Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Mullins: I can make a difference

William Mullins is one of two candidates seeking the Nevada Countys Judges seat. Current County Judge James Roy Brown has announced that he is not seeking another term in office.

Mullins said he grew up in Bodcaw, spent three years in the military, then settled in Prescott in 1966. He joined the National Guard in 1977 and retired in 2001.

He is married to Helen and the couple have four daughters and six grandchildren.

Mullins said he had the opportunity to work for law enforcement beginning in 1973. He was chief deputy for the Nevada County Sheriffs office for about three years. He then worked for the Prescott City Police Department for a year before becoming a court services officer for the circuit judges office. He is currently working as vice president at the Bank of Prescott.

I enjoy working there, Mullins said. But he plans to retire from the bank in December 2006. He said that decision has been made, regardless of whether he wins the race for county judge.

I like working with people, Mullins said, pointing out that the majority of his jobs have put him in close contact with the public.

Mullins is no stranger to county offices. He said he served three terms on the Nevada County Quorum Court.

So I know what JPs can do, he said. Im familiar with the court.

Mullins said keeping the JPs very involved in the countys business vital to the countys success. He said the key to working out problems facing the county is to work together with all county officials.

You can do a lot more for a lot less, Mullins said.

Mullins has been involved with the community, including a term as president of the Precott-Nevada County Chamber of Commerce.

Mullins said there are several important issues hed hope to tackle, if elected. The old hospital building is one.

Its an eyesore, he said. It would be nice if we could get someone using that property.

Mullins said he doesnt think that renovating the building would be profitable.

The county jail is another major issue, according to Mullins. He said he believes the citizens of the county have all the taxes they can handle, but said the county is going to have to start making plans. There are problems with the current jail and the facility will likely be put out of use at some future date. Mullins said the key to this issue is planning. He said hed like to appoint a committee to make recommendations for long-term solutions to the issue.

County vehicles is another point of focus for Mullins, especially vehicles for the sheriffs office. He said he understands that there may not be money available to replace vehicles annually, but said its something he wants to look at.

If theyre going to answer a call, they dont need to wonder whether theyre going to make it, he said.

Roads and bridges are another county-wide issue, according to Mullins. He said hes traveled many of the countys road during his campaign.

Weve got some pretty good roads. Weve got some that need attention.

Mullins said he believes the key to better roads in the county is to spend time around checking the condition of the roads and to utilize the knowledge in the road department.

I want their input, he said. Maybe we can do something different or do it better.

Mullins said he believes almost every county issue becomes an issue of money. Without the revenues, its impossible to make changes or improvements. The answer, according to Mullins, is economic development.

He said increasing the number of jobs improves the countys tax base.

We need more businesses to locate in Prescott, he said.

He cited local economic development efforts and said he hopes to work closely on future efforts.

Other issues important in the county, according to Mullins, are garbage pickup, the countys landfill issues and the condition of the county courthouse.

Mullins said he decided to run for office because he desires to make positive changes for Nevada County.

If you can do something that can benefit a bunch of people, then lets do it, Mullins said. Thats why Im on the fire and rescue. I enjoy going out and helping people.

I can make a difference. I will make a difference.