DECATUR

There are two contested alderman races in Decatur, both in Ward 3: Position 1

Dona Jennings, 42, of Decatur, single, with four children.

Jennings is employed by Peterson Farms, Inc., at Decatur General No Photo Store in De- Provided catur

Reason for Candidacy: To be more involved in our community.

Goals in office: To be a voice for the residents of our community.

David W. Sutton, 38, resident of Decatur for four years.

Married to Magdalena Sutton, with two children.

Employed as humanresources manager for Simmons Foods, Inc., in Decatur.

Graduated from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Okla., with a bachelor of science degree.

No military service.

Political Experience: Currently Alderman, Ward 3, Section 1. Appointed to Alderman post.

Reason for candidacy: To continue serving the people of Decatur and be a strong advocate for the needs of the community.

Goals in Office: To be involved with the growth and beautification of Decatur through faith, hard work and personal responsibility.

Position 2

Raegena D. Davis, 36, resident of Decatur forall her life but about 5 years when she and her husband lived in Tulsa, Okla.

Married to Jake Davis for 13 yearswith two children.

Currently a stay at home mom which allows her to be more active with her children and their school activities.

Graduated from Decatur High School, salutatorian of her graduating class.

No military service.

Current alderman for Ward 3, Position 2 and has held this position for several years.

Reason for Candidacy: I am running for this office again because I feel with my previous experience in municipal government -for six years - that I bring insight to the council on how it feels to be on both sides of the table as an employee and a council member. I also want the city of Decatur to move forward in a positive and honest direction.

Goals in Office: My goals in office are to serve the citizens and employees of the city of Decatur in an honest and trustworthy fashion and to help the city move forward by making the best informed decisions that I can so the city can succeed.

Nan McClain, 52, resident of Decatur for 29 1/2 years.

Three children and twograndchildren.

Disabled.

Graduated from Gentry High School.

No militaryservice or political experience.

Reason for candidacy: I've lived in Decatur almost 30 years and covered city council meetings for 10 years while working for the local newspaper. I believe the citizens of our community should always be listened to when our local government is spending their tax dollars. As a member of Decatur's city council I want to make sure the citizens’ perspective is heard - not just the opinion of each council member.

Goals in Office: 1. To follow the city's spending of its budget as if it were my own dollars and cents; 2. To take into account the opinions of the citizens of Decatur; 3. To help develop ideas for future growth in our community.

Decatur alderman candidates running unopposed are: Sandra Duncan - Ward 1, Position 1; Gina Holt, Ward 1, Position 2; James Jessen, Ward 2, Position 1; and Edward Lapham, III, Ward 2, Position 2.

GENTRY

There are three contested alderman races in Gentry.

Ward 1, Position 2

Jim Furgason, 64, resident of Gentry for 25 years.

Married to Cheryl Furgason for 40 years, with two children.

Employedat McKee Foods, Inc., at the Gentry plant.

Has a bachelor’s degree with post-graduate work.

Served in U.S. Air Force from Oct. 1966 through Apr. 1974 (Viet Nam era.)

Served on the Gentry School Board and as city alderman.

I believe the experience I have in finances and business is needed on the several city council committees that I currently serve on. Many communities in Arkansas are confronted with serious financial problems while our city is solvent due to the conservative budgeting that I have been a strong proponent of as an active member on the finance committee for several years. The issues that are brought to the city council need to be studied and reviewed with a thorough consideration of the futureimpact on our businesses and community. This is a time for mature and experienced individuals who are willing to take the time that is needed to do the business the citizens elect them to do. I believe that transparency is essential for all of the city’s business and the city council must be open to all inquiries and be responsive to the community needs. We have made great strides in making this a quality community, a place that people call home and businesses see opportunities to come and grow. I wish to continue to work with the city leadership to improve our infrastructure of better streets for our residents. Progress is being made, but it must be planned and worked to continue in our current tight financial environment. As our town continues to grow, we must concern ourselves with the treatment of our waste water. We cannot wait to the last minute for this planning as costs increase and the central government has stricter requirements. Now that we are an “Official Tree City” I believe we must provide our citizens a means to have the tree limbs and yard debris collected on a regular schedule and not just after an ice storm.Many needs come before the city, each with valid reasons. We must prioritize, select and then plan for these and not react. I have that experience and hope to continue to serve the community.

Jim Kooistra, 63, resident of Gentry for 24 years.

Married to Jayne Kooistra, with two children and three grandchildren.

Self-employed as ArchitectsIncorporated in Gentry.

Completed the fifth year of the professional degree in architecture at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, with a bachelor of architecture degree.

No military service.

