Whichever Democrat wins his party’s nomination for Washington County judge faces a tough battle in November against the unchallenged GOP nominee, state Rep. Micah Neal. Two men want a chance to take up that challenge: Mark Kinion, 58, a mortgage banker and a two-term Fayetteville alderman, and Joshua Mahony, 35, a Fayetteville resident and partner in an El Dorado-based natural resources management company dealing with oil, timber and natural gas.
Mark Kinion is our recommendation. His family goes back six generations in Washington County, giving him deep roots in both rural and municipal areas. He’s been involved in Fayetteville city government, gaining valuable experience about governing through the legislative and budgeting processes.
Kinion says he wants to restore trust and transparency to county government and lead the county in a fair and trustworthy manner. He’d like to rebuild accountability within the Road Department and build up the training county employees receive.
As a political newcomer, Mahony may be biting off too much in trying to capture the county judge’s office against a strong Republican candidate. Kinion may be as well, but certainly has a stronger background from which to campaign for the office in November.