Hudson to seek re-election as Sebastian County Judge
by January 9, 2012 3:20 pm 141 views
Sebastian County Judge David Hudson announced Monday (Jan. 9) he will seek another term as the county’s top executive officer.
Hudson, a Republican who has held the post since 1999, touted his more than 35 years in county government and job-creating partnerships as a few of the reasons he should be re-elected.
Several incumbents have announced, with the county’s Circuit Clerk position the only post to draw a primary and candidates from two parties.
Denora Coomer, a 28-year veteran of the Sebastian County court system, announced Aug. 17 she will run as a Republican for the Circuit Clerk post now held by Republican Ken Blevins. Blevins, who has faced several controversies in his department during 2011, has said he will seek re-election but has not officially announced.
Chief Deputy Circuit Clerk Kathy Guthrie, a 14-year veteran of the Circuit Clerk’s office, announced Dec. 29 she will seek the office as a Democrat.
Sebastian County Assessor Becky Yandell, a Republican, recently announced her re-election bid.
Arkansas county officials serve two-year terms.
Statement from Sebastian County Judge David Hudson
Sebastian County Judge David Hudson announced that he is filing for reelection. He has 35 years experience in county government and has served as county judge since 1999. Judge Hudson’s tenure as County Judge reflects conservative financial management while improving services.
Hudson coordinated multi-year budget planning including capital expenditures for $2 million courthouse renovations, $4 million jail expansion and the construction of a new $14.8 million courts facility. These projects were implemented within existing revenues without increasing taxes. The County remodeled the City/County Health Center for $1.2 million and is constructing a new park administrative office safe shelter at Ben Geren Park for $1.3 million.
Hudson said that County partnerships with the Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority, Chamber, City of Fort Smith and State of Arkansas continue to be a priority to create new jobs and to retain existing jobs. Hudson supported establishment of the Western Arkansas Regional Intermodal Authority for cost effective freight services to support existing and new manufacturing and business enterprises and the jobs they bring to our community. Hudson said that community support of the 188th Air National Guard Unit is a priority for 2012.
Hudson said plans are in process to upgrade the Sebastian County EMS facility in Greenwood, including the purchase of additional land to support this facility. Hudson worked with the Quorum Court to expand the Sebastian County EMS system in 2004 to include a second ambulance and paramedic crew.
Hudson worked with the County Elected Officials and the Quorum Court to upgrade the county data processing system in 2012 with an investment of $1.8 million for an integrated financial, law enforcement records and courts system.
Hudson said that county emergency operations will continue to be a priority for his office including emergency response field exercises and tabletop planning sessions. The new emergency operations center installed with a $750,000 grant is jointly occupied by the County and City of Fort Smith Police Department and also serves as a regional law enforcement training facility.
An updated County Parks Master Plan and the 2010 County Aquatics Feasibility Study also helped guide park improvements including the possible partnership with the City of Fort Smith for construction and operation of an Aquatics Facility at Ben Geren Park.
Hudson implemented improved soccer services, softball services, bike trails, playground equipment and disc golf course at Ben Geren Park to serve families involved in these activities. Expansion of the paved bike trail at Ben Geren Park was completed in 2011. East Sebastian County Park, near Lavaca, was improved to enhance youth recreational programs and a new walking trail was installed at Midland County Park.
Hudson partnered with the Buckner Park Association and Quorum Court to establish Buckner Park in the Witcherville as part of the county park system with a paved walking trail and other improvements funded by a grant and community donations. Hudson worked with the FCRA Board to expand Ben Geren Park by 42 acres to include Torrain Lake (Stick Lake) in the county park. Improvement of this new park property is planned for 2012.
Hudson established a “Sebastian County Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee” to monitor jail crowding and implement alternative sentencing or diversion programs. He supported the implementation and continued operation of Drug Court. Hudson said he will work with the Sebastian County Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee, the Governor, our local legislative delegation, the Sheriff and the Quorum Court to help identify solutions and options to address Jail Crowding and the corresponding problems from State Prison Crowding.
In 2002 Hudson established a county road asphalt overlay program and an aggressive bridge replacement system. Hudson stated from 1999 to 2011 the county has resealed 546 miles of road, asphalt overlaid 134 miles, constructed and sealed 45 miles, and replaced 40 bridges. Hudson implemented a road name sign system; with green signs designating county road department maintained roads and red signs for non county road department maintained roads. The Arkansas County Judges Association recognized Judge Hudson in 2002 for developing a County Road Seminar for the County Judges.
Hudson worked with the Quorum Court to allocate $500,000 in 2011 to improve the Rural Fire Departments water delivery system with the goal to reduce ISO ratings and lower homeowner insurance premiums.
As County Judge, Hudson is responsible for administration of County Government including General Administration, County Finance, Human Resources, Information Systems, Purchasing and Emergency Management. The County Judge meets monthly with the Quorum Court on budget, legislative and policy matters, and supervises Facilities and Property maintenance, the County Road Department, Ben Geren and other County Parks, Department of Emergency Management and Rural Fire, Sebastian County EMS and the Veterans Service Office. As the chief executive officer of county government, he works with each elected official and their department heads to improve county government services.
He serves on the Arkansas County Judges Association Executive Committee and currently serves as “chair” of the National Association of Counties Justice and Public Safety Steering Committee.
Hudson is married to the former Tracy Moore and they have four children and four grandchildren. He is a deacon in the First Baptist Church Fort Smith.