Mayor-elect Lioneld Jordan chairs Tuesday's agenda-setting session preparing for his first meeting as mayor on January 6, 2009

Please click on image to ENLARGE view of Lioneld Jordan chairing meeting of the city council to set agenda for its January 6 meeting. Jordan has served as vice-mayor and chaired many meetings the past few years. Next Tuesday will be his first as mayor. Jordan is to be sworn in Friday morning at the Washington County Courthouse.
Please see Jeff Erf's Web log for the tentative agenda for the Jan. 6 meeting at Tentative agenda for Jan. 6, 2009, city council meeting

For the final agenda, check the same link Friday or Monday or go to Final agenda for Jan. 6, 2009, city council meeting for the agenda and link for live web streaming on Tuesday.
Below the photo, please find final report on campaign spending including the runoff from The Morning News edition for Wednesday, December 31, 2008.



The Morning News

Local News for Northwest Arkansas


Coody Outspends Jordan In Mayoral Race

By Skip Descant
THE MORNING NEWS
FAYETTEVILLE -- Fayetteville Mayor Dan Coody raised more money for his re-election bid than his opponent Lioneld Jordan. The incumbent mayor raised $87,375 -- and $12,464 was his own money that he lent the campaign.

But it was not enough. Coody lost his bid for a third term to Jordan, a two-term city councilman who raised $49,615. Final campaign finance reports were due Tuesday.

Jordan won the 2008 mayoral race in a runoff, capturing 57 percent of the vote to Coody's 43 percent.

"It's got to make you feel good when you raise $50,000 and your opponent raises nearly $90,000 and you win by about 14 percentage points," Jordan said Tuesday.

All told, the 2008 mayoral race picked up $200,857 in contributions. Steve Clark, a former state attorney general and the new president of the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce, picked up $46,214 in contributions. More than $11,000 was a loan to his campaign made by Clark and his wife.

In Coody's final report, which spans Nov. 14 to Dec. 6, he accumulated $14,205 in contributions, much of it from developer interests. For example, Ruskin Heights LLC gave $1,200. Nock Investments contributed $1,000.

"The business community was supportive of my campaign. They recognize that I recognize the importance of a strong business base," Coody said Tuesday.

Jordan's final report, which spans Nov. 16 through Dec. 26, shows $8,000 of his final $10,131 in contributions came from union organizations such as the American Federation of State and Municipal Employees or the International Association of Fire Fighters. All told, union organizations contributed $12,099 to Jordan's mayoral campaign. But unions notwithstanding, the bulk of Jordan's contributions came from local residents.

"It was just a huge diverse group and it was an amazing campaign," Jordan said.

And ultimately, the challenger rallies the troops, Coody said.

"Unhappy people always go vote," he said. "And Lioneld had a broad base of support. And my supporters were happy."

With sizable amounts of money being spent in the last leg of the election --$19,169 going toward television, newspaper and radio advertising -- and other expenses, Coody's campaign ended in the red, owing $11,416.

Jordan closed his campaign with $2,951 still in the bank.

Three-hour public-listening session fills Chamber of Commerce meeting room early with small groups toward noon

Transition team committee Dec. 29, 2008, NWAT

Please click on image to ENLARGE view of Linda Ralston (from left), Michelle Halsell and James Phillips facing the camera, with Cindy Cope at right and Julie McQuade facing the table. Not pictured were Jeff Erf and Walt Eilers (chairman of the Jordan mayoral transition teams' communition subcommittee).

Mayoral Transition Task Force communication subcommittee holds final public hearing January 13

Please announce:

The Transition Task Force Communication Subcommittee holds its concluding open public
hearing Tuesday, January 13 from 6:30 to 8 PM.

This 90 minute open hearing will be held in the Council Chamber (City Hall 219). The
hearing will be broadcast live on the Government Channel (Channel 16).

It will feature live public input for those attending and both a call in or an email
option for those viewing from home.

