Justice of the Peace Garrett Barnes Announces Re-Election and Town Hall on Oct. 2

Jonesboro, AR — Garrett Barnes, an advocate for the Northside, the West End, and Downtown Jonesboro, has announced his re-election for Justice of the Peace District 2. Since taking office in January 2023, Barnes is the only official to host quarterly town halls.

“At a time when more politicians do not show up to face their constituents, I look forward to town halls and hearing what the people, especially if they see things differently than I do, have to say would improve their local government and make their neighborhood safer.” Barnes said.

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Barnes has pledged to continue working on authoring, improving, and promoting interlocal agreements with cities and agencies that prioritize and fund improved mosquito control, crime prevention, afterschool programs, roads and drainage, workforce development, and more.

“State law and feedback from people all across the county make this crystal clear: our main focus must be partnering with cities in delivering services that make families feel safe, small businesses thrive, and attract companies to invest here versus somewhere else.” Barnes said.

Barnes said, “Jonesboro taxpayers and businesses generate over 75% of our county’s local revenue. When you include other cities and sales tax, that total soars to well over 80%.”

In 2023, Barnes worked with the current administration to publish the Quorum Court’s full meeting packet to the county’s website prior to every meeting for public view. So far in 2025, Barnes has been the only JP to author and propose an Ordinance or Resolution.

In addition to his policy work, Barnes has officiated more than 150 weddings at no charge to citizens and is one of only a couple of Justices of the Peace to offer this service. Barnes’s next quarterly town hall will take place on Thursday October 2 at 5:30 PM in the Round Room of the Craighead County Library at 315 W Oak in Jonesboro. Attendees will need to enter off Madison. Free refreshments from Currie Girl will be provided.

Barnes currently serves on the board of the West End Neighborhood Association, the Executive Committee of the Craighead County NAACP, is a member of the University Heights Lions Club and is a Past Worshipful Master of Jonesboro Masonic Lodge #129. He is an Assistant Principal in the Jonesboro School District. His wife, Maggie, works at the Math & Science Elementary Magnet School and volunteers with the Junior Auxiliary of Jonesboro as a mentor for young ladies. They are raising two young boys with the oldest attending Jonesboro Pre-K.

“It has been an honor and a blessing to serve District 2,” Barnes said. “With your support, I’ll continue working hard for our neighbors and the future of Craighead County.”