Donald Brock, Justice of the Peace-elect for Union County’s 10th district, has been appointed to the Smackover City Council in an interim capacity until he takes his position on the Union County Quorum Court.
Smackover City Recorder/Treasurer Rick East said Brock was appointed at the Aug. 13 council meeting after four applicants were reviewed in an executive session by council members.
The seat became vacant when Ward 2 Council Member Tommie Fleming passed away in late May. In just over 75 days of sitting vacant, only four people applied.
Brock will serve as a council member until Jan. 1, when he will be sworn into office for the Quorum Court. He said he hopes serving on Smackover’s city council will help prepare him for the Quorum Court.
“I’m just trying to get my feet wet. I had the opportunity to take this appointment and it was serving the people of Smackover. I thought it might be a little on-the-job training,” he said.
Brock was elected to the Quorum Court during the primary elections held in May. He ran on a platform of transparency and economic development.
One component of his platform was his promise to set up a phone line dedicated to constituents. He said he has the phone line now and can be reached at 870-725-2123. He said he is in the process of setting up an answering machine for the phone so constituents can rest assured that he will get back to them if he misses their call.
Brock’s first full council meeting was last night. The council discussed bids on a fire department van and city truck, and a mill resolution, according to their agenda.
“I’m just going to try to do what I can for Smackover and come Jan. 1st, I’m going to try to do what I can for the rest of the county,” he said.
Caitlan Butler can be reached at 870-862-6611 or [email protected].