Hudson announces reelection bid for Sebastian County Judge

Judge Hudson has 31 years of service in county government. After a one year appointment as County Judge in 1982, Hudson was elected in 1998 and has served as County Judge since January 1999. Hudson's education includes a high school degree from Fort Smith Northside High School and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.

Hudson has coordinated multiyear budget planning and the setting of priorities including capital expenditures for courthouse renovations, jail expansion and the construction of a new courts facility. These projects have been planned within existing revenues and cash flows without increasing taxes.

Hudson said that county emergency operations will continue to be a priority for his office including emergency response field exercises and tabletop planning sessions. Hudson worked with the Quorum Court and cities to establish a countywide interoperable radio system. Hudson also worked closely with the Sheriffs Office and volunteer Ham Radio Operators to establish a county office to assist in storm warning and monitoring.

Hudson established a "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 including helping to secure a federal grant of $500,000 for the program.

Hudson supported improved soccer services, softball services, bike trails, playground equipment and disc golf course at Ben Geren Park to serve families involved in these activities. Hudson said, improvements completed in 2007 at East Sebastian County Park, near Lavaca, will enhance youth recreational programs at this county park.

Master Planning for county parks is a priority in 2008, Hudson said, including evaluating operating a pool or water facility.

Hudson said that county partnerships with the Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority, Chamber, City of Fort Smith and State of Arkansas assisted in locating the Mars Petcare Company and Graphics Packaging on Fort Chaffee redevelopment property.

In 2002 Hudson established a county road asphalt overlay program and bridge replacement system. Hudson stated from 1999 to 2007 the county has resealed 342 miles of road, asphalt overlaid 117 miles, constructed and sealed 41 miles, and replaced 24 bridges. Hudson was recognized by the Arkansas County Judges Association in 2002 for developing a County Road Seminar for the County Judges.

Hudson said he is committed to the continued improvement of the volunteer rural fire protection system and has assisted fire departments in obtaining grants for construction of four fire stations. Hudson supported improved radio service for city and rural fire departments as a part of the countywide AWIN interoperable radio system, including a $500,000 grant for firefighter radios.

Hudson worked with the Quorum Court to expand the Sebastian County EMS system in 2004 to include an additional ambulance and paramedic crew resulting in quicker response times and less reliance on backup ambulance service.

Hudson said the County Paramedic Ambulance service will continue to be a priority for improvement in the future.

As County Judge, Hudson is responsible for administrative functions of County Government including General Administration, County Finance, Human Resources, Information Systems, and Purchasing.

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 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.