Why does the City Council matter?
The entire City of Fayetteville is run by a Mayor-Council form of government. Together the mayor and council form legislation and policies that potentially impact the every day lives of local residents. The City policies can range between ordinances, resolutions, the city budgets, appointments and removal of members of boards, committees and Commission members.
According to the City of Fayetteville website, the Mayor-Council government abides by the Fayetteville Vision for 2050, “To keep Fayetteville a vibrant and welcoming city that encourages diversity, creativity, and innovation while providing our citizens the opportunity to thrive”.
Who is on the City Council candidate line up?
Ward 1 – Position 1
Kristifer Paxton – The 33 year old National Guard veteran has been a Fayetteville resident for the past 3 years. The candidate claims to be pursuing the Ward 1 position to support, “maintaining City Parks, well maintained streets and trail systems, and supporting a welcoming community”.
Olivia Trimble – As a nationally recognized artist and community organizer, Trimble is a Fayetteville native. The candidate claims to run with a focus on the, “challenges with affordable housing and concerns about longtime residents with lower or fixed incomes being displaced as development booms and the cost of living rises”.
Sonia Gutierrez – Announcing her campaign at a Women’s March, the 26 year resident of Fayetteville claimed the current political climate inspired her pursuit of a council position. The candidate’s website emphasizes, “Keeping Fayetteville: Financially Fit, Friendly & Always Funky”.
Ward 2
Raymond Burks – The University of Arkansas alumni and previous KXUA radio station DJ has lived in Fayetteville the past 16 years. The candidate has been outspoken on development and growth of the city as well as shown support of recycling through, “a commitment to the environment that is a real effort to inspire citizens, local businesses, local renters, and others to care about the environment beyond the clickbait headlines.”
Martin Bemberg – The lifelong Fayetteville resident is a long time local musician and a committee member of the unofficial local chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America. The candidate claims if elected he would push measures regarding food insecurity, job creation and public transit.
Council Member Mark Kinion – The lifelong resident running for a third term on the City Council, serves as the City’s Vice Mayor. Some city issues the candidate wishes to address if re-elected include, the city’s Welcoming Plan, the Long Range Water Plan and the Fayetteville Energy Action Plan.
Ward 3
Lucas Regnier – The eight year Fayetteville resident works as an instructor at the University of Arkansas School of Law. The candidate’s campaign focuses on issues of Keeping Fayetteville Green and enhancing, “growth of our entrepreneurial community”.
Sloan Scroggin – As a U of A math instructor, the decade long Fayetteville resident also works as a real estate agent and a city planning commissioner. Issues the candidate focuses on include job creation and alternative modes of transportation.
Ward 4
Adam Fire Cat – The 24 year Fayetteville resident has run for City Council positions in 2010, 2012 and again in 2016 as well as a run at the position of Mayor in 2016. If elected the candidate intends to push for less government and “personal freedoms”.
Teresa Ann Turk – The previous U of A alumnus and environmental consultant currently serves on the city’s Historic District and the Civil Rights Commissions. The candidate’s campaign focuses on the environment,“let’s don’t reinvent the wheel, let’s work together to keep Fayetteville a compassionate, welcoming and eco-friendly city”.
Council Member John La Tour – The incumbent tax attorney and public accountant has lived in Fayetteville over 30 years. An issue the candidate will focus on if re-elected will be zoning changes in the development of the Pratt Place.
Where and When can I Early Vote?
The link below features an interactive map that includes the location and information on the eight polling places in Washington county.
http://washcoar.maps.arcgis.com/apps/View/index.html?appid=e889d0583d0c492cb6905ad5162b44a4