Mayoral candidates offer answers n Candidates Byron Warren and Kurt Maddox speak to issues confronting city of Gravette

Byron Warren
Byron Warren

GRAVETTE -- Two names are on the ballot for the office of mayor in Gravette, incumbent mayor Byron Warren and challenger Kurt Maddox. In order to give voters a chance to hear their positions on a number of issues and gain a better understanding of their backgrounds and qualifications, both candidates were sent a questionnaire and asked to respond to each question in 50 words or less.

The questions asked, as well as the candidates' answers, are reprinted below as submitted by the candidates, unedited for content, grammar or punctuation.

Byron Warren

(incumbent)

  1. Why are you running for the position of mayor in the city of Gravette?

A: With this being my first term as Mayor for Gravette, there is so much more to be accomplished. Such as, following through to the end of the sewer project and continuing working on a 5-year master plan.

  1. What qualifications would you bring to the position?

A: I became an Alderman in 1999 and served until I became Mayor for Gravette in 2011. I currently sit on the Public Safety Advisory Board for the Arkansas Municipal League. I became a certified Municipal League Officers in 2012 and the first in Northwest Arkansas to be certified.

  1. What do you hope to accomplish if elected to serve as mayor of Gravette?

A: The accomplishments for the city will come from the citizens themselves. Working together to beautify not only Main Street but the whole town of Gravette. When the citizens of Gravette come together the accomplishments are endless.

  1. What do you think should be the central focus of the mayor's office?

A: Taking care of the citizens needs by focusing on Economic Development.

  1. How would you differ in your focus and approach to the mayor's office from that of your opponent?

A: I have not heard of any approach from my opponent. All I know is that the citizens of Gravette is and will always be my main focus.

  1. What do you view as the most important issues facing the city of Gravette and how would you address them?

A: Economic Development is one of the most important issues right now. Without businesses in town we cannot maintain our city's infrastructure and growth. Encourage our citizens to shop local and invite new businesses to take a look and see what Gravette has to offer.

  1. How should the city meet federal and state regulations and guidelines relating to the city's wastewater treatment?

A: The city is meeting all state and federal regulations at this time. We are on to the next phase and that is updating our sewer lines to help keep rain water from entering our system and treating it.

  1. With the annexation of the Hiwasse area, how do you propose extending and improving city services to the area?

A: We are maintaining The Hiwasse Community already today with Police, Fire, Road Maintenance, and Trash Service. Centerton water district services the area with water at this time. We will be able to slowly pave roads and as monies permit.

  1. How would you propose to revitalize or make good use of Gravette's Main Street (downtown) business district?

A: As we speak I am building a new Business on Main Street and hope to form a Downtown Business Owners committee to work together and make that dim light on Main Street shine Bright again.

  1. With the construction of the Bella Vista Bypass, how do you propose to promote development of the Bypass area?

A: The area around Hwy 549 will be developed when the land owners decide that for themselves. We will be here for any assistance and make sure we have a streamline system to make any development go smoothly.

  1. How would you promote growth in Gravette?

A: As Mayor I am promoting growth in Gravette on a daily basis.

Talking with vendors and potential developers by showing them around town to what Gravette has to offer.

  1. Under what circumstances would you consider requesting an increase in taxes for city residents?

A: No Circumstance would I consider in increase. When the 3/4cent sales taxes is paid off, the citizens of Gravette should consider continuing the sales tax to better our facilities with possibly a new baseball complex, new civic center or whatever the needs at that time may be.


Kurt Maddox

  1. Why are you running for the position of mayor in the city of Gravette?

I am humbled by the many citizens who've asked me to be the one to guide the city through the strategic process that will help the city of Gravette reach its full potential. I will bring to the current city budget the same guidance I offered while on city council during the worst recession we've seen since the great depression, that helped take the city from a negative general account balance each month to a positive one.

