County judge candidates speak their piece
By Lee Ann Murphy / lmurphy@nesohodailynews.com
Posted Oct 18, 2018 at 9:00 AM
Updated Oct 18, 2018 at 9:32 AM
http://www.neoshodailynews.com/artic...NEWS/181019111
http://christian-identity.net/forum/...8772#post18772
http://whitenationalist.org/forum/sh...8772#post18772
As Election Day in southwest Missouri approaches, the Neosho Daily News sat down with candidates from a few of the contested races. The majority of races for county office have a single candidate but the position of judge for the Newton County Associate Circuit Court Division II has two contenders, incumbent and Republican Kevin Selby and local attorney and municipal judge, Andy Wood who is running as an Independent.
NDN: Why did you decide to run or run again for the judge position?
SELBY:
I have served as the Associate Circuit Judge since 2003. Previously I served as an assistant prosecuting attorney. I believe the court is an honorable institution and it can only remain that way with experienced, impartial and honorable judges. The court should be a place where justice is served according to the law. I have worked tirelessly to uphold the law and protect the citizens of Newton County. There is still much to be done and my commitment to the people here and to our judicial system remains strong.
WOOD:
I was born and raised in Neosho. My wife grew up in the Seneca area. My 3 daughters were raised in Neosho. For over 31 years, I have practiced law in Neosho in all areas of the law, including estate planning, probate, civil, domestic relations, workers’ compensation and social security. I’ve tried many cases to a jury. I am one of the judges for the Neosho Municipal Court. I’ve been City Attorney for the City of Seneca for over 25 years. I was formerly a Judge for the Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation. I represent several of the local economic development organizations. After practicing law for over 31 years in Newton County, I am ready to serve as a full-time, working Newton County Circuit Judge. If I am allowed the privilege to serve as a circuit judge, I promise to be a working, full-time judge who will listen and be respectful and courteous to all who enter my courtroom.
“T
NDN: Share your reason for choosing the party affiliation (Selby) or for running independent (Wood)?
WOOD:
I believe all judicial candidates should be running independent of any party affiliation or special interest group. I think it is very important that judges avoid any appearance of impropriety or bias to any special interest group. The most important characteristic of a judge should not be that person’s party affiliation or political beliefs. The most important characteristics of a judge should be his or her competency, experience and proper demeanor.
SELBY:
I am a lifelong Republican.
NDN: What qualifications, experience, and talents will be you bring as judge if elected?
SELBY:
Each day for 16 years I have made the tough decisions required of a judge. Before that I made life and death decisions as an assistant prosecuting attorney. While the legal requirements to run for this office can be met by many, I believe in order to be a good, reputable judge, one must have solid convictions and stand for what is right. People expect and deserve consistent behavior and consistent reasoning when entering a courtroom. I’ve never changed my perspective on who I serve, or why I’m serving: to protect the vulnerable, ensure justice prevails, and to uphold the law.
WOOD:
I have practiced law in Newton County for over 31 years. I have always had a full-time law practice.
In addition, I have served on numerous boards, including the honor of serving on the Crowder College Board of Trustees for almost 26 years. I have prosecuted criminal cases as a City Attorney. I have been one of the judges in the City of Neosho Municipal Court for the last several years.
I will work full-time as your next circuit judge. I have the proper demeanor to be a good judge and a good umpire. I would encourage the voters to speak with the other attorneys in this area who have appeared in my court, along with the court personnel whom I have served with.
NDN: What you see as your top strength?
WOOD:
Hard work. Experience. Demeanor.
Over the past 31 years, I have practiced law in several courts and in front of numerous judges. I have been able to observe what makes a “good judge” and what makes a, shall we say, “less than good judge”. Experience and being competent in all areas of the law are absolutely imperative. For the first 20+ years of my legal career, I had an extensive practice in domestic relations and juvenile law. I know how gut wrenching and emotional these cases can be. It is absolutely paramount that a judge emphasizes the “best interests of the child” in any type of child custody situation. As a judge, the best interest of the child will always be paramount.
Also, the demeanor of a judge makes all the difference in the world to the litigants, and the attorneys practicing in front of the judge. As I have set forth in my campaign, I pledge that I will listen and be respectful and courteous to all who enter my courtroom.
Further, as a judge, I will be a working, full-time judge. Being a Circuit Judge should be a fulltime job. It should not be a part-time job. We pay our judges with tax payer money. The litigants should be entitled to have their cases heard, and decisions made in a timely manner. I know how to work hard. I regularly put in over sixty (60) hours a week representing my clients. It is not unusual for my clients to get calls from me on the weekends when I am working on their cases.
