Smith Announces Judge Candidacy

BENTONVILLE — Circuit Judge Tom Smith will seek a six-year term on the bench.

Smith, who presides over juvenile court and other specialty courts, announced this week he will be a candidate for the judgeship in next May’s nonpartisan election. Smith was elected to serve the remainder of Circuit Judge Jay Finch’s term after his retirement in 2011.

“In addition to fulfilling my duties on the bench, I will continue to focus on alternative dispositions and diversion programs and on supporting programs that allow the young people of Benton County to build personal relationships and get involved in healthy activities so they don’t end up in court,” Smith said.

Profile

Tom Smith

Age: 44

Residency: Gravette

Family: Wife, Wendy; two daughters

Employment: Judge

Education: John Brown University and University of Arkansas School of Law

Military experience: None

Political Experience: Elected to judgeship in May 2012

Source: Staff Report

Smith cited the establishment of a veterans court to address substance abuse issues among military veterans as one of his accomplishments since he has been on the bench.

Smith said he will continue to focus on building collaborations with service agencies to support youth, families and those who struggle with substance abuse.

He established a Wall of Care in the court lobby that displays information from agencies in Northwest Arkansas that support families and youth.

The Arkansas Department of Workforce Services helps drug court participants with job searches and resumes, Smith said. First Baptist Church of Centerton offers life skills classes for participants, and Smith collaborates with the Rogers Activity Center to keep youth in his court physically active.

“If there’s a group or agency that wants to help, I try to plug them in,” Smith said.

Smith said he is dedicated to encouraging citizens to support the health and well-being of the county’s young people. He seeks volunteers to mentor participants in drug court, to serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates for children in foster care and to become involved with the CALL, a foster/adoption program.

Tim Summers, director of community development for Decision Point, said Smith’s short tenure on the bench has been positive.

“It is imperative that the sitting judge has an understanding of what the clients are going through and the process they are going through to become useful members of society,” Summers said.

Summers said Smith has been aggressive in dealing with the challenges of juvenile court, particularly in cases where substance abuse is an issue.

Christine Howart, Smith’s former law partner, is one of his supporters.

“During his tenure on the bench, Tom has lived up to the expectations of the bar (association), utilizing a straightforward, common sense approach with attorneys and litigants,” Howart said.

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