FAYETTEVILLE -- Two Washington County judge candidates are vying for the county's top executive position in what has become a hotly contested race.
Mark Kinion, a Democrat and Fayetteville alderman, and Joseph K. Wood, a Republican and deputy secretary of state, each say he has the best leadership experience to be the next county judge.
Washington County Judge
Joseph K. Wood, Republican
Age: 51
Residency: Fayetteville since 1997
Employment: Deputy Secretary of State for the Arkansas Secretary of State, 2011 to present; founder and career executive officer of My C.A.S.E. Pro, career consulting firm, 2008 to present; previously worked in human resources at Home Depot and Wal-Mart
Education: Master’s degree in Christian Leadership at Ecclesia College; bachelor’s degree in business administration at Iowa State University
Political experience: Vice chairman of the Washington County Republican Committee; Republican Party of Arkansas state treasurer for three terms; U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, Arkansas State Advisory Committee, 2006-08
Mark Kinion, Democrat
Age: 59
Residency: Fayetteville. Native of Rheas Mill near Prairie Grove
Employment: Retired president of Bio-Tech Pharmacal; former bank mortgage loan officer
Education: Bachelor’s degree in food science and technology, University of Arkansas
Political experience: Fayetteville City Council member for six years
County Judge Marilyn Edwards chose not to run for re-election this year.
"It's going to be an opportunity for change," Kinion said.
Candidates said they have been meeting residents at festivals and charity events and drumming up support for the Nov. 8 election. Early voting starts Monday.
Wood and Kinion also have been using social media, including Facebook, to reach voters.
"We are talking to folks around the county," Wood said about his campaign.
Wood plans to focus on improving the county's infrastructure, county services, employee engagement and security, he said.
Kinion plans to focus on improving roads, creating a comprehensive road plan, improving county services and building communication between employees, residents and elected officials, he said.
"When I'm elected, we're going to do our darnedest to do our best to make sure we are representing the diversity of residents in Washington County," Kinion said.
Wood said improving services that will make Washington County a better place to live and work is also one of his priorities.
Both candidates pointed to their leadership and business experience.
Wood said he has been a businessman, educator and state employee. He has been involved in state politics for decades, he said. Kinion, a county native, said he has the political experience, corporate-business background and deep family roots to be the best leader.
"I know the county. I know the roads of the county. I know the people of the county. I am a product of Washington County," Kinion said.
Wood has lived in Fayetteville since about 1997. He has commuted to Little Rock for work.
Kinion said he is dedicated to being the next county judge and serving long term. Wood said he is focused on winning the county judge position and not on future elected offices.
Wood has taken some time off from his job in Little Rock to run for office but has continued to work some days during the campaign, Secretary of State spokesman Chris Powell said in email.
Kinion said he retired from his banking job in June to concentrate on running for office full time.
Wood and Kinion both said they want to lessen tensions between the county judge and Quorum Court.
Kinion plans to unite the county government, get officials to focus on the issue instead of personality conflicts and find new ways to improve efficiency inside the government.
Wood plans to "raise the bar" for elected officials to respect each other. He said he wants to see better employee engagement that will improve county services and more transparency to show people how their tax money is used.
"I see Washington County being the premier county in the state," Wood said.
Kinion said he wants to create a plan to improve the county's roads. Wood, too, wants a road plan. Improving roads means better business for the county, Wood said.
"The pure function of taking care of roads and businesses draws farms and businesses to our area," Wood said.
Wood also wants to make sure the Road Department has the tools and money needed to take care of residents' needs, he said. The roads are important because they are "a ribbon of commerce for agriculture" and are an "economic driver," Kinion said.
The county has nearly 1,000 miles of roads to maintain. The department will spend about $10.6 million of the county's roughly $65 million budget next year.
"We need a comprehensive road plan," Kinion said. "The issue we are faced with is not having a really good plan in place from the administrative side with costs associated with it and also with a timeline."
Woods also supported a plan and said the county's bridges are troubling. A recent study shows the county has about 15 structurally deficient bridges. Wood said he also wants to make sure the county is prepared for emergencies and the government buildings are safe.
Kinion said he is very analytical and will make sure the county meets deadlines, looks at environmental impact during development and looks at options that could save money.
NW News on 10/23/2016