Friends and Family, I am very THANKFUL to be Endorsed (article below) for the City Council position of which Im running by the political journalists with NWA Media, affiliated with the Associated Press, The Daily Record (local Bentonville Paper) and the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (State of Arkansas paper). Endorsements: Eight Races, 19 Candidates In Bentonville. Ward 2, Position 1: Roger Thomas is an inquisitive first-term member of the City Council who embraces Bentonvilles growth while wanting to make sure the growth advances the communitys goals, including maintaining high property values. Hes been a resident for nearly 20 years who says hes neither old-school or new-school Bentonville. I am real-time Bentonville, he said. We recommend him. And the rest of the article, and their endorsements of the other City of Bentonville City Council positions. It is nothing short of amazing that 19 people are running for eight spots on the Bentonville City Council. Thats testament to the exhilaration people feel about the towns future. In short, Bentonville is a happening place these days, and thats made it chic to be on the Bentonville City Council. Today, we offer our endorsements for the eight spots for aldermen. Ward 1, Position 1: Stephanie Orman earns our endorsement in her second run for the City Council, having been defeated by Mary Baggett two years ago, but she has remained engaged in listening about the issues important to the community. She seems focused on collaboration with residents and businesses to ensure Bentonville remains a top-quality community. Shes a University of Arkansas graduate and 11-year resident raising a family in a neighborhood where she serves as president of the property owners association. Ward 1, Position 2: John A. Skaggs served 26 years as municipal/district judge, and was on the City Council for one term in the 1980s. He was appointed in June to fill a vacancy. We suspect nobody will come to City Council meetings more prepared than Skaggs, who has lived downtown for 30 years. Hes ready to examine alternatives for the Lake Bella Vista dam, promote the continued development downtown and let Bentonville grow. Ward 2, Position 2: Chris W. Sooter has been an effective alderman since 2002, but isnt stuck in a rut. Weve seen no compelling reason to jettison his knowledge of city issues. Hes a great connector between residents and city staff and is eager to help Bentonville grow its entertainment options. Residents of this ward will be well served by returning him to the post. Ward 3, Position 1: We recommend appointed Alderman James L. Smith and his substantial financial knowledge for a full term on the City Council. He wants to ensure Bentonville continues master planning for the future and ensures infrastructure improvements continue to protect Bentonvilles economic base. Ward 3, Position 2: In this three-candidate race, Bill Burckart is our recommendation. Hes a strong-minded alderman who hasnt hesitated to ask questions that needed asking. Hes a detail-oriented small business owner who has served since 2008. His approach is a good blend of honoring Bentonville tradition while advancing the city toward the future. Ward 4, Position 1: Octavio Sanchez suggests the people of Ward 4 need a change in representation to someone whos ready to be engaged and is open to new ideas. Hes got an uphill battle, but we believe Bentonville would be well-served by a more active holder of this office. Ward 4, Position 2: Jim Grider is a native of Bentonville and 14-year member of the City Council. He argues, convincingly, that much of the good thats happening in Bentonville happened in part due to strong municipal leadership in place. Hes driven to develop sidewalks and wants decisions to benefit the entire city. Hes our pick in this three-person race. Commentary on 10/19/2014
Posted on: Thu, 23 Oct 2014 18:52:45 +0000
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