Elect Amy Hughes

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For Ouachita County Judge

Meet Amy Hughes

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I am a 1990 graduate of West Side Christian School in El Dorado, Arkansas. My parents, Ron Varner from Amity, Arkansas, and Janis Reeves from Longview, Texas, have since retired to Texas. My husband, Chris Hughes, is a lifelong resident of Ouachita County. Together, we have four wonderful adult children: Katy (Blu) Quarles, Kannon (Cameron) Leach, Daniel (Julia) Hughes, and Brandon Stinnett. We are also blessed with five grandchildren, who bring us endless joy. In my free time, I enjoy crafting—whether it’s making cups, shirts, or blankets. I also love spending time with friends, camping, boating, and even mudding. One of my greatest joys is cheering on my grandchildren in their sports activities—it’s always exciting and full of fun. I moved to Camden in 1993, and it has been my home ever since.

Work Experience

I have extensive experience in Emergency Management, where I supported first responders throughout Ouachita County. This office, appointed by the County Judge, handled every disaster response within the county.

In 2004, I began working under Henry Primm, assisting with a wide range of responsibilities including attending training, writing grants, and securing critical resources for first responders. Through these efforts, we obtained advanced communication equipment, a mobile command center, and other essential tools. I also earned my hazmat license in partnership with the Camden Fire Department and obtained numerous certifications during that time.

My career expanded into the 911 office, where I balanced both Emergency Management duties and public safety operations. Fortunately, the Judge appointed a 911 Coordinator, which allowed me to fully transition into the role of County Judge’s Secretary. In this position, I managed daily office operations, including answering phones, preparing correspondence, and processing financial transactions.

I was later promoted to County Judge’s Assistant, where my responsibilities grew to include budget preparation, payroll, insurance, financial oversight, and reviewing claims for payment. I also drafted Resolutions and Ordinances for court proceedings. Additionally, I attended floodplain management training, becoming the County’s designated Floodplain Coordinator while continuing my duties as Assistant.

Goals & Improvements

Roads & Infrastructure:

Develop a plan to keep county roads and communities up to date and well-maintained.

Community Involvement

Create opportunities to incorporate more citizens into community planning and decision-making.

Leadership Communication:

Establish a plan for county leaders to communicate more effectively and stay aligned moving forward.

Teamwork Approach

Emphasize teamwork over individual leadership—believing that one person cannot run the county alone.

Commitment to Service:

Continue serving the people of Ouachita County with dedication, integrity, and a vision to help the county prosper again.

Employee Recognition:

Acknowledge and support employees for their hard work, ensuring they know their role in keeping our county clean and maintained.