Two local attorneys, one a thrice appointed jurist, but both political newcomers to the race for an "open Circuit Judgeship" will square off in the May 20 Non Partisan Judicial Election for Washington and Madison Counties.
The Circuit Judge for District 4, Position 1, is being contested between Judge Doug Martin and Brian Lester, as their names appear on the ballot.
This will be the only time this race will be voted on this year.
This is a position being vacated by the upcoming retirement of Judge William Storey, who will step down Dec. 31, 2014.
Martin, who has been appointed as Circuit Judge in Position 2, cannot succeed himself in his old seat on the Circuit Bench. Although Martin has never been elected by voters as a judge, he can, by a change in the state law in 2013, run under the title "judge" as his appointment has been longer than one year in duration.
Voters going to the polls in both the Democratic and Republican Preferential Primaries on May 20 will be able to vote in this race. Voters not wanting to participate in with party primary may vote a Non-Partisan ballot which will feature both candidates.
The Washington County Enterprise Leader asked each candidate to submit a written statement of their qualifications and desires for the office.
Judge Doug Martin: "I have previously served as a Circuit Judge for Washington and Madison Counties from 2009-2010, and also served as a Judge on the Arkansas Court of Appeals from 2011-2012. I have presided over more than 3,000 cases as a Circuit Judge, including civil, criminal, family and probate cases."
During his tenure on the Court of Appeals, Martin authored more than 100 published legal opinions. Prior to serving as a judge, he practiced law in Fayetteville.
Born and reared in Fayetteville, he is the son of the late F.H. Martin and Myrna Martin. He is a graduate of Fayetteville High School, University of Arkansas and the UA School of Law. Judge Martin resides in Fayetteville with his wife, Amy, and their three children.
"I love the job of circuit judge because it allows me the opportunity to directly impact families in need, particularly children who, through no fault of their own, find themselves in extraordinary circumstances. The job also requires making tough decisions every day, however, and I believe that because of both my life and professional experience, I am good at making those decisions.
"The job of circuit judge requires someone who has some life experience and some meaningful professional experience as well. I treat people in my courtroom fairly and with respect, and I do my absolute best to apply the law to facts of the case.
"Circuit judge is a job that comes with great responsibility. I take this responsibility extremely seriously. I am not a politician. I am not looking to get into politics to boost my ego or as a means to some other office."
Brian Lester wrote: "I was born and raised in Texarkana, Texas and moved to Fayetteville to attend the University of Arkansas. After graduating from the UA, I graduated from the University Of Arkansas School Of Law. Following law school, I started a small law practice in Fayetteville -- I don't come from a family of attorneys. I had to reach out to other attorneys. I was encouraged to work with families in juvenile court to gain experience and build a practice. Since that time, I've been able to help thousands of people through numerous legal proceedings. I've worked to help countless families and protect children in very extreme situations.
"For the past seven years, I've devoted my law practice to helping others. My interaction is not limited to one hearing or trial -- but to hours upon hours of working tirelessly to help these families get back on track.
"I represent children who are caught in the middle of fierce custody battles between their parents; I represent parents fighting to gain custody of their children; I represent children who are in juvenile court because of things like -- excessive absences, problems at school and home, and children who are raising their siblings due to absent parents."
"I know firsthand the hardships that so many of the families I worked with faced. I know that people appearing before the Court deserved a Judge that would act with integrity at all times, that could understand and relate to the people standing before them, and would stand confidently behind their rulings and decisions.
"I'm running for Judge because the citizens of Washington and Madison Counties deserve a hardworking, honest, and knowledgeable Judge who understands and applies the law in an unprejudiced manner."
This race will be decided by the voters on May 20.
MAYLON RICE HAS WRITTEN BOTH NEWS AND COLUMNS FOR SEVERAL NWA PUBLICATIONS AND HAS BEEN WRITING FOR THE ENTERPRISE-LEADER FOR SEVERAL YEARS.
Editorial on 04/16/2014