the citizens, and emergency services provided, and infrastructure.

DAVID LEE TAFF
Public safety first: Strengthen emergency management and partner with all volunteer fire departments to improve countywide preparedness and response.
Roads and bridges: Prioritize repairs to the most dangerous areas while ensuring fair, consistent improvements across all precincts.
Community pride: Expand countywide cleanup efforts to improve appearance, public health, and pride in Scott County.
Regional cooperation: Work with neighboring counties to strengthen infrastructure, services, and economic opportunity across Arkansas’s Fourth District.
Restoring morale: Lead with transparency, accountability, and faith to rebuild trust, optimism, and a shared sense of purpose in our county.
SECTION 6 (100 words maximum)

Describe how you approach difficult decisions involving county resources, infrastructure, or competing community interests.

JOHN JOSEPH EIGSTI

Use respectful dialogue between all parties and listen to the input of all citizens involved.

BRIAN K. JONES
Everything I do is what I think is best for the citizens, some are gonna like, and some are not. But all decisions I will explain to anyone that would like to know.

DAVID LEE TAFF
We first need a quorum court fully functioning to make informed decisions. I would approach difficult choices with openness, inclusion, and accountability. Transparency starts by making county meetings accessible—physically and publicly—so citizens can see and hear how decisions are made. I would expect each Justice of the Peace to know their district’s needs, especially roads, bridges, and public safety. I would actively welcome first responders, volunteer fire departments, school transportation leaders, media, and citizens into the process. By opening meetings early for public input and allowing follow-up discussion, we ensure decisions reflect real needs.

SECTION 7 (75 words maximum)
How have you been involved in the Scott County community, and how has that involvement shaped your understanding of local government needs?

JOHN JOSEPH EIGSTI
As property owners in Scott County and owning a million dollar business producing eggs we have consistently been involved in all aspects of county government.

BRIAN K. JONES
I was born in Scott County and lived here for 55 years I truly understand the needs, and issues of the county.

DAVID LEE TAFF
My family has called Scott County home since 1959, and I’ve lived, worked, and raised a family here. As a former teacher, I’ve seen the needs of our schools firsthand. I’ve started and managed businesses in town, experiencing the challenges local entrepreneurs face. Growing up and working across the county has shown me where services, infrastructure, and opportunities fall short. I understand our needs, and I know we can do better together.

SECTION 8 (75 words maximum)
How would you describe your leadership style when working with elected officials, county employees, and the public?

JOHN JOSEPH EIGSTI
It is important to have mutual respect and an open mind of understanding (common sense). Humbly remembering that my position is to serve the citizens of Scott County with integrity.

BRIAN K. JONES
Always have a open door policy, inform quorum court, employees, and the public as needed. As long as everyone is for the citizens, and tries to improve the county we are fine.

DAVID LEE TAFF
My leadership style is hands-on, inclusive, and results-driven. I have led teams on small and large projects, trained and collaborated with people from all backgrounds, and overseen personnel to complete tasks effectively. I was honored to participate in the University of Arkansas LEADAR program, learning strategies to improve our county, state, and nation. I believe that with teamwork, transparency, and accountability, we can meet any challenge and achieve real progress for Scott County.

SECTION 9 (50 words maximum)
How should the county judge ensure transparency and encourage public input in county government?

JOHN JOSEPH EIGSTI
With true and honest transparency there is never a need for secret meetings.Remembering truth produces freedom.

BRIAN K. JONES
Transparency is always on the table, all people have to do is ask, I try to keep it where they can see what were doing & where we’re headed. Public input is fine, thats who we work for, the citizens of Scott County.

DAVID LEE TAFF
County government exists to serve all the people. Transparency and public input are essential. I will ensure residents are informed about plans, progress, and completed projects, inviting their participation so they see results firsthand and build trust in the decisions shaping Scott County’s future.

SECTION 10 — Closing Statement
Please provide a closing message to voters.

JOHN JOSEPH EIGSTI
As a born again follower of Christ Jesus, I value life,and our constitutional rights.

BRIAN K. JONES
Scott County is never gonna have the money larger counties do, so you have to save money up when possible for anticipated funds that don’t come in for the county.

DAVID LEE TAFF
Over the past weeks, I’ve met residents and leaders across Scott County. With God’s guidance, we can build a strong, collaborative team to create new opportunities for all.





mike jones
Alliance Propane
the waldron news digital reach