Storey Cites Experience, Snively Seeks Change in Fayetteville District Judge Race

Storey Suggests Night Court; Snively Wants To Add DUI Program

FAYETTEVILLE -- The race for Fayetteville District Court judge may come down to ambition and a desire for change versus experience.

William Storey, 72, touts his 24 years on the 4th Judicial District Circuit Court bench, without drawing an opponent, and a desire to continue serving the community.

At A Glance

Judicial General Election

Elections for Arkansas judges and prosecuting attorneys are nonpartisan. The Judicial General Election is May 20 and is held in conjunction with the state’s preferential primaries. Early voting begins Monday.

Source: Staff Report

Profile

William Storey

Fayetteville District Court Judge

Age: 72

Residency: Fayetteville

Family: Wife, Patricia, three daughters, 11 grandchildren.

Employment: Circuit Judge

Education: University of Arkansas School of Law, juris doctor, 1968.

Military Experience: None

Political Experience: Five terms as circuit judge for the 4th Judicial District, which is composed of Washington and Madison counties.

Profile

Tim Snively

Age: 48

Residency: Fayetteville

Family: Married, Cristi Beaumont, three daughters

Employment: Lawyer

Education: University of Arkansas School of Law, juris doctor, 1997; Malone College, bachelor’s degree in management, 1993; Stark Technical College, associate’s degree Industrial Engineering, 1991.

Military Experience: None

Political Experience: None

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Tim Snively

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William Storey

"As circuit judge, I have handled over 35,000 criminal cases which has provided the experience necessary to effectively manage the docket of the Fayetteville District Court," Storey said. "I have served as a lecturer at the University of Arkansas School of Law. I am past chairman and member of the Arkansas Sentencing Commission. I am the former chairman of the Arkansas Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission. Finally, I organized and lead the group that founded the Washington and Madison County Drug Court."

Tim Snively, 48, said he's in it for the long haul and plans to expand the scope of the court with targeted programs.

"For over 10 years, I have wanted to be District Court judge," Snively said. "I have practiced law in district courts for over 16 years and have seen what an impact a judge can have on the people and the city. I see a real chance to make a difference and help better our city."

Snively and Storey are vying for the seat Rudy Moore held for 22 years until his death last year.

District Courts are where most people are introduced to the justice system and a district judge must be able to relate to the people they serve, Snively said.

"District Courts are the lowest level of courts in Arkansas and are truly people's courts. The majority of people who appear do not have an attorney and represent themselves," Snively said. "I did not attend law school until age 30. Prior to attending law school, I worked as a machinist on the factory floor of a steel mill while going to night school earning my bachelor's degree. I also worked for two years as a race car mechanic on a nationally touring drag racing team. I have a great understanding and appreciation for people from all walks of life. I will work hard for the citizens of Fayetteville and show everyone respect."

Storey said the experience people have with district courts is important because it influences they way they perceive the justice system as a whole.

"A survey has revealed that 80 percent of our citizens who become involved in our judicial process are involved at the District Court level as either litigants, defendants, or witnesses," Storey said. "It is, therefore, essential that a citizen's experience in district court be positive, which in turn will ensure that our citizens have confidence in our system of justice."

Snively said he wants to start a DWI court in Fayetteville aimed at reducing repeat drunken driving offenses.

"Defendants charged with a third DWI typically receive a 90-day sentence, with no later supervision. DWI courts are accountability courts dedicated to changing the behavior of DWI offenders," Snively said. "I will protect public safety and reduce repeat offenders through treatment and more comprehensive and closer supervision. Defendants should pay for their own treatment and supervision, not the citizens of Fayetteville."

Storey has been campaigning on a platform of stopping distracted driving, particularly texting while driving.

"If elected, I will continue to make every effort to end this dangerous behavior to prevent injuries to the members our community. I believe the time is now to come together as a community and be on the forefront of change," Storey said. "Texting and driving is actually six times more dangerous than driving while intoxicated. Given the fact that many young drivers have ample access to cellphones, I believe that to be a recipe for more accidents."

Storey said he would consider adding evening or night court sessions for certain types of cases so participants would not have to miss work to attend. He also wants to expand community service programs to help local nonprofit organizations. Both men said district courts deal with many first-time, low-level offenders and offers an opportunity to hold those committing less serious crimes accountable and prevent them from committing more serious crimes in the future.

Storey said his experience on the bench has made him feel comfortable hearing all types of cases.

"As circuit judge, I have heard every type of case that will appear on the District Court docket and am prepared to hear any type of case filed in Fayetteville District Court," Storey said.

Snively said his years of experience representing clients in a variety of cases makes him comfortable hearing any case that may come before the court.

"I have a broad legal experience and have handled all kinds of cases from speeding tickets to murder charges and a vast amount of civil cases," Snively said. "I understand and relate well to people."

Snively said he has a good temperament, is patient, honest, fair and impartial, and is not easily angered.

Moore was re-elected unopposed to a four-year term in May 2012.

David Stewart was appointed interim judge to replace Moore until a judge is elected in the nonpartisan judicial election May 20. The winner will take office Jan. 1, finish Moore's term and be eligible to run for a full term in the 2016 election.

NW News on 05/02/2014

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