The contact information for the live call-in open hearing is:

Live Call-In 575-8299

Live Email: GOVERNMENTCHANNEL@YAHOO.COM

For more information please contact Transition Team Chair – Don Marr 479-236-1739 or the
Communications Sub-Committee Chair Walt Eilers at 479-582-0784

Jordan mayoral-transition committee sets public-input session for Monday

Northwest Arkansas Times preview of transition team's input session

In a brief meeting the
FayetteviNe Housing Authority
today approved a basic
feasibility study for The Old
Post Office Building on the
square.
The study to be performs
by McBryde, Crisp am
Associates, a local iiidustria
engineering concern, will in
chide alternate use, preliminary
design and cost estimates.
The unanimous decision carrn
arier Chad Kumpe, executive
director, reported the study I:
being done to find out what "wi
have in Hie building, *md wha
it would take to convert ini
alternate use." The study wii
not be restricted to one idea
We need to have some alter
nates in-Ue event the city do.
not have the money fo conver
the building into just city
ftccs," Kumpc said.
, Kumpe said that one of th
most expensive propositions
necessary for use as a bnildin
for cily offices is filling o
a floor in the 17-fool lobby
which might not be nccessar
if an alternate use was plannc<
He said that estimates I
convert the building to a lull
used office building are
excess of $300,MO.
NO OFFICIAL REPORTS
;Kumpe said that no offici
reports have been received b
the city but discussions \
City Manager Don Grime
indicated he (Grimes) won'
like.to sec proposes for oth<
uses as conversion will 1
expensive, the city has r
money now, and expansion \v.
make the building iradequa
in a relatively short period
time for city offices.
Mayor Marion Or ton, wi
was prescn\, said a riccisi<
could he made Itater. but
seems reasonable to
alternate uses studied.
Kumpc pointed out
feasibility study is the type
study any investor would ma!
arid the cost of the study, s
at $5,600. will be added to t
purchase price.
The post office building w
scheduled to be turned over
the'City when Urban Rene
is- phased out at the end
this year. __

Please click on image to ENLARGE.

Environmental effects of trail-building in Fayetteville, Arkansas, must take precedence over convenience

The spots on Skull Creek I photographed and posted online at the time of the trail celebration during the past year are especially bad. And the Walker Park trail built a couple of years ago and just about every stretch of trail in town has poster sites for stupid building practices and inappropriate site selection.
>
> The problem is simple. Developers who donate or owners who sell land to the city for trails must provide a wide enough swath to stay out of the riparian area.
>
> The tree canopy must protect the water from sunlight and the tree roots and other vegetation must prevent erosion and siltation. There is no simple rule such as staying 50 or 100 feet from the stream bank. In some places, no clearing or soil replacement with red dirt for the trail base should be allowed within 1,000 feet of the stream.
>
The city has been building trails without environmental protection being taken into account. We can't rip out what has been done but we can work to change policy and see that the planning includes the protection of the stream corridor.

The reason the land is available is that it is close to the streams and, in many cases, not only in the recognized flood plain but in the frequent overflow area of the stream. The tree-protection rules have been totally ignored in most areas.

Coody was desperately courting bicyclists and joggers and such to support him by creating fear that the trail-building would end without him. He NEVER acknowledged the environmental mistakes his trail builders made or talked about acquiring wider strips for the trails or requiring the staff to plan and build with the stream's health in mind.

Revision of the ordinances related to the trails may be necessary to improve the situation. Reportedly, the ordinance requires following stream corridors. The result is that the continuous green corridors along the streams is destroyed in the process. Meanwhile, the city has touted the green valley and the green-infrastructure project is trying to find places to protect.

Thanks to one member of the Environmental Concerns, a couple of years ago pushing and pushing, the council passed a resolution to protect riparian zones. ZERO changes have occurred in any category of city planning as a result of that. But at least a few times when speaking to the council I have been able to cite that resolution in my arguments.

I can show you a lot of spots to illustrate these problems in an hour of driving around the city and taking very short walks.

Bruce Shackleford offers view of inadvisability of rerouting Arkansas 112 across Hoskins' wetland

I am not sure about all of the particulars of property lines associated with the proposed 112 reroute, nor have I ever seen the proposed alignment of the 112 reroute, but I do know that the majority of the property near Clabber Creek between Highway 112 and Dean Solomon Road is existing and/or former wetland prairie. The distance between 112 and Dean Solomon is approximately 3,300 linear feet.

