His constituents call him “Jelly Belly” or just “Judge.” He’s County Judge Woodrow Wilson, a man who has presided over Metcalfe County for 20 years.
“The job of a county judge is much like that of the mayor, only bigger ” the judge says. “People are always stopping by and asking me about this and that,” he says. “I love helping people. Guess that’s why I’ve been in office 20 years.”
Every day he has lunch at at different diner in a different part of the county “I like to stay in touch,” he says. And the people of the county oblige. Over lunch, they’ll tell him what they need done or what they think needs done in the county.
After lunch, Wilson hits the roads.Usually he covers the whole county once a week, talking to the people. His work day ends around 6 p.m. Then, to unwind, Wilson heads out to his farm, where he grows some corn, a little tobacco and a few pigs.
“Hogs are my hobby ” he says. “I don’t raise ’em for money – just for enjoyment. They take my mind off work.”
Wilson has lived in Edmonton all his life. He was born on the farm where he still lives.
“I love what I’m doing.” he says. “Some days I work 16 hours, and it can be tough. But I wouldn’t give it up for anything.”
