WESTSIDE — DECATUR

Charles Linam, 68, resident of Decatur for 31 years.

Married to Tasha Linam, with two children.

Retired, attended Draughon's School of Business in Tulsa, Okla. No military experince. Previous offices: Decatur City Council.

Reason for candidacy: To help make Decatur an even better place to live.

Goals in Office: To see city grow in residents, retail, manufacturing and schools.

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Mayor Bill Montgomery, 54, resident of Decatur for 54 years.

Married to Michal Lea Montgomery, with two children.

Employed by the city of Decatur.

Graduated from Decatur High School. No military experience. Has held mayor's office in Decatur for 16 years. Previously served as alderman for 10 years. Appointed to the Benton Washington Water Authority.

Reason for candidacy: To continue Decatur moving forward for the future.

Goals in Office: To continue growth in Industry, Jobs and Housing. I want to make Decatur a place that people want to come to.

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GENTRY

Alderman Jason Barrett, 32, resident of Gentry for 18 years.

Single, with no children.

Employed by the Gentry School District as a Route/ Activity Bus Driver.

Graduated from Gentry High School, and earned associate's degree in businessat Northwest Arkansas Community College in Bentonville, and recently completed two Arkansas Municipal League Certified Continuing Education Programs - Municipal Finance and Budgeting & Human Resource and Personnel Matters Affecting Arkansas Municipalities.

No military experience.

Currently a Gentry alderman for Ward 1. Appointed chairman of Personnel Committee, and of the Water and Wastewater Committee, member of Fire Department Committee and past chairman of Police Committee.

Reason for candidacy: On my campaign pamphlet is a heading that says “I’m not running against anyone … I’m running for something ... A New Sense of Community in Gentry!” I am seeking the Mayor’s office because I believe there is currently, for whatever reason, a disconnect between that office and the citizens it serves. My reason for seeking this office is to reestablish a sense that the city of Gentry is not an office on Main Street but that the city is simply an organization of its citizens who work together in a community where every citizen has a part to play. I established what I see as some critical issues in our city’s growth and well-being. They are: 1.) Survival of local businesses in hard economic times; 2.) An expectation that the city exists to serve and protect its citizens; 3.) The ability of all citizens “to have a say” regardless of status; 4.) Increased personal accountability in day-to-day city operations; 5.) Better communication within and throughout city departments; 6.) An attitude that all city officials are servants of the public; 7.) Making maintenance of streets, alleys, and easements a priority; 8.) An attitude that every job is everybody’s job; and 9. ) Pride in our city’s appearance to the “outside world.”

Goals in Office: Following are some of the strategies I would use to accomplish mygoals. These ideas come from my experiences in living and working for 18 years in Gentry and things I have learned during my term as alderman. Some of my strategies would be to: 1.) Work closely with Chamber of Commerce to support existing businesses and attract new ones; 2.) Direct all departments to purchase city supplies and materials locally when possible; 3.) Maintain posted office hours and have an “Open Door” for the community; 4.) Expand the city’s Web site to include minutes of meetings, monthly budgets, etc.; 5.) Hold regular meetings with department heads and listen as much as I speak; 6.) Share the responsibility of leadership with the City Council; 7.) Develop in cooperation with employees a manual of city operational processes and procedures; 8.) Visit all city employees “on the job site”; 9.) Assist citizens, with city personnel and cityequipment, in the upkeep of city alleyways; 10.) Explore ways to fund additional city services through grants; 11.) Be a full-time employee; and 12.) Listen carefully when you speak and weigh carefully the merits of your opinion.

I made my list of goals and ways to reach them and I put them on paper so that, if I am elected as mayor, the citizens of Gentry can hold me accountable for what I said I would do.

Roy C. Beeler, 35, resident of Gentry for 31 years.

Divorced, with two children.

Employed by the United States Postal Service in Fayetteville.

Graduate of Gentry High School.

No military experience.

Served on the Gentry City Council for three terms from 2000-2006. Ran for mayor in 2006.

Reason for candidacy: I have lived in Gentry all my life and want the chance to serve my community.

Goals in Office:

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Wes Hogue, 55, resident of Gentry for 35 years.

Married to Sarah Hoguewith no children.

Employed by the city of Gentry as mayor.

Graduate of EisenhowerHigh School in Lawton, Okla.

No military service

Served 12 years or three terms as Gentry mayor between 1999 and 2010.

Served on the Gentry City Council for one term or two years in 1997-1998.

