FAYETTEVILLE -- The Republican candidate for Washington County judge didn't file paperwork on time and isn't ready to hold the office, a local Democratic leader said.
"It points to not being prepared -- especially as he's an employee of the Secretary of State," said Tyler B. Clark, chairman of the Democratic Party of Washington County. "That's their rules."
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Source: Staff report
Clark said he sent the state Ethics Commission two complaints against Joseph Wood. Clark said Wood didn't file two required documents -- a statement of financial interest and a campaign contribution and expenditure report -- within the deadline at the Washington County Clerk's Office.
Lance Johnson, Washington County Republican Committee Chairman, wrote in email Wood is the most qualified candidate and voters should "shun political trickery."
"The ethics complaint recently filed by Tyler Clark has no merit and is designed to distract voters," Johnson wrote.
Johnson's email is a replica of a news release posted online. He didn't respond to further questions by Friday.
Wood said via text late Friday he had no comment and referred to Johnson's news release.
Drew Blankenship, attorney for the Ethics Commission, said he cannot confirm any open complaint. Commission Director Graham Sloan said he couldn't recall any previous cases against Wood.
Clark said it takes 30 days for the commission to determine a ruling and fine.
Wood filed a financial statement of interest Monday at the County Clerk's Office. He filed an April 21 statement of financial interest for his position as deputy Secretary of State.
Clark said Wood had until Sept. 30 to file a statement of financial interest and only filed his paperwork after Democrats filed a complaint.
According to state ethics code on campaign finance and disclosure, a candidate must file a statement of financial interest no later than 30 days after "any preferential primary election, runoff election, general election or special election in which the candidate's name has appeared on the ballot." Clark's complaint cites the rule.
Wood's name hasn't yet appeared on one of those ballots. Clark has claimed Wood's name was on a ballot at the Washington County Republican convention in August.
Wood hasn't turned in a campaign contribution and expenditure report Clark said was due Sept. 30.
Arkansas Code outlines the time for filing paperwork, but the law doesn't have specific information about what to do in instances such as Wood's. According to the law, Wood has until seven days before the election, or Nov. 1, to file a contribution and expenditure report.
The final report on campaign finances is due Dec. 30, said County Clerk Becky Lewallen.
Fayetteville alderman Mark Kinion and Wood are vying to be the next county judge. County Judge Marilyn Edwards decided not to run for re-election.
Kinion won his primary election in March and expected to face Republican candidate state Rep. Micah Neal in the general election. Neal dropped out of the race in July, saying he moved to Benton County, leaving Republicans scrambling to select a replacement.
Wood was elected by Republican delegates during a ballot vote at the party's Biennial County Convention on Aug. 4. Clark and the Democratic Party of Arkansas filed a lawsuit Aug. 2 to stop Republicans from nominating Wood and to keep his name off the ballot.
A judge decided Aug. 9 Wood was the proper Republican nominee. Democrats didn't appeal the case.
NW News on 10/16/2016