Farmington Prosecutor Announces Washington County Quorum Court Bid

Boyle
Boyle

— The second day of local political filings brought the first contested Quorum Court race of the political season.

Kendra Boyle, Farmington prosecuting attorney, announced she'll run as a Democrat for the District 7 seat. District 7 covers roughly from western Farmington up to western Fayetteville.

Profile

Washington County Quorum Court

Justice of the Peace District 7

Kendra Boyle, Democrat

Date of Birth: Feb. 4, 1983

Residency: Farmington, 25+ years

Family: Husband, Bo; 3 children

Employment: Farmington prosecutor

Education: Law degree, University of Arkansas School of Law

Military Experience: None

Political Experience: None

She will run against Rick Cochran, a Republican. It was the only Quorum Court race with more than one candidate by the end of the day Tuesday.

Boyle, 31, said public service has been important to her for most of her life. She pointed to her experience as a Washington County public defender and with Legal Aid, which provides civil legal services to low-income people.

"I've always had my hand in it," she said.

Boyle said she would bring a common-sense and compassionate voice to the court, which governs local taxes and county department budgets. She said concerns of families and children were particularly important.

"I think it's important that we improve the quality of our public education, and that we enhance economic development," Boyle said. "There's always room for improvement, and I think that if we spend wisely, we can continue what they've been doing on the Quorum Court."

She said she supports the Washington and Madison County Drug Court, for example. The program aims to divert nonviolent drug offenders away from prison into more rehabilitative services.

"I think those are very, very important in our area," Boyle said.

She declined to offer specific criticisms or disputes with Cochran, who is in his second term. Earlier this month, Cochran said he likely wouldn't run for re-election, but he filed to do so Monday.

For his part, Cochran said he has three years' experience listening to county residents, even from outside his district.

"I've always pledged to the people that I would make informed decisions," he said. "I'm running because I feel like I can achieve these good decisions. I am there to serve Washington County."

NW News on 02/26/2014

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