Re-Elect Judge Wood

Franklin County voters have an opportunity Tuesday to re-elect a circuit court judge whose qualifications and record make him worthy of another term.

In his almost 12 years on the bench, Presiding Judge Gael D. Wood has conducted himself with the utmost integrity both professionally and personally. He has built a reputation as a jurist who is intelligent, compassionate and fair. That is why he is held in the highest regard by his fellow judges and attorneys who appear before him.

The fact that Judge Wood’s colleagues on the bench re-elect him presiding judge year after year is evidence of their respect for him.

The presiding judge is responsible for administrative control of the circuit courts, including budgeting, as well as supervising the juvenile office, and the drug court administration.

There is no doubt Judge Wood has been an asset to the 20th Judicial Circuit which includes, Franklin, Gasconade and Osage counties. He has been instrumental in the creation of the Franklin County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and the DWI and drug court.

Last year he instituted the Missouri Augmented Probation Supervision (MAPS) which closely supervises those on probation with “immediate consequences for violators.” The program, the first of its kind in Missouri, is showing positive results.

Judge Wood is the most qualified candidate in the race.

He has extensive trial experience presiding over nearly every kind of legal case including first-degree murder trials and complex civil trials involving millions of dollars. He also has served by special appointment to the state supreme and appeals courts.

Simply put, Judge Wood has the experience, common sense and the temperament that make for a good judge. We appreciate that he has upheld and maintained the dignity of the court.

Judge Wood has been a dedicated and committed public servant and deserves another term.