Baxter County Judge Mickey Pendergrass says his biggest takeaway from a recent trip to the nation’s capitol is work is being accomplished and projects are being completed, despite what is often reported in national news.Judge Pendergrass and quorum court justices Edna Fusco and Lucy Soltysik were among about 40 representing Arkansas at the invitation of the White House and the National Association of Counties.Pendergrass says national news headlines present a different picture of what’s actually taking place in Washington.
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Pendergrass says those at the national level realize county judges and legislators have something they don’t have.
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While the judges and legislators spent a day hearing from various departments, including those at cabinet level, they had the unexpected opportunity to visit with Vice President Mike Pence, who made an unscheduled stop at the meeting in the Eisenhower Building near the White House.
The previous day, Pendergrass and other Arkansas judges were afforded an hour with Senator John Boozman and his entire staff. The Baxter County judge said the session allowed them to talk one-on-one about issues at home.
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Pendergrass says after the meetings, he now has a list of contacts he can utilize as needed.
After Pendergrass, Fusco and Solytysik returned to Baxter County, some have questioned the expense for the trip. The judge says the justices traveled to Washington at their own expense, while he utilized his travel budget to cover his flight and hotel.
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