Many running for clerk, treasurer's post

Now that Gentry's clerk position became full-time, six are seeking the job

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

GENTRY

Johnetta Bilby, 60, resident of Gentry for 59 years.

Married to Leroy Bilby with two children and two stepchildren.

Employed as treasurer/ clerk/secretary at Gentry First Baptist Church for 20 years.

Holds an accounting degree from a business college in Tulsa, Okla.

No military service and no political experience.

Reason for candidacy: I feel that this is what I am being called to do.

Goals in Office: I love serving people and want to provide a friendly, professional atmosphere for our citizens to come to when they need city services and provide quick, easy access to public records. I will also work toward upgrading computer programs and cross training of employees to assure that all city offices are adequately staffed during regular office hours.

Cindy Edwards, 47, resident of Gentry for 6 1/2 years.

Married to Dennis Edwards, with one child.

Housewife.

Attended Pleasant Plains High,Ill., with a GED.

No military service and no political experience.

Reason for candidacy: To get more involved in our town.

Goals in Office: Anything it takes to do what needs to be done.

Kristin Norman-Ferguson, 28, resident of Gentryfor 24 years.

Married to Jeremy Ferguson, with three children.

Home maker. Graduated from Gentry High School.

Certified veterinary assistant through program of study at Petra Allied Health in Springdale.

No military service or political experience.

Reason for candidacy: Maintain a full work week and to be a public servant to citizens.

Goals in Office: To implement new ideas and to help the employees that work for the city of Gentry, and also to make it better for the current citizens and incoming citizens.

Karen Land, 50, resident of Gentry for 23 years.

Married to Tom Land, with two children.

Employed by Gentry Family Dentistry.

Graduated from Gravette High School.

No military service and no political experience.

Reason for candidacy: The Gentry city clerk's position recently became an elected position, approximately three years ago. Excellent opportunity for a great job. I have worked20 years for Gentry Family Dentistry, 15 of those years as office manager. My experience includes detailed book keeping, customer service in the manner of phone calls and personal contact on a daily basis. Discuss issues between doctor, patients and insurance companies. Very strong customer relation skills, approachable and multi-task daily. Adaptable, flexible and maintain confidentiality at all times.

Goals in Office: To look for ways to run the City Clerk Department more efficient and up to date. And better communication to town people, city council and mayor. It would be an honor to be elected city clerk for Gentry.

City Clerk Jo Ellen Martin, 56, resident of Gentryfor 30 years.

Married 34 years to Richard Martin, with three children and two grandchildren.

Employed by the city of Gentry as city clerk.

Three years college, International Institute of Municipal Clerks continuing education, Community Development Institute

Attended Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, for 3 years. Also attended University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, and University of Central Arkansas, Conway. Master Municipal Clerk Designation and one year from completing Certification Institute as a certified community developer.

No military service.

Political Experience: Currently city clerk for the city of Gentry, previously served on school board for Gentry Public Schools. Appointed treasurer for the city of Gentry, secretary for the Planning and Zoning Commission.

No failed election attempts.

Reason for candidacy: For over 16 years I have served the city of Gentry and the citizens of thiscommunity as what is now the city clerk/treasurer position. I would like to continue to use the knowledge and expertise that I have obtained to continue to do this job and do it well. I have worked hard to learn the fundamentals of this position with continuing education, workshops and online courses, working faithfully in keeping abreast of new and changing laws to be assured that the City stays current on all changes and that it does not experience problems.

Goals in Office: The city clerk/treasurer is very important to the city of Gentry as the position itself is first and foremost the chief financial officer for the City. It is imperative that you keep current with all federal, state and local statutes, laws andregulations according to government accounting standards. The city clerk position is an integral part of the interworkings of the City and it is important that all aspects of this position function cohesively with all departments of the City as well as with the citizens of Gentry.

My goals are to continue to: Maintain the honesty and integrity that this position requires; To remain knowledgeable and upto-date on all matters that pertain to my position as the city clerk/treasurer; To do my job in a manner that has given the city of Gentry clear and concise audits throughout my 16 years with the City; To bring the City to the citizens by working with the City Council to put the codes and ordinances, minutes and agendas online and to keep the webpage currentand up-to-date; To remain active in my community outside of my city position - whether it be as a member of the Gentry High School Alumni Association or volunteering with Main Street Gentry Chamber of Commerce or involvement in church and civic organizations; To remember that this position is not just a job - it is a service to this community, the City and tothe people who call Gentry their home. Community is what this City depends on and service to this community keeps it alive and thriving! My primary goal is to do what is right and what is legal in all City matters as well as in my personal life. I may not always tell someone what they want to hear but I will tell them the truth because I believe honesty is what people want and expect, and they will respect you for it. I believe that the citizens of Gentry have observed for the past 16 years that I have maintained this office in an exemplary manner and that this office runs smoothly.

Tamela J. Weeks, 54, in Gentry School District for 41 years and resident of city of Gentry for seven years.

Married to Craig Weeks, with six children.

Employed by Simmons Pet Food in Siloam Springs.

Graduated from Gentry High School.

No military service or political experience.

Reason for candidacy: I am running for city clerk for several reasons. I guess the most obvious would be that it is a good job, pays well and is close to my home. I am also highly qualified for this position. I have over 25 years of clerical experience, including payroll, accounts payable/receivable and accounting. I am skilled in Excell, Microsoft Word, and other computer programs. And finally, I just love Gentry. I love the people, the businesses, the schools and town in general. My grandparents and my parents shopped and did business here. My siblings and I all attended school here, as did all of my children. I attended church services here. Gentry is my hometown. I possess allthe skills to do a superior job and I would find it an honor and a pleasure to use those skills in working for the people of Gentry.

Goals in Office: If elected, my goal would be to provide fast, friendly and accurate service to the people of Gentry, to successfully fulfill all the duties of the position and to help Gentry continue to be a friendly, prosperous and successful community.

HIGHFILL Recorder/Treasurer

Tina Digby, 39, resident of Highfill for six years.

Married to Stacy Digby, with three children.

Employed by Vantine & Barrett CPA’s in Rogers.

Holds a bachelor’s degree in accountingfrom NSU in Tahlequah, Okla.

Served in the Air Force, with a final rank of Sr. Airman, honorably discharged.

No political experience.

Reason for candidacy: Take an active part in my community.

Goals in Office: To do the best job I can.

Stacie Williamson, 37, resident of Highfill for 37 years.

Married to David Williamson, with two children.

Employed by the city of Highfill.

Graduatedfrom Gentry High School and took one year of college.

No military service.

Currently serving on the Highfill Planning Commission.

No failed election attempts.

Goals in Office: Hoping to help the City of Highfill grow.

SPRINGTOWN

Running unopposed for Springtown treasurer/recorder is incumbent Janet P. Cox.

News, Pages 5 on 10/27/2010