ROGERS — Paul Bridges and Billy Bob Webb are candidates for Rogers district judge. Early voting starts May 7. The primary election is May 22.

Why are you seeking the judgeship and what qualities do you feel make a good judge?

Bridges: My work history has been in anticipation of becoming a judge. I have the most courtroom experience and I have appeared in every court in Benton, Washington, Carroll, Madison and Sebastian counties. That gives me experience and makes me qualified to be judge.

Webb: I seek this position to serve my community and to help people. A large percentage of people who are cited into district court do not have attorneys to represent them. Many are in court for the first time and don’t quite understand the system. I want to make sure individual rights are afforded to all. My temperament and insistence on fairness will serve the position and the community well.

Rogers District Judge Brad Karren has initiated night court, and Judge John Skaggs is presiding over a DWI court. Are you in favor of night court and/or DWI court? Are there any other plans or programs you would like to see implemented?

Bridges: I would be in favor of night court because it would allow working people to keep up with their work schedules. Nobody would have to miss work for judicial proceedings. I am in favor of DWI court. I helped spearhead that program by working with Bentonville District Court, Decision Point and city representatives. That program gives people the opportunity to get help instead of only punishment. I want to reinstate the high school mock trial program and allow the schools to have access to my courtroom for practice. I would also continue the teen court program.

Webb: I plan to continue offering some form of night court as judge. People should be able to handle their court matters without disrupting their work schedules. The DWI court is a new concept to this area and, in certain cases, will certainly benefit the community. I applaud the DWI court that was started in Bentonville and hope it will be made available to all citizens of Benton County in a collaborative and efficient way. Rogers District Court also has a teen court that I hope to continue and expand. When a young person is in court for the first time, we owe him or her an experience that encourages and teaches and creates a desire to avoid future mistakes.

What is your position on cameras in the courtroom?

Bridges: I think cameras in the courtroom would need to be determined on a case-by-case basis. I am generally opposed to cameras in the courtroom because I want to preserve the dignity and solemn nature of the proceedings and would not want things taken out of context.

Webb: I do not oppose cameras as long as the rules and limitations set out in the Arkansas Supreme Court Administrative Order No. 6 are followed. I am an advocate of the court being open to the public when the law allows.

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office is proposing a $40 per day jail fee. What is your opinion on the proposal?

Bridges: I am opposed because there are already a magnitude of fees a citizen has to pay, specifically a booking fee, county fees, city fees, probation fees and costs. Not to mention, the Arkansas Legislature has recently increased fines and penalties for misdemeanors.

Webb: It seems difficult to enforce, however, that proposal is the decision of the sheriff and the Quorum Court, and I will enforce any law duly enacted.

Would you want to use GPS monitoring devices for defendants in your court?

Bridges: Yes. By using GPS monitoring, we can save the local taxpayers money and free up jail space for those that deserve to be in there.

Webb: Under the appropriate circumstances, I do not oppose the use of GPS devices to monitor defendants. Case law has said they are a form of confinement. As long as statutory and Constitutional safeguards are considered, and the facts of the individual case suggest it is a safe alternative, I would consider it.

Is there anything you feel voters should know about you before the election?

Bridges: The quality of experience I have obtained in 10 years is more than some lawyers obtain in over 20 years.

Webb: I have practiced law and served Benton County for 16 years. I am married to my wife of 18 years, and we have two beautiful daughters. I have their unfettered support to seek this office. I humbly ask the people of Benton County to entrust me with this important position so that, in the coming years, I have an opportunity to positively influence people who make mistakes and face consequences.

What makes you the best candidate for the position?

Bridges: I have the best quality and quantity of experience to be the next Rogers District Court Judge. I am ready to protect and serve the citizens of Benton County, and I would be effective, fair, honest and unbiased.

Webb: I served as a judge for several years in this county. I demonstrated my judicial temperament and patience and a keen understanding of the law and the duties and limitations of a judge. I also have the most well-rounded experience, having worked as a prosecutor, defense lawyer and judge. Beyond the criminal field, I have handled all types of civil and domestic cases. Most of all, I have a drive and passion to see that every individual is treated fairly and with the dignity he or she deserves.