FAYETTEVILLE -- County Judge Joseph Wood was sworn into the county's top executive seat Tuesday morning.
He takes over as the first Republican county judge in about 37 years.
Residents and elected officials crowded into the Quorum Courtroom at 9 a.m. to watch Wood take his oath. Wood brought a Bible. His family gathered around him for photos afterward.
"We look forward to the future," said wife June Wood. "I'm very proud of my husband."
Wood's transition into office has not been without controversy.
On Dec. 16, the state Ethics Commission fined Wood $50 for not turning in his statement of finance interest to the county clerk on time. The fine and caution letter are the mildest actions for violations, said Graham Sloan, executive director at the commission.
The complaint was filed last October by Tyler B. Clark , chairman of the Democratic Party of Washington County.
On Dec. 22, Wood fired four county department heads. Last week, County Attorney Steve Zega, among the four employees fired, filed a grievance to get back his job. The hearing is set for 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11.
Some justices of the peace said they are concerned about how Wood decided who to fire. A four-member transitional team interviewed about 17 department heads and made recommendations to Wood.
Wood said he plans to fill the positions in about two weeks. The new employees will help improve county services and build a better "team," he said.
But, turnover at the county may not be finished.
When contacted at his office, Human Resources director Michael Watson asked for email requesting documents and information on the number of employees resigning. He then didn't respond.
At least one longtime employee turned in her resignation letter and directly cited Wood as her reason for leaving.
Karen Beeks, executive assistant to the county judge, said in a resignation letter Wood's actions are "unfair" to employees. In a separate message to Wood, Beeks said she couldn't work for him because he wasn't doing what he promised.
"We discussed your transition process in several telephone conversations as well as in person, yet it is apparent that you are listening to some others who have no knowledge of county operations, and ordinance requirements, nor the best interest of the services provided," Beeks wrote.
Beeks had worked with the county since about 1979.
"I cannot with good conscience be a part of your administration after seeing what already has transpired," Beeks said.
Despite the controversy among employees, justices of the peace said they are ready to work with Wood.
The county judge plans to reinstate the Quorum Court Finance and Budget Committee, which was dissolved in 2015 after Marilyn Edwards wouldn't appoint all justices of the peace to the committee, justices of the peace said previously.
Wood plans to assign all justices of the peace to the committee, according to county documents.
Not having a budget committee hampered the Quorum Court's ability to oversee the budget and set its own agenda, said Justice of the Peace Rick Cochran, a Republican representing the area west of Farmington. Wood will help lead the county in the right direction, he said.
"I'm excited to see the potential for a new vision -- and a greater vision -- for our county," Cochran said.
On Tuesday, Justice of the Peace Joseph Kieklak, a Democrat representing south Fayetteville, said the real work was about to begin. Kieklak is among two new justices of the peace -- Roddy Lloyd, a Republican who will represent northwestern Springdale, was out of town Tuesday but will be sworn in this week.
Kieklak said it's sad some employees are leaving, but voters chose Wood.
"From what I've come to understand of all the elected officials and all the county employees, everyone seems to be there for the right reason," Kieklak said. "I'm not worried about (Wood) as a leader at all."
NW News on 01/04/2017