Appointed to: Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission 12 years / 1999 - 2010; Northwest Arkansas Regional Mobility Authority Board of Directors two years / 2009 - 2010; Benton Co. - Washington Co. Regional Water Authority Board of Directors (secondary) 12 years / 1999-2010; Four County Solid Waste Management District Board of Directors for five years / 2001-2005; Three County Solid Waste Management District Board of Directors for five years / 2001-2005; Vice-chairman of the Board of Directors two years / 2004-2005; Benton County Solid Waste Management District Board of Directors for fiveyears / 2006-2010; Chairman of the Board of Directors five years / 2006-2010.

Reason for candidacy: I am humbly grateful that I have been allowed to do my part in helping to accomplish the success Gentry has experienced in recent years. This success will help shape the future of our city while building on the shared values of our community.

I believe every person who has the ability to give back to our country and community has a moral obligation to do so in whatever way or with whatever talent they have. I feel I have been blessed with the opportunity to be successful in public service. If I am fortunate enough to be re-elected, it is my intention to continue serving my community to the best of my ability.

Goals in Office: If re-elected, it is my intention first and foremost to protect the City's finances. While other cities, states, and our federal government are struggling with cutting services and mounting debt, the city of Gentry is in good financial condition. This is not by accident but by design. Since first taking this office in 1999, I have used conservative budget methods planning our financial future for not only the good economic times but also the bad times of reduced revenues like we are experiencing currently. I intend to continue moving the city forward with improved infrastructure and services using the responsible, conservative budgeting methods that have been so successful during my time in office. These methods have allowed us to see progresseven through these hard economic times without having to reduce staff or services to our citizens.

I believe I am the only candidate in the race with the qualifications, experience, ability and proven leadership to get the job done.

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Kevin D. Johnston, 36, and resident of Gentry for 21 years.

Married to Lori Johnston.

Employed with Brandon Bayer Siding and Window of Gentry.

Graduate of Gentry High School.

Appointed to Gentry City Council 1998 and 2006 and elected to Gentry City Council 1999-2000 and 2007-Present.

Member of the Gentry Volunteer Fire Department since 1995 and held the position of Captain from 1996-2005. Appointed Assistant Chief of Gentry Fire Department from 2005 to the present.

Awarded the 2008 "Community Service Award" by Gentry Masonic Lodge #222; Awarded the 2008 "Rising Star Award" by Main Street Gentry Chamber of Commerce.

Reason for candidacy: I want to help Gentry grow and prosper into the city that I know it can be by continuing to serve the citizens as I have for the past 18 years.

Goals in Office: If elected mayor of Gentry, a few of my goals are to: Improve the relationship of city government with the Gentry Chamber of Commerce and its local businesses to ensure our local economy is strong and viable; Help restore confidence of the local citizens in our city government; Work with city officials, employees and Gentry's citizens to proactively plan our city's future; Pursue grants to help fund projects; Implement ways to make your tax dollars as efficient as possible; Not only have an "Open Door" policy but make myself "available" to the citizens.

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GRAVETTE

Deana Deming of Gravette - No response to questionnaire at press time.

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Ken Foxx, 53, resident of Gravette for four years.

Married to CJ Foxx, with no children.

Employment as director of engineering, ProjectManagement and Business Infrastructure / Rail Power Services, railpowerservices.com.

Graduated from the University of Illinois - Chicago with a bachelor of science degree as a mechanical engineer.

No military experience.

No prior political experience.

Reason for candidacy: Create a business approach to Gravette City operation, eliminate financial losses

Goals in Office: 1) excellent financial responsibility; 2) Deliver constituency service; 3) Have a vision; 4) Be a professional leader.

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Mike von Ree, 62, resident of Gravette for 18 years 5 months.

Married to Susan von-Ree, with six children and seven grandchildren.

Retire fromHughes Aircraft Co., Los Angeles.

Partnered with wife in business, Wizard’s Works-Signs, Banners, Trophies & Awards.

Graduated from high school in Henderson, Nev., and received additional classes and training from Southern Nevada Vocational/Technical School - electronics certification, El Camino Junior College, Torrance, Calif., Sherwood Oaks Experimental College, Hollywood, Calif. - sound engineering; NTI, Springdale, computer repair.

No military experience.

Currently serving as recorder/treasurer for the city of Gravette. Served on the Gravette City Council for 10 years. Appointed to the Gravette Planning Commission and serve as chairman. Also served as Gravette Historical Museum, treasurer; Gravette Cemetery Commission, chairman; Spavinaw Literacy Council, president; Care and Share, president; Care and Share, treasurer; Gravette Kiwanis Club, past president and secretary; Gravette Masonic Lodge, treasurer, Master Mason.

