Research candidates carefully
We are nearing the May 22 date for our Arkansas primary elections and there are still many questions to be answered concerning many of the local positions. The really big question over the Republican Presidential candidate has apparently been resolved before we go to the polls. The numbers indicate that Romney has outlasted the other candidates. No matter who we wanted the nominee to be, the non-winners — Ron Paul, Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum — had an opportunity to get their message in front of the voters. The process is about choice and locally we have many new faces and lots of familiar faces to evaluate. It is interesting that some areas covered by this paper will have choices concerning state legislative seats that do not apply to other areas. The contest for the newly created Senate District No. 1 involving Representative Tim Summers and Bart Hester covers only the west side of the area between Pea Ridge and Bentonville’s east side.
There is one race that concerns me greatly, and we all need to research the qualifications of the candidates as thoroughly as possible. Two Circuit Judge positions are being contested — Position 2 which handles primarily adult cases in both felony and civil matters, and Position 3 which is primarily juvenile cases. Because of retirements in these two courts, Governor Beebe appointed two men to fill these positions on an interim basis. The two appointees are now seeking positions in Circuit Court through the election process. That is our system of government and we need to be thankful for this system every day of our lives.
Our system also allows for individual and media input, both paid and voluntarily submitted. Generally this is the only means we have of evaluating candidates’ qualifications. Sometimes the information is skewed by personality issues which cloud the real qualifications and accomplishments of the candidates. The timing of news releases can bring out long forgotten issues to create questions with or without merit.
Of the four candidates seeking Circuit Judge positions, the only one having served as an elected judge is Brad Karren. He is seeking the Division 2 seat currently held by appointee Jon Comstock who is seeking the Division 3 position.
I cannot claim to be unbiased because I was involved in Karren’s campaign when he ran for the District Judge position in Rogers. The thing that drew me into his political endeavors was a very strong recommendation about his integrity from a sitting judge who recommended him in a very politically sensitive situation. Although he was never personally involved in that case, his reputation for integrity and fairness never escaped me, nor did I ever have occasion to question it. And, I still do not question it, although some sources seem bent on turning his attempt to assist someone into a political issue.
The progress Karren has made in improvements to the Rogers District Court are a result of his innovative thinking and desire to make justice available and accessible to all. Night Court has helped people make court appearances without loss of work time and computerized reminders of court dates has helped keep appearances on schedule. The use of credit card payment for fines has allowed many a means of moving forward after an encounter with the courts. He has lived up to his promise of trying to help people “do the right thing.”
As a trial lawyer, Karren gained experience in the court room that prepared him for his election as a District Judge. As a District Judge he has proven himself ready for the position of Circuit Judge where lives and large sums of civil settlement can be at stake. This is NOT a training position, and the choice of who fills this vacancy puts a serious decision in the hands of the voters in Benton County. It requires experience and impartial judgment; someone who is decisive but fair to both sides of any case that comes before the court. The judge must uphold the law but respect the accused individual’s rights. He must provide fairness in the court regardless of economic or ethnic concerns.
Some sources seem willing to bring settled issues into the race to cloud the merits of the importance of the position. However, it is important that the citizens of Benton County have the very best Circuit Judge in Position 2 possible, not just fill the position without understanding that a person of meaningful character can make a mistake trying to be helpful in any position in life.
By writing this and endorsing Judge Brad Karren for Circuit Court Position 2, I am staking my reputation because I believe in him. I am fully aware of what you will be exposed to as this race continues. Please choose wisely.
••• Editor’s note: Leo Lynch, a native of Benton County has deep roots in northwest Arkansas. He is a retired industrial engineer and former Justice of the Peace. He can be contacted at prtnews@ nwaonline.com.
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