Green, Johnson to face off for Division 1 Judge seat
Posted on Wednesday, May 14, 2008
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/hl/News/24449/
BENTONVILLE — Benton County Attorney Robin Green and Bentonville attorney Jim D. Johnson are vying to replace retiring Circuit Judge Tom Keith.
Johnson and Green are candidates for Benton County’s Division 1 circuit judgeship.
“ I have a proven record of rolling up my sleeve and working hard and tackling any cases that came my way, ” Green said. “ If elected, I will bring that strong record to this position. ”
Green believes her experiences as county attorney, a deputy prosecutor and as prosecutor are a perfect fit for the position, which historically hears half of the criminal cases in circuit court and presides over a good percentage of civil cases.
“ I’ve successfully tried cases before this court, including major criminal cases — capital murder, aggravated robbery, kidnapping and child abuse, ” Green said. “ I have record of experience in circuit court and appellate court. ”
Green has served as special justice on the Arkansas Supreme Court and is member of the Arkansas Supreme Court Criminal Rules Committee.
“ I’ve handled every type of case, and that sets me apart from my opponent, ” Johnson said. “ I’ve handled cases that county attorneys are not faced with. ”
Johnson said he has been part of the judicial system on all sides as a prosecutor, defense attorney and judge.
He was city judge for Cave Springs for 15 years, and he served as assistant public defender for the late Chancery Judge Don Huffman and late Appellate Judge Terry Crabtree when they served as Benton County public defender.
Johnson said he’s represented individuals, governmental entities and corporations.
During his three years as assistant public defender, Johnson said he worked on hundreds of felony cases, such as murder, rape, manslaughter, sexual assault, burglary and other serious criminal offenses.
Johnson said he has handled thousands of criminal, civil, domestic and probate cases.
“ I’ve had tons of clients, ” Johnson said. “ She’s only worked for the county. It’s that broad experience that is needed for a judge to hear different types of cases. ”
Green worked as a deputy prosecutor in Benton County from 1994 to 1997, when she took the county attorney position.
She has twice been appointed to serve as Benton County prosecuting attorney.
During her second tenure, she successfully led the prosecutor’s team to convict Albert Kieth Smith of kidnapping and to convict Fernando Rodriguez of murder in the first degree.
“ I enjoy public service and have dedicated my professional career to serving the public, ” Green said.
Green said she believes her qualifications and achievements are unequaled for the position.
“ I will treat all citizens and attorneys professionally and with respect, and I will serve with honor, ” Green said.
Johnson said he’s not a politician and does not get the media exposure but believes that he’s the more experienced candidate.
“ I’ve had to do every type case, and it’s experience you can’t get from sitting behind a desk, ” Johnson said.
If elected, Johnson said, he will run an efficient court and will treat attorneys and citizens with respect.
Johnson has been a resident of Benton County since 1975. He and his wife, April, raised four children and have three grandchildren.