Statement by 20th District Circuit Judge Rhonda Wood

Today, I announce my candidacy for the Arkansas Court of Appeals in District 2, Position 1. The Arkansas Court of Appeals decides cases that impact all Arkansans. When people appeal a lower court decision or workers compensation ruling to the Arkansas Court of Appeals, it often is their last opportunity to obtain justice.

The decisions made at the Court of Appeals are binding on Arkansas’s lower courts. My history of judicial restraint, fairness, strong values, and common sense equip me to make these urgently important decisions. I believe in consistency in the justice system and value the separation of powers, with judges upholding the law and leaving it to the legislature to write laws.

I have worked diligently for four years as Circuit Judge and am known for being practical. Since taking the bench, I have started numerous new community programs such as teen court, obtained new grants to make these improvements without financially burdening the people of my district, increased revenue, decreased juvenile recidivism, and increased technology and access to justice. I am proud to say that many of the improvements I initiated are now being adopted by courts around the state.

I have truly found my time as Circuit Judge rewarding, so this decision is bittersweet. But I believe I can best serve our State on the Court of Appeals. My variety of experiences uniquely qualify me for this position. I was already a wife and mother when I completed college and went to law school. Since then, I have become a lawyer, a business owner, a law school administrator, a professor and now a judge.

Our Court of Appeals District encompasses 18 counties through central and northern Arkansas. I am thankful for the citizens in Faulkner, Van Buren, and Searcy Counties who have been there for me for four years as your Circuit Judge. I ask you now to support my efforts to take our successes to a state-wide level.

To the citizens of Boone, Marion, Baxter, Fulton, Randolph, Lawrence, Sharp, Izard, Stone, Newton, Pope, Conway, Cleburne, Independence, and Jackson counties: I will be coming to your community soon to meet you so you can judge me for yourself. But also, I urge you to reach out to your friends in Faulkner, Van Buren, and Searcy Counties -- lawyers, business owners, school teachers, and law enforcement -- and ask them about my reputation as judge. I look forward to visiting with each of you in your community during this short three month race!