I feel compelled to respond to David Writer’s Letter to the Editor of March 2, 2026, in the Eureka Springs Independent online. Because, as Judge Writer has said, the truth really does matter.
On multiple occasions, Judge Writer has accused me of not representing the people of Carroll County properly when I was approached by representatives of the wind industry about twenty years ago of the possibility of building a wind project in Carroll County. At that time, both the wind industry representatives and a professor at U of A told me that there was not enough wind in Carroll County to justify such a project, and that I “would not live long enough to see such a project built in Carroll County.” Unfortunately, advances in wind turbine technology changed that forecast.
I’ve explained that to him many times, but Judge Writer is either too dense to understand me or he seeks to confuse the public.
Judge Writer had the opportunity to stop the Nimbus wind farm project in Carroll County… why didn’t he? Rather than accepting the responsibility and stopping the wind farm Judge Writer continues to blame others. Why?
Judge Writer keeps saying he had to sign the Road Use Agreement with Scout because he had to “follow the law.” I have asked him on multiple occasions (even using the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act) to provide me the law that supports his position. He has failed to produce it. That’s because there is no such law.
As county judge, Writer had the power to restrict Scout’s use of county roads by placing reasonable weight limits on the roads. Instead, he succumbed to Scout’s pressure and signed the agreement. Carroll County is the loser in that deal.
Judge Writer’s statement concerning “Illegal to Grade” private roads is not totally accurate… only another excuse not to maintain some county roads. A county judge is allowed by Arkansas State law to maintain mail or school bus routes even if they are on private roads!
The county judge is required by Arkansas Law to construct and maintain roads to a cemetery, even if the road is on private property. After being requested multiple times to construct and maintain a road for years to a specific cemetery Judge Writer has failed to comply with this state law, yet is profound in “I must follow the law?”
Addressing the $475,000 which was “used to explore the possibility of a new courthouse.” Researching for a definition of “Explore the possibility” I was given this statement: It means to actively investigate, research, or think deeply about a potential option, opportunity, or solution to determine its feasibility.
A company located in Springfield, Missouri, offered to perform a feasibility study for $10,000 to $25,000. This offer is recorded in the official minutes of a Judicial Building Committee Meeting.
Why did Judge Writer choose to spend $475,000 of taxpayer money to explore the possibility rather than a feasibility study for the at most of $25,000? The $475,000 of taxpayer money could legally have been re-appropriated by the Quorum Court to county roads.
Writer’s letter/campaign ad was published too close to the election for me to respond before you voted. That’s too bad. I think the people of Carroll County always deserve the truth from its public servants.
Richard Williams