For Greg Hines
Posted on Friday, May 16, 2008
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/brog/Editorial/60304/
It’s been awhile since the field of candidates seeking the office of Benton County judge has been this crowded. Bill Williams, the lone Democrat in the race, is running unopposed. But the Republican primary features five hopefuls — Bill Adams, Dave Bisbee, Chris Glass, Kevin Harrison and Greg Hines — who bring a diverse mix of abilities and experience to the table.
Odds are pretty good that no matter how this process shakes out — from next week’s primary and any subsequent runoff to the general election in November — the county will be well-served by the results.
There are several candidates we would have been comfortable endorsing in the Republican primary. But in the end, we found ourselves most comfortable with the idea of Greg Hines emerging to face Williams in the fall.
We think Hines possesses just the right mix of energy and administrative ability to make an effective — perhaps outstanding — county judge.
Hines’ campaign theme, “ Passing the Torch to a New Generation, ” will appeal to many voters. But what appeals to us even more is his track record of public service, both as a member of the Rogers City Council and as an investigator with the Benton County Sheriff’s Office.
Youthful enthusiasm is fine, but all too often it masks a lack of real-world experience. Not so with Hines — he possesses both qualities in abundance. We see him as someone perfectly positioned to bring both energy and experience to bear in propelling Benton County forward.
We’re excited by the possibilities he represents and think voters should be as well.
Unlike the sheriff’s race, there is no incumbent. Longtime County Judge Gary Black’s decision to step aside has made this a wide-open contest. There’s not really a choice here between the new and the old — just a decision to be made about where the county goes from here.
Also unlike the sheriff’s race, this contest won’t be decided on May 20. Williams ’ presence on the Democratic side means a face-off in the fall.
Hines is the right person to represent his party in that contest — and ultimately, he’s the right person, at the right time, for Benton County.