Currently serves on the Gentry Planning Commission. Previously an alderman in Gentry from 2007-2008.

Reason for candidacy: I would like to serve as an alderman so that I can contribute to the development and growth of our community as a means to thank the city for its support of my small business as an architect. After previously serving a two year term as an alderman/city council member in 2007-2008, I have missed "The It" of government. Due to the economy and my age, I now have more time to serve my community inthis capacity.

Goals in Office: My main goal is to keep the growth of Gentry moving ahead in a smooth and steady course with both good and sound short-range priorities and long-range priority planning. I am known as a person that thinks “outside the box” but am a diligent researcher of whatever issue is currently at hand and how it would also effect the future. I would serve a listening ear to all sides before taking action. My decision making on issues would be based on the overall review of the issue and how it would affect the community's present and also its future.

Rob Holland, 32, resident of Gentry for 10 months.

Married to Stephanie Holland, with one child.

Employed as the firemarshal and building inspector for the Town of Highfill.

Graduated fromGentry High School, with some college.

No military service.

Currently a Benton County Fire Protection Association trustee, also appointed to Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning.

Reason for candidacy: To bring new ideas for development, growth and the future for Gentry.

Goals in Office: To continue to improve the services that Gentry provides to the citizens and prepare for the future of Gentry.

Warren "Bud" Norman, 51, resident of Gentry for25 years.

Married to Peggy Norman, with one child.

Employed asanimal shelter manager for the city of Rogers.

Currently attending college to obtain bachelor’s degree in business. Graduated from high school in Parker, Ariz.

No military service.

Held office on the board of directors for Arkansas Animal Control, one year apppointment.

One failed election attempt.

Reason for candidacy: Be a voice for the citizens.

Goals in Office: Research and find the best answers for the problems we have in our city.

Christi Trammell, 32, resident of Gentry for 12 years.

Married to Jeff Trammell, with two children.

Employed as a projectmanager for R&R Solutions in Gravette.

Thirtythree hours of college at Northwest Arkansas Community College.

No military service.

Appointed to the Parks and Recreation Committee.

Reason for candidacy: As I was trying to put words together to explain my reason for running for City Council the old phrase, “If you want something done, you have to do it yourself” came to mind. I am running for City Council to be an advocate for the citizens of Gentry, plain and simple.

Goals in Office: Improve the water systems for the community which will in turn lower our ISO fire rating and lower our homeowners’ insurance. I would also like to see continued improvement with our streets and drainage as well as our parks and green spaces. Look for funding opportunities to provide our police department with a much needed,more secure facility. It is my number one goal to bridge the communication gap between the City Council and the citizens of Gentry.

Ward 4, Position 2

Katrina L. Cryer, 26, resident of Gentry for five years.

Married to Kevin Cryer, with one child.

Employed by Boyce andBynum Pathology Lab in Johnson.

Attended Keiser College and received phlebotomy certification.

Reason for candidacy: To bring a fresh perspective to issues facing our community.

Goals in office: My main goal will be to use communicaton with citizens and business owners to make level-headed decisions and form realistic approaches to community issues. I believe that everyone should have a voice, so I want to make myself personally available for questions or problems you as citizens may be facing.

Janie Parks, 53, resident of Gentry for 35 years.

Married to Mike Parks, with three children and three grandchildren.

Employed at Parks Lumber Co. in Gentry.

Four years of college plus continuing education at ArkansasTech University, Russellville; University of Arizona at Tempe, Ariz. (School of Respiratory Therapy); University of Central Arkansas Center for Community Development, Conway; holds associate of science degree in medical assistance and a state license in respiratory therapy.

Serving second term as alderman for the city of Gentry. Appointed to Gentry Park Commission, Street and Alley Committee, Cemetery Committee, and served in the past on the Fire Committee.

Reason for candidacy: I have always loved Gentry and its people. I have enjoyed the last four years being on the council. We have accomplished many things and improved the lives of our citizens. I think there are many more opportunities to improve the quality of life in Gentry. My experience as a business owner gives me a unique perspective on the operation of the city. I have completed two years of a three-year program at the University of Central Arkansas Community Development Center. This valuable education is a great benefit to the city for future projects, grant writing, new business recruitment and present business growth. I am the current president of the Gentry Chamber of Commerce and past president of the Gentry United Way.I am also a part of Winrock International’s Rural Capacity Building Workshops for the last several years working to bring our city more opportunities.

