Dana Deree and Tim Shepard, the two candidates vying for Washington County judge, debated Tuesday night at the Jones Center for Children and Families in Springdale. The event focused heavily on reducing political polarization in county government and addressing the region’s rapid infrastructure needs amid population growth. Democrat Dana Deree and Republican Tim Shepard stood before an audience to discuss the future of the county’s governance. While many elections in Washington County are often decided along party lines, the candidates expressed a desire to unify efforts behind practical solutions for road maintenance and development. “The candidates for Washington County judge said Tuesday night they want to see less partisan rancor in county government and more emphasis on figuring out how the region is going to deal with population growth and infrastructure in the coming years,” according to the source material. Both men agreed on the need for a county government that prioritizes results over political rivalry. Dana Deree, 57, addressed the crowd at the Jones Center with a resume that blends military service, international relations, and local business experience. Deree is a combat veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, having served in the Gulf War. Following his military service, he spent over 20 years in the U.S. Department of State. Currently, Deree serves as a vice president at BDV Solutions. The company acquired his previous business, Arkansas Global Connect, in 2024. BDV Solutions operates primarily as a seasonal labor provider for companies across Arkansas and the country. Deree resides in Fayetteville with his wife, Stephanie, and their three sons. Deree defined his approach to the race as setting a target for the county and finding the best method to reach it. He emphasized that local voters are looking for resilience in a county facing significant changes. Republican Tim Shepard, the opposing candidate, underscored the scale of the challenges facing Washington County. As the largest county in Arkansas and the economic engine of Northwest Arkansas, Washington County bears the brunt of the population surge that has drawn businesses and families to the region in recent years. Shepard focused his remarks on the services provided by county government. He suggested that the county government must adapt its structure to meet the demands of thousands of new residents arriving annually. The debate highlighted a stark difference in how the two candidates view the trajectory of the county: one outlines a specific path based on his background in federal and international business; the other emphasizes the delivery of core government services. Both candidates expressed optimism regarding the region’s ability to manage its growth. They pointed to regional initiatives and community programs as models for how local governments can coordinate effectively. Voters in Washington County will determine the winner of this race in the upcoming election. The outcome will influence how the county manages road construction, zoning, and budget allocation for years to come. Read full coverage of the Washington County judge race via the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
Source: NWA Democrat Gazette