One of our WSIP sewer lines extends along the north side of Clabber Creek in this area and borders the southern edge of the Park West property. Prairies/wetlands are not the only concerns/considerations in the decision-making process for the 112 reroute. There are other matters to think about, that may create potential liabilities for the City when entering a "cost-share" agreement for this project, as described below:

1) There are two spring runs in the vicinity of (or perhaps within) the Park West boundaries. One is approximately 975 linear feet west of 112, and the other is approximately 2,325 linear feet west of 112. These two spring runs function ecologically much the same as the Wilson Springs runs, and provide seasonal habitat for the Arkansas darter, as shown by a survey conducted by USFWS several years ago. Impacts to darter habitat have been controversial for the City in the past. Will the proposed 112 reroute have a permanent adverse impact to darter habitat and stir this pot again?

For those who are not aware, the Arkansas darter (Etheostoma cragini) is a small fish (2 to 3 inches long) that inhabits the upper reaches of Clabber Creek. It has been designated as an Arkansas Species of Concern by the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, listed as a fish of Special Concern by the American Fisheries Society and is a Candidate Species for federal listing as endangered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

One of our sewer lines crossed these two spring runs and one of the wetlands. I wrote the specifications whereby the contractor was required to cross these spring runs during June through December when we knew the darter would not be there. During this time of the year, the darter stays within the immediate vicinity of the springs, including Wilson Springs, and the springs on the north side of Clabber Creek. Studies have shown that it migrates down the spring runs at times between January and May to spawn in Clabber Creek. Has the 112 reroute considered such self-imposed seasonal construction periods as we did on the WSIP, and is this practicable for a highway project?

2) There are jurisdictional wetlands throughout the area between 112 and Dean Solomon, including the Park West property. In fact, I have seen the 404 permit that requires compensatory wetland mitigation for the Park West development. For sewer lines, we do the design whereby wetlands are restored and put back to pre-construction conditions. This is achievable because the sewer lines are underground. This is not so easy to do for permanent surface structures, such as a highway.

Obviously, a highway project that spans jurisdictional wetlands will necessitate wetland compensatory mitigation. Will the 112 reroute involve permanent alterations to wetlands? If so, where will the mitigation site be located? Who will pay for the design, construction, and long-term monitoring of the wetland mitigation and the 404 permit application process? With the City paying for a portion of the project, the City will likely be required to be a co-permittee with Park West for the 404 permit issued by the Corps. If the mitigation does not comply with 404 permit requirements, is the City aware that they may be liable for enforcement action/monitory penalties and/or corrective actions? What controls will the City have during construction to assure 404 permit requirements will be met?

3) The ADEQ stormwater permit for construction activities (ARR150000) will be required for the 112 reroute. Due to changes in Reg 6 three years ago, ADEQ no longer allows contractors to be stormwater permittees. It is ADEQ's policy that the party(ies) with ultimate financial control of a regulated project shall be the permittee(s) who are responsible for compliance. If ADEQ makes the City a joint stormwater permittee with Park West, how much construction management control will the City have? Has the City explored the possibility that as a co-permittee they may be liable for enforcement action/monitory penalties and/or corrective actions if the project is not managed to be in compliance with stormwater permit requirements?

The involvement of a third party (i.e. contractor) further complicates matters. Speaking from experience, it is always a challenge to make the contractor do what they are supposed to do to keep the permittee from having violations. If this is not addressed from the beginning within the contract documents, then the permittee has little leverage to make the contractor follow regulatory requirements. When the permittee tries to do so after the fact, there will always be change orders that add to the cost of the project.

What control will the City have over the environmental specification language within the contract documents to hold the contractor's feet to the fire for this type of work within such an environmentally sensitive area?

It is always more efficient and cost-effective to avoid going into the "damage control mode" by staying in the "problem prevention mode".

Just some food for thought that I wanted to bring to the table.........


