MonticelloLive

The local NAACP Chapter hosted a “Meet the Candidates” program Thursday night, with most of the local political candidates attending.

Circuit Judge Candidates Sara Hartness, Andrew Best, and Kenny Johnson were present and each presented their credentials.

Sara Hartness has lived in Monticello and practiced law here for 20 years. Hartness told those present that her father was a doctor who was “a small town doctor in a big city”, and that she has patterned her law practice after that same concept of taking a care of clients or patients in a personal way.  She told the group about her experience in domestic relations cases, and that she realizes how important “the kids in these cases” are.  Hartness pointed out that Judge Vittitow, who handles the domestic relations cases in the 10th Judicial District, is retiring, and she seeking this position because she feels that she is the most qualified attorney to decide on these cases.

Kenny Johnson has practiced law in Monticello for 7 years. Johnson attended Hendrix University on a basketball scholarship, and then completed his law degree at the U of A in Fayetteville. Johnson has served as the Dumas City Attorney, and was selected by the Arkansas Supreme Court to serve as a bar examiner. He pointed out that this position may eventually include all types of cases, as well as search warrants and arrest warrants.  Johnson told the crowd that he’s comfortable in the courtroom, and that the court room.

Andrew Best was born in McGehee, and his family moved to Hermitage when he was 2 years old. Best served 6 years in the Navy, and passed the bar exam in 1998. Best has work with Arkansas Legal Services, and has currently been with the Child Support Enforcement for 7 years. His experience includes domestic, probate, DHS, class action cases, and jury trials Best has served 6 months in Iraq, and is still in the U.S. Navy Reserve. Best told the group, “I am a man who lives up to my obligations, such as my obligations to my family, my job, my church, and my country.”