Kinion, Mahony running for Washington County judge

FAYETTEVILLE -- The next Washington County judge must be able to bring people together and understand diverse viewpoints, Democratic candidates said.

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Fayetteville Alderman Mark Kinion, 59, and Joshua Mahony, 35, a businessman and former nonprofit executive, are vying for the Democratic nod.

The candidate voters choose will face state Rep. Micah S. Neal, R-Springdale, in November. Voters will start casting ballots Tuesday for the primary election March 1.

The county judge oversees 14 departments that encompass the areas of emergency management, road construction and maintenance, and environment and planning. The position pays $97,825 annually.

County Judge Marilyn Edwards chose not to run for re-election but is challenging Justice of the Peace Eva Madison for her position on the Quorum Court.

Kinion said Edwards' departure was an impetus for him to join the race. He said he has the leadership, business and political skills necessary to be the next county judge.

"I feel I am prepared professionally," Kinion said.

Mahony said his nonprofit experience and that he is not a professional politician is a boon for the county. He said he can offer a fresh start but has the experience -- including negotiating skills -- needed for the job.

"I'm not a politician, and I think that's a good thing," Mahony said. "It's a clean slate with me for everybody."

Mahony said he wants to be county judge because he is interested in helping people and wants to work with county employees and elected officials to improve the county. He plans to advocate for other departments, including the Sheriff's Office, he said.

"It's my job to be able to advocate for everybody in the county," Mahony said. "I have a good track record of working with a diverse range of people."

Kinion said he has strong ties to Washington County, where several generations of his family have lived. He knows the people, their needs and their concerns, he said.

"I'm very committed to the county because this is my home, my roots," Kinion said. "I care. I really want to see our county managed in a good way."

Top problems facing Washington County include the perception of in-fighting among some justices, countywide elected officials and employees, Kinion said.

Justices have said tensions stem from controversies, including federal lawsuits against the county and the discovery of two flawed bridges, coming from the judge's office. Some county employees have said the Quorum Court does not seem to respect employees and some countywide elected officials.

Employees need and deserve a pay raise, Kinion and Mahony have said. The Quorum Court has discussed raises but has taken no action.

Pay raises alone, however, are not enough, Mahony said. The county needs an environment where people want to work, he said. He hopes to offer justices department tours to visit employees and increase visibility, representation and communication, Mahony said.

Both candidates said they are concerned about the county's budget and planning long term.

The Quorum Court, which oversees the budget, has struggled to cut department budgets line by line, control spending, increase savings and keep county services. Some justices are again talking about raising the property tax millage rate.

The county must use tax dollars responsibly and make long-term plans, Mahony said. Kinion said the county must be efficient, prioritize and assess critical positions.

"At the end of the day, you have to look at the vital services everyone wants," Kinion said.

Mahony said he would support the Quorum Court's decision on a millage rate increase but would not "push" for it. Kinion said he did not support an increase right now.

"I never support raising the taxes unless it's critical, and I don't think it's critical right now," Kinion said.

NW News on 02/14/2016