SELBY:
My greatest strength is my passion for justice. I love the opportunity to serve as your judge. Each day begins with the same approach to filter through the rubble of each case to see what can be salvaged. Many days it’s a child who needs protection only the court can provide. Other days it’s punishing the convicted while recognizing the difference between a “real criminal” and someone who made a huge mistake. Any judge can be tough, but the best judges recognizes when a person deserves a second chance. Only someone with real experience behind the gavel can put the right information together to make that call. I have that experience.
NDN: What is your weakness?
SELBY:
My commitment to our judicial system makes it difficult for me to allow misrepresentation, false information or being unprepared to represent a client to go unnoticed. Ask an attorney who found themselves in any of these situations and I guarantee you, they heard about it. And possibly, at times, with more intensity than expected.
WOOD:
As a municipal judge and a municipal prosecutor, I see the same criminals going through my court week after week. In the municipal court, you are faced with the dilemma of either only being able to fine these repeat offenders or the City has to pay for their incarceration. Our municipal governments are so strapped for money, in many cases, the cities cannot afford to incarcerate these repeat offenders.
As a Circuit Judge, I will not be under the constraint of how much it costs to incarcerate repeat offenders. The State of Missouri will “house” these repeat offenders if I am judge. I hope I will be able to show empathy for these criminal defendants, but on the other hand, they cannot keep committing the same crimes, over and over, without facing the consequences.
NDN: Share, in 100 words or less, a message to prospective voters and explain why they should cast their vote for you in November.
WOOD:
My family immigrated to Newton County nearly 150 years ago. Going back to my great-grandfather, who was a Republican Newton County Judge (now known as “commissioners”), my family always felt an obligation to serve and give back to the County. While I have a very prosperous law practice, and I enjoy practicing law, I now want to give back to Newton County by becoming a Newton County Circuit Judge. I believe I have the experience and the demeanor to be a judge that the citizens of Newton County can be proud. I pledge to be a working, full-time judge who will listen and be respectful and courteous to all who enter my courtroom. Thank you.
SELBY:
I give my best each day. I know I’m not perfect, but I have never changed who I am or what I stand for to gain a vote. In my courtroom, you know I’m going to give you my full attention. I’ll make a solid well-reasoned decision in your case. I decide cases based upon the facts and the law, not who your attorney is. Experience matters. My decisions are routinely upheld when appealed. Every judge has life experiences that shape them. Mine are deeply grounded in service, faith and integrity. I believe those values have served this community well.
By Lee Ann Murphy / lmurphy@nesohodailynews.com
Posted Oct 18, 2018 at 9:00 AM
Updated Oct 18, 2018 at 9:32 AM
http://www.neoshodailynews.com/artic...NEWS/181019111
http://christian-identity.net/forum/...8772#post18772
http://whitenationalist.org/forum/sh...8772#post18772
As Election Day in southwest Missouri approaches, the Neosho Daily News sat down with candidates from a few of the contested races. The majority of races for county office have a single candidate but the position of judge for the Newton County Associate Circuit Court Division II has two contenders, incumbent and Republican Kevin Selby and local attorney and municipal judge, Andy Wood who is running as an Independent.
NDN: Why did you decide to run or run again for the judge position?
SELBY:
I have served as the Associate Circuit Judge since 2003. Previously I served as an assistant prosecuting attorney. I believe the court is an honorable institution and it can only remain that way with experienced, impartial and honorable judges. The court should be a place where justice is served according to the law. I have worked tirelessly to uphold the law and protect the citizens of Newton County. There is still much to be done and my commitment to the people here and to our judicial system remains strong.
WOOD:
I was born and raised in Neosho. My wife grew up in the Seneca area. My 3 daughters were raised in Neosho. For over 31 years, I have practiced law in Neosho in all areas of the law, including estate planning, probate, civil, domestic relations, workers’ compensation and social security. I’ve tried many cases to a jury. I am one of the judges for the Neosho Municipal Court. I’ve been City Attorney for the City of Seneca for over 25 years. I was formerly a Judge for the Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation. I represent several of the local economic development organizations. After practicing law for over 31 years in Newton County, I am ready to serve as a full-time, working Newton County Circuit Judge. If I am allowed the privilege to serve as a circuit judge, I promise to be a working, full-time judge who will listen and be respectful and courteous to all who enter my courtroom.
“T
NDN: Share your reason for choosing the party affiliation (Selby) or for running independent (Wood)?
WOOD:
I believe all judicial candidates should be running independent of any party affiliation or special interest group. I think it is very important that judges avoid any appearance of impropriety or bias to any special interest group. The most important characteristic of a judge should not be that person’s party affiliation or political beliefs. The most important characteristics of a judge should be his or her competency, experience and proper demeanor.
SELBY:
I am a lifelong Republican.
