Judge Rhonda's Blog

Honoring our Veterans

Today we take time to honor our veterans. We are reminded that without them, America and many other nations would not be free. Let us remember and appreciate their service and sacrifice more than one day a year. Let us ensure we never get too comfortable or take our freedom for granted. I am especially proud that my Great Uncle served in Germany during WWII. Also proud of my Dad (Airforce Vet ); my Brother ( Navy Vet); and my husband (Army Vet) for their service!

Juvenile Drug Court

I Co-Chair the Juvenile Drug Court Committee. In 2009, the state legislature created pilot Juvenile Drug Courts. I was honored to start one of the pilot courts. The legislature expanded the number to  13 in the 2011 session. Adult drug courts have been around for decades- it was amazing that the obvious was missed for so long - that is stop the drug use as young as you possibly can!

As grateful as I am, it has been crazy to see the amount of government red tape involved with these programs. If you can stop a juvenile from becoming a habitual user then the state will save on future prison costs, medical care costs, child welfare costs, teenage pregnancy, truancy issues... and the list goes on. 

Lets hope the red tape is cut sooner versus later. 

Jobs Creation in Yellville

It was great to hear this week that American Stitchco, a Mountain Home based company, has reopened a closed shirt factory in Yellville with a new product line. They plan to hire 48 workers in the next week. Great to see a company in these tough economic times look at communities that need industry and commit to renovating a factory for a new product line. This will make a large impact on Yellville and the surrounding communities!

Walnut Ridge

I was up in Walnut Ridge a few weeks back. Its always a good time to visit with old friends. Also, Walnut Ridge has a great Beatles Tribute in their city if you have time to see stop in and see it. Had the opportunity to catch up with Andrea Allen who is now working for Congressman Rick Crawford. Andrea and I worked together on Asa Hutchinson's Governor's race. It was great to see her again!  I also had a good vsit with Dorothy Crockett (pictured above). Hope to be back in Walnut Ridge soon.

Counties in my district

Campaigning through three counties today resulted in my constituents frequently asking me which counties are in my district. So, for those of you who are curious, they are: Boone, Baxter, Cleburne, Conway, Jackson, Independence, Izard, Fulton, Faulkner, Lawrence, Marion, Newton, Pope Van Buren, Searcy, Sharp, Stone, and Randolph. Okay, now you are free to contact everyone you know in these counties and tell them about this race. Encourage your friends and family to vote on May 22nd.

Presidents role in judiciary

There is a lot of focus right now on the 2012 presidential election. An important power of the presidency is the lifetime appointment of federal judges.

As Congress enacts legislation concerning important issues such as abortion, gun control, immigration, and the nationalization of health care it is vital to remember that ultimately the federal courts will interpret and determine the validity of the various legislation.

As  you evaluate presidential candidates consider what types of judges the candidate would appoint. A lifetime federal judge's legacy will outlast a presidential term.

Busy week

Well, this was a busy week. I had court and three legal speaking engagements. I went to Washington County to demonstrate the new state court case management system for their clerks and judges. They are on the list to convert to the new system. My counties converted a year ago. Then I went to Eureka Springs to the state judicial council meeting. I also presented an hour CLE program for the state circuit judges. I ended the work week by presenting an hour on Juvenile Law for the Young Lawyers Division of the Arkansas Bar Association's Bridging the Gap Program. It was exciting to present and field questions from young lawyers. From my interaction, I am quite hopeful that the new lawyers are inquisitive, compassionate, and concerned about protecting the integrity of the justice system.  I will be out on the campaign trail this weekend and hope the voters have these same traits!

Jackson County

I had a great time in Jackson County on Saturday. It was a great opportunity to meet and visit with old friends at the Reagan Day Dinner in Newport! The best part of campaigning is meeting so many wonderful people that are now dear friends. Also had a great visit with U.S. Congressman Rick Crawford and Curtis Coleman (pictured above).

Thank you for your support!

Dear Friends:

First and foremost, I want to offer my sincere appreciation for your previous help and support during the 2008 and 2010 elections. I found both campaigns rewarding in ways that I could not have imagined. I was fortunate to renew relationships with old friends and make many new life-long friends in the process.

Most importantly, I believe through all of our hard work, we brought attention to the need for a better justice system and an improved judiciary here in Arkansas. In 2010, more citizens across our state learned about the judicial system and participated in one of our nation's most treasured traditions by exercising their right to vote.

For five years now I have been honored to serve the people of Arkansas as Circuit Judge. I have strived to be practical, consistent and fair while upholding the law. I believe that it is vital that our state has appellate judges who use this approach along with traditional Arkansas values while upholding the law. Therefore, I wanted you to be the first to know that I am running, again, for the Arkansas Court of Appeals, District 2, Position 2 in May 2012. I humbly ask for your support and assistance.

My campaign theme will be simple: Arkansas Values and Judicial Experience. I will work daily for our shared, conservative Arkansas values -- Faith, Family, Hard-Work, and Common Sense. Furthermore, I will apply the same judicial philosophy that has guided me as Circuit Judge by exercising fairness, judicial restraint, and consistency in decision-making, to better serve Arkansans seeking justice all across the state and to make a true difference in our judiciary.

I believe my values and my experience serving as judge provide me with the right qualifications and perspectives for this position. While I currently do not have an opponent, we should plan for this to be a contested race.

I hope that I can once again count on your support for my election to the Arkansas Court of Appeals District 2, Position 2. This is a large, 18-county voting district, so I am asking you for your help in reaching out to your friends and family through the district. To get more information on our campaign and find out how you can get involved, volunteer, and show your support please either email me at; call me at 501.472.5791, or visit my website: www.judgerhondawood.com.

Thank you for your continued support!

Sincerely,
Rhonda Wood