Pine Bluff Division 2 District Court Judge John L. Kearney will seek re-election. Pine Bluff attorney Efrem Neely has also announced his intention to seek the position. Kearney has held this position for the last three terms.
Kearney has practiced law in Pine Bluff and the state of Arkansas for 34 years. He is a graduate of Fields High School in Gould in Lincoln County, he graduated from A M & N College (now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff) with a B. A. degree in history and government, and he is also a graduate of the University of Arkansas School of Law at Fayetteville.
He has been married to his wife Janice for 37 years. His community service includes his prior service on the Board of Directors of the Pine Bluff Chapter of the American Red Cross and the Tiny Tot Day Care centers. He is currently a member of Faith Presbyterian church of Pine Bluff, where he serves as elder, church clerk, choir member, and teaches Sunday school.
Kearney has said in a news release that his early life was most influenced by the challenges he witnessed and experienced while growing up in racially segregated, poverty-stricken conditions, where education, religious faith and confidence in one’s self sustained him, his family and their community. He went on to say that the positive teachings and experience received from his parents and all his mentors are easily and continuously brought to bear in his deliberations as a judge. “I am particularly concerned and try as much as possible, to see that persons appearing before me take responsibility for their actions, obtain driver’s licenses and permits as required, get needed mental health and rehabilitation, and get and retain employment. Finding that you can succeed breeds success.”, says Kearney.
“It has been a tremendous honor and privilege to serve the people of Pine Bluff, Jefferson and Lincoln counties as your district court judge”, says Kearney, “I believe that the wisdom I have gained through my service will enhance my ability to be of greater service. I thank all of the people for their support, and I look forward to continuing this service.”