NDN: What qualifications, experience, and talents will be you bring as judge if elected?
SELBY:
Each day for 16 years I have made the tough decisions required of a judge. Before that I made life and death decisions as an assistant prosecuting attorney. While the legal requirements to run for this office can be met by many, I believe in order to be a good, reputable judge, one must have solid convictions and stand for what is right. People expect and deserve consistent behavior and consistent reasoning when entering a courtroom. I’ve never changed my perspective on who I serve, or why I’m serving: to protect the vulnerable, ensure justice prevails, and to uphold the law.
WOOD:
I have practiced law in Newton County for over 31 years. I have always had a full-time law practice.
In addition, I have served on numerous boards, including the honor of serving on the Crowder College Board of Trustees for almost 26 years. I have prosecuted criminal cases as a City Attorney. I have been one of the judges in the City of Neosho Municipal Court for the last several years.
I will work full-time as your next circuit judge. I have the proper demeanor to be a good judge and a good umpire. I would encourage the voters to speak with the other attorneys in this area who have appeared in my court, along with the court personnel whom I have served with.
NDN: What you see as your top strength?
WOOD:
Hard work. Experience. Demeanor.
Over the past 31 years, I have practiced law in several courts and in front of numerous judges. I have been able to observe what makes a “good judge” and what makes a, shall we say, “less than good judge”. Experience and being competent in all areas of the law are absolutely imperative. For the first 20+ years of my legal career, I had an extensive practice in domestic relations and juvenile law. I know how gut wrenching and emotional these cases can be. It is absolutely paramount that a judge emphasizes the “best interests of the child” in any type of child custody situation. As a judge, the best interest of the child will always be paramount.
Also, the demeanor of a judge makes all the difference in the world to the litigants, and the attorneys practicing in front of the judge. As I have set forth in my campaign, I pledge that I will listen and be respectful and courteous to all who enter my courtroom.
Further, as a judge, I will be a working, full-time judge. Being a Circuit Judge should be a fulltime job. It should not be a part-time job. We pay our judges with tax payer money. The litigants should be entitled to have their cases heard, and decisions made in a timely manner. I know how to work hard. I regularly put in over sixty (60) hours a week representing my clients. It is not unusual for my clients to get calls from me on the weekends when I am working on their cases.
SELBY:
My greatest strength is my passion for justice. I love the opportunity to serve as your judge. Each day begins with the same approach to filter through the rubble of each case to see what can be salvaged. Many days it’s a child who needs protection only the court can provide. Other days it’s punishing the convicted while recognizing the difference between a “real criminal” and someone who made a huge mistake. Any judge can be tough, but the best judges recognizes when a person deserves a second chance. Only someone with real experience behind the gavel can put the right information together to make that call. I have that experience.
NDN: What is your weakness?
SELBY:
My commitment to our judicial system makes it difficult for me to allow misrepresentation, false information or being unprepared to represent a client to go unnoticed. Ask an attorney who found themselves in any of these situations and I guarantee you, they heard about it. And possibly, at times, with more intensity than expected.
WOOD:
As a municipal judge and a municipal prosecutor, I see the same criminals going through my court week after week. In the municipal court, you are faced with the dilemma of either only being able to fine these repeat offenders or the City has to pay for their incarceration. Our municipal governments are so strapped for money, in many cases, the cities cannot afford to incarcerate these repeat offenders.
As a Circuit Judge, I will not be under the constraint of how much it costs to incarcerate repeat offenders. The State of Missouri will “house” these repeat offenders if I am judge. I hope I will be able to show empathy for these criminal defendants, but on the other hand, they cannot keep committing the same crimes, over and over, without facing the consequences.
NDN: Share, in 100 words or less, a message to prospective voters and explain why they should cast their vote for you in November.
WOOD:
My family immigrated to Newton County nearly 150 years ago. Going back to my great-grandfather, who was a Republican Newton County Judge (now known as “commissioners”), my family always felt an obligation to serve and give back to the County. While I have a very prosperous law practice, and I enjoy practicing law, I now want to give back to Newton County by becoming a Newton County Circuit Judge. I believe I have the experience and the demeanor to be a judge that the citizens of Newton County can be proud. I pledge to be a working, full-time judge who will listen and be respectful and courteous to all who enter my courtroom. Thank you.
SELBY:
I give my best each day. I know I’m not perfect, but I have never changed who I am or what I stand for to gain a vote. In my courtroom, you know I’m going to give you my full attention. I’ll make a solid well-reasoned decision in your case. I decide cases based upon the facts and the law, not who your attorney is. Experience matters. My decisions are routinely upheld when appealed. Every judge has life experiences that shape them. Mine are deeply grounded in service, faith and integrity. I believe those values have served this community well.
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