  1. What qualifications would you bring to the position?

I am uniquely qualified, having an MBA and a Masters in Leadership and Ethics from John Brown University, the education needed to work with all aspects of the city. Having owned a business with dozens of employees for 27 years gives me the ability to work with, and understand the in and outs of working with employees and constituents with an attitude of servant leadership. That, with my two terms as a city councilman gives me the ability to step in on day one working for the citizens.

  1. What do you hope to accomplish if elected to serve as mayor of Gravette?

I'll develop a professional strategic plan focused on infrastructure needs that is central to the budget process. The current administration after 4 years does not have a long term plan. A plan is crucial to the process, gives us a guide for us to work from, and increases the visibility/respectability that is needed in order to attract young families and new businesses.

  1. What do you think should be the central focus of the mayor's office?

To operate government with simplicity, transparency, efficiency, and an attitude of service in mind; as well as identifying/pursuing projects that increase the quality of life for all.

  1. How would you differ in your focus and approach to the mayor's office from that of your opponent?

Vastly. Professional, results-driven strategies are necessary in order to lead Gravette into its next chapter. Things are rapidly changing in NW Arkansas and we can absolutely do better preparing for the next generation. I want to limit government overreach while focusing on responsible, family friendly initiatives that will impress and inspire.

  1. What do you view as the most important issues facing the city of Gravette and how would you address them?

I'm proud of Gravette! As a professional in the private sector and someone who has always been interested in being involved in improving any level of government, I am always analyzing and looking for an increase in efficiency. Problem one is the unsustainable spending trend and unprofessional, untimely reporting as mentioned in last week's paper. The council has to devote too much of their time disseminating and often correcting the reports. I'm convinced they can more proactively plan and then act when they have correct/timely information at their disposal.

  1. How should the city meet federal and state regulations and guidelines relating to the city's wastewater treatment?

I was part of the council that voted to start this current project, which has saved the city millions of dollars. Looking forward, we need to cooperate with authorities, create strategic upgrade plans, and save up! It's a dirty, complicated job that requires innovative thinking. In fact, innovation can never stop as related to all aspects of our infrastructure.

  1. With the annexation of the Hiwasse area, how do you propose extending and improving city services to the area?

Slowly, and with sensitivity to the fact that residents choose Hiwasse to live because of its current rural feel. The annex happened and it presents opportunities for all, as well as big responsibilities. It will be the next administration's responsibility to make sure the people of Hiwasse know they are an important part of the future of Gravette.

  1. How would you propose to revitalize or make good use of Gravette's Main Street (downtown) business district?

There are beautification/accessibility projects to consider and grants available that we must look into, and that I will be happy to pursue. You'll remember, Mayor Warren was instrumental in moving City offices off Main Street, and in liquidating properties that could have been cornerstone projects. This was a mistake. Government can help accommodate through infrastructure improvements and by example, but entrepreneurs must take it from there.

  1. With the construction of the Bella Vista ByPass, how do you propose to promote development of the ByPass area?

Actively planning for significant development in this area solely because of the highway is likely a bit premature. However, well thought out, practical and thoroughly vetted long-term land use plans, with the help of the citizens of the Hiwasse area, that includes accessibility to utilities and other basic infrastructure necessities is a way to start.

  1. How would you promote growth in Gravette?

Cities don't directly create jobs, entrepreneurs and business owners do. A city sets the stage so that growth can happen, by focusing on how we can improve the quality of life for all citizens. From the moment one drives into town and orders lunch at the local diner or visits a loved one in the hospital, I want there to be no doubt they are in a safe, peaceful, beautiful, and welcoming community.

  1. Under what circumstances would you consider requesting an increase in taxes for city residents?

Having extensive experience with disseminating and understanding budgets, including the current Gravette city budget, I see no reason to ask the citizens for any new tax increases. The best way to increase cash flow is to make sure spending is under control and insure that Gravette is a place where people want to spend their money.

General News on 10/22/2014