Ran for mayor but failed in 2006.

Reason for candidacy: I have worked for the city of Gravette in various capacities for over 16 years. I want to continue working with the city and help build our community and make it prosper while maintaining our “Hometown” atmosphere.

Goals in office: Attract retail business to the city and build our tax base; Attract new residents to the city; Proceed with the sewer upgrade project at the lowest possible cost to the citizens; Create a balanced budget and stay within its limits; Provide maximum recreational services to the community while staying within budgetary limits; and Insure that all city departments and employees work as a team to provide the highest level of professional services.

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Alderman Byron Warren, 37, resident of Gravette more than 17 years.

Married to Tracy Warren, with one child.

Employed as a firefighter/ captain for the city of Siloam Springs and 11 years as substitute teacher for Gravette Public Schools.

Attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.

No military experience.

Currently serving as alderman in the city of Gravette.

Appointed chairman of Gravette Council Committee.

Ran for Arkansas House of Representatives in 2008 but failed.

Reason for candidacy: To improve the relationship between the citizens and the administration of city hall with leadership to meet the growing demands that face Gravette.

Goals in Office: To obtain and improve the city's 5-year plan; Lowering our city's debt by cutting wasteful spending; Strengthening and maintaining safety; our police, fire and EMS; Encouraging small business growth and development that will increase our city tax base; and Infrastructure improvements and upgrades to city services and also reopening the city swimming pool.

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HIGHFILL

Stacy Digby, 37, lifetime resident of Highfill.

Married to Tina Digby, with three children.

Employed by Simmons Foods, Inc., of Decaturfor 10 1/2 years.

Graduated from the University of Arkansas with a bachelor of science degree in animal science.

No military esperience.

Current recorder/treasurer for Highfill - appointed and served four years.

Ran for mayor and lost in last election.

Reason for candidacy: I want to give voters a choice this election. I will provide better leadership and make better descisions for the town of Highfill. Previous decisions and commitments will make how city revenues are spent very important.

Goals in Office: I will bring budget in line with expected revenue. I will plan needed road improvement and construction around new budget. I will work toward planned and reasonable growth goals by attracting people and business to a wonderful town we can be proud of. I want to work with the Park Commission to form a long-term plan for park growth and expansion.

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Mayor Chris Holland, 31, resident of Highfill for 31 years.

Engaged with first child due in November.

Employed as a firefighter by the Springdale Fire Department in Springdale.

Graduated from Gentry High School in Gentry.

No military experience.

Serving as mayor of Highfill and previously served two years on the council.

Appointed to the planning commission

Reason for candidacy: To continue to provide the citizens of Highfill small town values while providing big city services as well.

Goals in office: To offer more services to the citizens while maintaing a balanced budget.

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Jack D. Minyard, 60, resident of Highfill for 3 years.

Married to Cheryle Minyard, with two children.

Employed by Georges Inc., Cassville, Mo.

Graduated from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville with bachelor's degree in poultry science.

Served in the U.S. Navy, with a final rank of E5, honorably discharged. No prior political experience.

Reason for candidacy: To return power to the citizens of Highfill.

Goals in Office: To ensure the Community of Highfill meets all expectations of planned expansions and lower town expenses.

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SPRINGTOWN

Clinton "Don" Glenn, 48, resident of Springtown for 2 .

Single, with three children.

Employed by Baldor Electric in Westville, Okla.

Obtained aGED and served in the U.S. Army, with a rank of sergeant, honorably discharged.

No prior political experience.

Reason for candidacy: Be more involved in Community.

Goals in Office: Improve roads, communications and community involvement.

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Mayor Paul Lemke, 56, resident of Springtown for

34 years.

Divorced, with two children.

Self-employed at Arkansas Pet Services i n Springtown.

Graduated from Gentry High School.

Served in the U.S. Navy, with a rank of CM-2 and honorably discharged.

Currently mayor of Springtown. Also served as member of the Springtown City Council.

Reason for candidacy: I want to continue to improve life in Springtown.

Goals in Office: Stop erosion by hard surface streets and improving drainage; Restoration, preservation of our spring water that feeds Flint Creek; and Going after all available grants for infrastructure, public safety and parks.

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SULPHUR SPRINGS

Incumbent Bobby Simon runs unopposed for the mayor's seat in Sulphur Springs.

News, Pages 8 on 10/20/2010