Goals: I would like to continue our work on the city parks. We have the opportunity to develop new areas for park expansion. 2. I think that it is very important that we work on a five-year plan for major street and drainage improvements. 3. I think that it is important to address future sewer requirements for the city. We need to make sure we have adequate sewer available to encourage future growth either residential, commercial or industrial. We need to keep working to improve water pressure and waterline extensions. I would like to see our city become more businessfriendly. Our business community is the motor that drives this city. We need to do everything we can to encourage our local businesses and recruit new businesses. 5. My goal is to make Gentry a place that our citizens are proud to call home.

Running unopposed for the Ward 3, Position 2 post is Todd Wagner.

Jay Williams, current city attorney, is running unopposed for another term as city attorney.

GRAVETTE

There are three contested alderman races in Gravette.

Ward 1, Position 1

Joseph Carter, 30, resident of Gravette for nineyears.

Married to Amber Carter, with three children.

Employed as atruck driver for Walmart PMDC.

Completed high school at Haskell High School and Arkansas High School.

No military service and no political experience.

Reason for candidacy: To help push Gravette in the right direction.

Goals in Office: Focus on city’s budget, create more youth programs, listen to residents in my ward and help with resolving issues.

Jimmy Denver, 44, resident of Gravette for 12 years this time.

Married to Angie Denver, with two children.

Employed at Walmartin Bentonville for 26 years.

Graduated from Rogers High School.

No military service. Served on Gravette City Council for four years. Appointed to the Planning Commission. Failed in an election attempt for mayor of Gravette in 2006.

Reason for candidacy: If given a chance from the voters, I would like to think that I can bring my four years of past experience to the council to try and restore their confidence in the city government. I am eager to tackle the tough issues facing the council and will do my homework, take input and follow current laws.

Goals in Office: 1. To try and restore the perception of the lack of faith in city government. 2. Tackle the tough financial issues in this economical time. This will involve separating the wants and needs from each department and supplying those needs with the limited tax revenue available. 3. To curb the drive for forced annexation and redirect future growth, if any, through voluntary annexation.

Ward 1, Position 2

Chia Greer, 86, residentof Gravette for seven years.

Widowed, with one child.

Retired.

AttendedCollege, Eastman School of Music and Washington Conservatory of Music, located in Rochester, N.Y.; New York; Washington D.C.

No military service and no political experience, but much experience in community service.

Reason for candidacy: Interested in helping the Gravette community.

David L. Shields, 71, resident of Gravette for 35 years, divorced, with fourchildren.

Self-employed in Gravette.

Attended through grade 11 in Gravette.

No military service.

Served one 2-year term as Gravette alderman.

Reason for candidacy: Find a solution the people can afford with the wastewater problem - no new tax - get pool open.

Melissa S. Smith, 35,resident of Gravette for 16 years.

Married to David Smith with three children.

Employedfull-time at NorthWest Arkansas Community College in Bentonville.

Earned 2-year degree plus certificates - AGS in business administration and two certificates in environmental and regulatory science from North-West Arkansas Community College in Bentonville.

No military service.

Previously served on the Gravette Planning Commission.

Reason for candidacy: To be able to give something back to the community where my family lives.

Goals in Office: I would use my education and experience to serve the city of Gravette in whatever task is at hand.

Ward 2, Position 1

John Rambadt, 41, resident of Gravette for eight years.

Married to Amy Rambadt, with three children

Employed at R&R Solutions in Gravette.

Attended three years of college at Sioux Center, Iowa.

Military Service: Army, rank E-4 with honorable discharge.

Previously served on theGravette City Council

Reason for candidacy: To add positive financial accountability.

Goals in Office: To help the city obtain a vision for growth and security.

Forrest White, 70, resident of Gravette for five years.

Divorced with one child.

Retired.

One year of college in

Military Service: Army, rank of SP4.

Serves on the Gravette City Council - appointed in March of 2010 - and has served on the Library Commission.

Goals in Office: Reopen swimming pool - keep Gravette great.

Also running for alderman seats in Gravette but unopposed are: Larry Stidham - Ward 2, Position 2; Bill Howard - Ward 3, Position 1; and Tina Crose - Ward 3, Position 2.

HIGHFILL

Four of the five alderman races are contested in Highfill.

Position 2

Richard A. Boles, 57, resident of Highfill for 5 1/2 years.

Married to Carol Boles, with two children.

Self-employed withOzark Embalming Service, Inc.

Associate’s degree from Dallas Institute of Funeral Service.

Military Service in the Army as a door gunner/ crew chief UH-1, in Vietnam from 1971-1972

Goals in Office: Reduce spending, increase cash reserves (substantially), find a solution to utilize the new sewer system more cost effectively, reduce debt, and to continue to make decisions based on logic and facts.

Ryan Lee Evans, 32, resident of Highfill for 12 years.

Single, with no children.

Employed at McKee Foods in Gentry.

