Washington County Judge Candidates Discuss Issues

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- In the Washington County judge's race, incumbent Jerry Hunton is serving his last term as county judge. So in this election, all eyes will be focused on new candidates.

Washington County Judge's Race

Current Arkansas State Rep. Marilyn Edwards and former Washington County Quorum Court member Earvel Fraley are competing for the seat.

Both candidates for Washington County judge said it's their experience that makes them qualified for the bench.

"Thirty-three years I've owned my own business in truck parts. Therefore, I have the background to manage a business," said Fraley.

"My 39 years in government makes all the difference in the world. I don't see trying to run county government as a private business," said Edwards.

But when asked what the most important issues were, Fraley said his focus will be taking care of damaged county roads.

"I know roads. I know county roads. I know what it takes to make a good road and maintain a good road," said Fraley.

But Edwards believes there are bigger issues to tackle.

"We have to have zoning. We have to have planning because we got so much growth in this area,” said Edwards. "The people need to know it's more of an administrative job than it is anything else. It's not just about bridges and roads."

With addressing the county's parking issue, neither support spending millions of dollars to build a new parking garage. But the priority to fix the problem is mixed.

"We know that parking's going to be a problem," said Edwards.

"It's not critical. So it's not an issue that the whole world's going to fall apart if we don't find a parking deck," said Fraley.

But one issue both candidates agreed on is the county finances. Both Edwards and Fraley agree that the current judge has kept the county in good shape and will not make any changes to the budget nor plan on raising taxes if elected to the bench.

A short forum for the candidates will be held next Tuesday at the First United Presbyterian Church in Fayetteville.