Wood seeks second term as county judge

FAYETTEVILLE — Washington County Judge Joseph Wood, a Republican, is running for re-election.

“I am very proud of the work that our team has done in Washington County, and I look forward to continuing to make Washington County a better place for all citizens,” Wood said in a statement.

Wood, 52, of Fayetteville, said he has seen “tremendous successes” in the county, but there’s more work to be done, according to a news release and a written response to questions through his campaign manager.

He’s serving his first twoyear term as the county’s chief executive officer. His salary is $103,698, based on his experience and state law.

Wood has focused on improving roads, increasing efficiency in government, providing workforce training and aiding economic growth, according to the release. He meets regularly with county leaders and mayors to create partnerships, he said.

For example, the county partnered with Boston Mountain Solid Waste District to focus on enforcement of environmental laws and education.

Wood cut his departments budgets by about $800,000 for 2018 and raised $775,000 last year from an auction of Road Department equipment. He oversaw renovation of new space for the Veterans Service Office and started a program to reduce the population at the animal shelter through nonlethal means.

Wood said he’s proudest of the Road Department and emergency management teams, who worked to restore roads and services after the April 2017 flood.

“Their quick response and constant hard work is impeccable,” Wood said. “We are still fortifying our local infrastructure and have two bridges soon to open as we develop the county’s longterm infrastructural plan.”

Wood doesn’t yet have an opponent. The candidate filing period starts at noon today and closes at noon March 1. The primary election is May 22.

Wood was the deputy secretary of state in Arkansas from 2011 until 2017. He was state treasurer of the Republican Party of Arkansas from 2007 to 2011.

Wood is the first black man elected Washington County judge and is the first Republican to hold the position since 1978, according to records.

“When we won in 2016, our team made Washington County and Arkansas history,” Wood said. “I am ready to continue to build upon our innovative reputation, our unprecedented success and the quest for excellence.”

Wood