AAC
DIRECTOR’S DESK
it turns out that was a great move for the awards program. We will be sharing the winners with you through electronic media and future print issues, but suffice it to say that dozens of our county officials were recognized for outstanding work in various categories of using technology to further advance service to the public. What a great experience to come to- gether and share the outstanding ideas all of you have taken from concept to implementation. I am particularly proud of an award that reflects a new technological feature many of you are beginning to use. Two Governor’s Awards were given out —one city, one county — to recognize public servants who have used technology to make the greatest impact on Arkansans. Te county award went to a team including Baxter County Sheriff John Mont- gomery and AAC staffers Debbie Norman and Mark Harrell for the Justice Bridge. Justice Bridge is a video-based system that allows video communications between jails, circuit courts, some district courts and each of our 16 prisons. Justice Bridge will save counties in the AAC Risk Manage-
ment Program millions each year once we get to full implemen- tation. We are already over 1/3 of the way there. By eliminating many prisoner transfers from state units to local circuit judges, we are shaving off costs and mitigating risk associated with these potentially dangerous and, in many cases, unneeded transports. To our knowledge, this program is unique to Arkansas
and nothing like it has been attempted in other areas of the country. AAC Risk Management member counties receive the phones in the jails and circuit courtrooms at no charge. If you have not yet received your phone please contact Mark Harrell in our office to begin scheduling installation. Please join me in congratulating Sheriff Montgomery for his incredible vision for this program, and in AAC employees Debbie Norman and Mark Harrell for their leadership and implementation of this one-of-a-kind system.
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On June 24, our friend Don Zimmerman passed away follow- ing a brief bout with pancreatic cancer. Te long-time ARML executive director was a leader among leaders in this state. He was the visionary and strategic leader for cities for over 40 years. Join me in prayers for our municipal league family, and for
Don’s family — especially his wife, Jan — as they move for- ward. I can never thank Don enough for his friendship and a partnership recently forged surrounding the state, county and city lawsuit against the opioid industry. Our good friend Mark Hayes, long-time chief counsel at ARML has filled Don’s large shoes. We look forward to con- tinuing the great county-city partnerships rooted in our great relationship with Don.
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