Republican primary candidate for Washington County Judge Tim Shepard says the county is at a critical moment and needs leadership focused on restoring trust, improving collaboration, and planning for growth.
Shepard, a fourth-generation Washington County resident and captain over the Fayetteville Police Department, said his background in conflict resolution and administration has prepared him for the county’s top executive role. “The county judge is the easiest way to sum it up — it’s like a mayor,” Shepard said, explaining that the position oversees multiple departments and works with the quorum court as the county’s legislative body.
Throughout the interview, Shepard emphasized that recent planning and zoning efforts have left residents feeling excluded from the decision-making process. “It should never have been pushed through as one huge document,” he said, referring to past zoning proposals. “It has to be accepted by the public.”
Shepard pointed to infrastructure and road funding as major challenges, saying Washington County has fallen behind due to a lack of long-term planning and coordination with cities and the state. He also addressed jail overcrowding, noting that population growth and the need to house state prisoners require cooperation among county, city, and state officials.
Running against incumbent County Judge Patrick Deakins in a three-way Republican primary, Shepard said his lifelong ties to the county and administrative experience set him apart. “I love Washington County,” Shepard said. “I’m never going to live somewhere else.”
Early voting begins February 17, with Election Day on March 3.
Key Topics & Time Codes
- Introduction of Tim Shepard – 00:00:10
- Background and law enforcement experience – 00:00:38
- Conflict resolution and leadership style – 00:01:06
- Decision to run for county judge – 00:02:15
- Role of the county judge explained – 00:02:54
- Growth, infrastructure, and rural concerns – 00:03:42
- Road funding and long-term planning – 00:04:22
- Zoning issues and Act 314 – 00:05:08
- Freedom and Preservation Zoning Act – 00:05:25
- Public trust and transparency – 00:06:04
- Constituent concerns and engagement – 00:07:57
- “Restore Trust” campaign message – 00:09:33
- Collaboration with Benton County and the state – 00:11:17
- Misconceptions about the county judge role – 00:12:15
- Jail overcrowding and detention issues – 00:13:26
- Contrast with incumbent Patrick Deakins – 00:14:28
- Campaign information and voter outreach – 00:16:42
- Closing remarks on county’s future – 00:17:01