Graduated from Gentry High School.

No military service orpolitical experience.

Reason for candidacy: I want to help the citizens of Highfill and the town of Highfill as it grows into a beautiful city.

Goals in office: To provide the citizens and visitors of Highfill the most enjoyable experience where they would want to raise a family and have a business, while providing that hometown feeling that Highfill provides.

Position 3

Paula K. Pautsky, 55, lifelong resident of Highfill area and Highfill resident for eight years.

Single, with no children.

Retired, previously employed by Dr. John R. Bland’s and Dr. JeffL Erickson’s dental office for approximately 31 years. Approximately 25 of those years was in office management.

Graduated from Bentonville High School.

No military service or political experience.

Reason for candidacy: This is my home and I care about the city and its citizens.

Goals in Office: Listening and helping to make the best decisions for the future of Highfill.

Alderman Keven D. Varner, 47, resident of Highfillfor 35 years.

Married to Mary Varner, with four children and three grandchildren.

Owner of Back Forty Restaurant in West Siloam Springs, Okla.

Graduate of Bentonville High School and licensed master electrician

No military service listed.

Current alderman and served previously as alderman. Appointed alderman and mayor

Reason for candidacy: To continue serving my community and representing the concerns of its residents.

Goals in office: My goals are to ensure responsible government, curb excess spending and facilitate healthy growth in our community.

Position 4

Adam Folger, 32, resident of Highfill for six years.

Single, with one child.

Employed by Cox Communications in Bentonville.

Graduated from Gentry High School.

Reason for candidacy: I want to get into office and do what is best for the people of the cityand the city itself.

Goals in office: I want to see more roads paved. I want all the citizens to come and let the council know what they would like to see done in the city. I would like to get more businesses in the city and get more revenue to help the city grow.

Alderman Michelle Rieff, 47, resident of Highfill for 23 years.

Employed by Bentonville Public Schools as a counselor

Master’s degree in counseling education from John Brown University in Siloam Springs; bachelor’s degree from University of Arkansas inFayetteville; and associate’s degree from Northeastern Oklahoma A & M College in Miami, Okla.

No military service.

Currently serving as alderman for city of Highfill.

Leadership Experience: President - American Angus Auxiliary 2009; State Director - Ark. Jr. Cattlemen's Association; Main Leader - Town and Country 4-H Club; Former Board Chairman - Helen R. Walton Children's Center; Former Board Chairman - Benton County Transitional Employment Assistance Coalition.

Reason for candidacy: Interest in the success of the community where I live as well as a desire to serve.

Goals in Office: To enhance growth and prosperity of Highfill while preserving the rural agricultural heritage of the community.

Position 5

Alderman Sandy J. Evans, 50, resident of Highfill for about 18 years.

Married to Rusty N. Evans, with two children.

Associate’s degree in applied science in forestryand wildlife from the University of Minnesota at Crookston.

No military service.Currently serving as alderman, Position 5, for the town of Highfill. Serve on the Water and Sewer Committees and the Park Committee for the town of Highfill.

One failed election attempt.

Reason for candidacy: Want to help community.

Goals in Office: To get enough money back in cash managment to support one year’s budget.

Misty Insco (no response).

Running unopposed for Position 1 is incumbent Toby Lester.

SPRINGTOWN

Running unopposed for alderman posts in the city of Springtown are: Don Earley - Position 1; Marvin Riley - Position 2; Amanda Richardson - Position 3;

Kay Taylor - Position 4;

and Lisa Lawrence - Position 5.

SULPHUR SPRINGS

There is one contested race for alderman in Sulphur Springs, for Ward 2, Position 2.

William Hopkins, 41, resident of Sulphur Springs for 11 years.

Married to Mary Beth Hopkins, with three children.

Employed by SimmonsFoods in Decatur.

Graduated from high school in Palmdale, Calif.

Trained as a mechanic

No militaryservice.

Currently serving as alderman.

Reason for candidacy: Return to common sense.

Goals in Office: For the people.

Bill Medley of Sulphur Springs did not complete the questionnaire but submitted instead a campaign brochure in which he stated his goals as re-establishing trade, revitalizing depressed properties, seeking relationships with other government entities and seekinggrants, opening a medical clinic in the city, havingan ambulance based there, training police and fire departments and capitalizing on the city’s park by making improvements to it.

Running unopposed for alderman posts are: Earlynda Kay Hartley - Ward 1, Position 1; Martha Kreder - Ward 1, Position 2; Deb Murphy - Ward 2, Position 1; Lynnette Struble - Ward 3, Position 1; and Sherman Buckley - Ward 3, Position 2.

News, Pages 9 on 10/27/2010