GRAVETTE — Gravette’s candidates for the mayoral position, who were expected to face each other in a runoff election Tuesday, Nov. 23, dropped a bombshell on the community late Monday afternoon.
Byron Warren, who polled 197 votes, and Ken Foxx, who received 185 votes in the November 2 balloting, settled the upcoming election before it could occur. The two, in a lengthy statement, vow to work as a team for the betterment of Gravette.
In their statement they declare, “In an effort to unite the city of Gravette and to develop a team which will work toward the betterment of the community as a whole, Warren and Foxx have agreed to the following:
“Mr. Foxx will concede the position of mayor to Mr. Warren.
“Mr. Foxx will volunteer his services, working with the mayor and the Chamber of Commerce, initially focusing on a viable solution to Gravette’s wastewater treatment issue.”
According to Arkansaselection law 7-5-106: “If one of the two candidates who received the highest number of votes for an office but not a majority in the general election withdraws prior to certification of the result of the general election, the remaining candidate who received the most votes at the general election shall be declared elected to the office and there shall be no general election runoff."
The election commission is scheduled to certify results of the Nov 2 election this Friday, Nov. 12. Foxx filed his “Withdrawal of candidacy” from the Nov. 23 runoff Monday, Nov. 8. It was certified by County Clerk Tena O’Brien on that date.
Warren has served as a council member for 10 years and has worked hard to find a solution to Gravette’s wastewater treatment facility project and many other civic projects.
Foxx, a relative newcomer to the area, has forcefully demonstrated his business acumen and desire to work with the Chamber of Commerce and city in building the Gravette community.
The runoff election between Melissa Smith andDavid Shields for the position of alderman for the city of Gravette will be held as scheduled on Nov. 23.
Joint Statement
Following is the joint statement issued by Mayoral candidates Ken Foxx and Byron Warren:
With a twelve-vote difference separating Gravette’s mayoral candidates, Warren (197 votes, 38 percent) and Foxx (185 votes, 32 percent), nearly 70 percent of Gravette’s voters collectively spoke to support a new strategic approach for our community while maintaining its values and small town personality. The question is which direction, Warren’s or Foxx’s”?
To answer the questions, the differences need to be apparent. What does not boldly display is prior and since the election Warren and Foxx have had several discussions and essentially agree on the immediate city concerns and the future of Gravette. Each believes a solid strategy and financial responsibility is crucial to responsible government. Each believes the powerto achieve excellence is through teamwork, honest alliances and including everybody in the process. Warren has exceptional civic experience. The point is neither is head and shoulders above each other and quite candidly both Warren and Foxx admit neither finds fault with each other. Essentially each candidate is a good choice and each wants the same for Gravette ... a stable, safe, vibrant community. Bottom line is they’re each closely aligned and where they differ they complement each other by bringing talents needed to resolve Gravette’s challenges.
In an effort to unite the city of Gravette and to develop a team which will work toward the betterment of the community as a whole, Warren and Foxx have agreed to the following:
Foxx will concede the position of mayor to Warren.
Foxx will volunteer his services working with the mayor and the Chamber of Commerce, initially focusing on a viable solution to Gravette’s waste water treatment issue, (and) developing new business opportunitieswithin the community by strategically aligning Gravette’s Chamber of Commerce and its remaining corporate and civic citizens, both within and outside the city’s boundaries, (through committee involvement).
The facts are both individuals are sincere in their desire to shape Gravette into a healthy vibrant community and to tear down past barriers that impeded its ability to succeed. They collectively are simply committed to secure Gravette’s future.
Of utmost importance ... anything that happened in the past is in the past ... it’s Gravette’s future we need to focus on. Both Warren and Foxx are committed to achieving a safe and stable community. If we’re going to be a community working together let’s begin by actually working together ... and start with the candidates intelligently aligning, thenrolling up their sleeves to secure Gravette’s future ... and thereby giving the nearly 70 percent of the voters a win.
In conclusion, Gravette needs results now and cannot afford more of the same ... Warren and Foxx collectively are willing todo what may not have been done before politically, that is set aside any differences, completely set aside egos and literally work together to begin Team Gravette.
Gravette’s issues are not only its water treatment matter, they are numerous and severe ... they require strategic new approaches. While both individuals share effective leadership qualities and sound financial accountability, it is the feeling of Warren and Foxx that by utilizing their individual strengths ... Warren’s experience on Gravette’s city council and his vast working knowledge of civic process coupled with Foxx’s strong business and technical acumen ... together they can create a win-win environment for the entire community. Perhaps a bit unorthodox in concept, these gentlemen are willing to put aside politics for thegood of the community.
Warren and Fox would like to thank the individuals who provided support and backing during the campaign and hope they will continue to show their support to Gravette’s new administration ... truly creating a community working together.
Community News, Pages 3 on 11/10/2010