Bruce

Bruce Shackleford, M.S., REM, REPA
President, Environmental Consulting Operations, Inc.
17724 I-30, Suite 5A
Benton, Arkansas 72019
"Integrating ECOnomy and ECOlogy, since 1990"
office: 501-315-9009
mobile: 501-765-9009
bruceshackleford@aristotle.net

Joe Neal offers strict view of reasons not to reroute Arkasnas 112 through Hoskins' wetland

To all --

I have stated repeatedly and to anyone who listens that the widespread
lower elevation fields in that entire area are "seasonal wetlands,"
whether or not they meet the Corps of Engineer standards. Therefore, I
am opposed to their development. Every development in such habitats
has a clear, negative and measurable impact on the environment. From
an administrative view, they further burden the upper Clabber Creek
watershed. I know that, in these opinions, I am an unreasonable
person. But the truth is the truth, and I have not spent my adult life
as a biologist to ignore my training & experience in order to just get
along.

"For the record," and especially for anyone who cares at this point, I
cannot visualize any compelling public interest for the
relocation/straightening of 112. The City of Fayetteville has in
recent years wisely adopted a clear and far-sighted policy of passive
speed controls on streets used for "cut throughs" and other
opportunities to accelerate traffic speed. The amount of money saved
in law enforcement probably can't be accurately measured; the safety
achieved by such reductions also are hard to measure; however, both
are hard realities. The historical bends in 112 nicely fits and
supports this passive policy. It is not in the interest of the
citizens of Fayetteville to accelerate traffic speeds on 112,
especially since Fayetteville and Tontitown the max allowed speed is
45 MPH now. I understand why such changes might be of benefit to the
developers in that area, but the changes would not be in the general
public interest. -Joe

JOSEPH C. NEAL in Fayetteville, Arkansas. "Nature is already as good
as it possibly can be. He who seeks to improve it will spoil it. He
who tries to direct it will mislead it and become lost himself." --
Chinese philosopher about 2,500 years ago

Transition team meets with mayor-elect to plan long-term goals

If you want to do the homework along with Lioneld Jordan's mayoral transition team, please see Documents being studied by Lioneld Jordan's mayoral transition team
Please click on images to ENLARGE view of second mayoral transition meeting.



Please click on image to ENLARGE photo of second meeting of Lioneld Jordan's transition team on December 18, 2008.

NWAT report on second transition meeting

Epa newsletter on watershed issues and sources of information

A site to learn about watershed management

Northwest Arkansas Times reports that Coody breaks tie to approve Southpass sewer cost share

 
Balanced budget : Aldermen pass budget that leaves reserves untouched
BY DUSTIN TRACY Northwest Arkansas Times
Posted on Wednesday, December 3, 2008
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/nwat/News/71682
2009 budget balanced Coody votes for Southpass

In October, Fayetteville Mayor Dan Coody presented the City Council with a proposed 2009 budget that involved dipping into the city’s reserve funds to the tune of $ 535, 000.
Two months and three budget meetings later, on Tuesday night, the council voted unanimously to pass a budget that didn’t require reserve money to have a balanced general fund.
“This year it was a little tamer than last year, but I think then we did a little more venting, which paved the way for calmer discussions this year,” Ward 2 Alderman Kyle Cook said.
The council started hacking away at the original proposed budget by trimming $50, 000 marked for speed tables at its first budget meeting in November. Later on, staff found $59, 000 in unallocated capital-improvement budget funds, and the council saved $10, 000 by cutting proposed Dickson Street kiosks. The city also found out its workers' compensation bill was $ 100, 000 less than expected.
Finally, the council decided to cut its road-overlay program by about $300, 000 to make up the difference, which meant the city would be able to pave only about eight miles of street instead of 11 to 12 miles. But, on Monday, City Engineer Ron Petrie said that there was a $ 249, 000 surplus in the city’s bridge-construction fund, which was recently discovered after state bids came in lower than expected. Petrie proposed using that money to help balance the budget and taking only about $50, 000 out of the overlay program. The council agreed Tuesday night.
Paul Becker, director of finance for the city, said that the city would take all the cuts it made from the capital improvement budget and make a one-time transfer of $ 417, 900 to the city’s general fund budget, which would balance it.
The last thought for the 2009 budget came from Ward 4 Alderman Lioneld Jordan, who is also the mayor-elect. He asked Becker if the council could revisit the possibility of using any excess money in 2008, if the city finishes 2008 in the black, for a cost-of-living adjustment for city employees. Becker said he wouldn’t know the end results of the 2008 budget until April of 2009, after the city’s first financial quarter of 2009 ends.
The council decided to send a $2. 15 million cost share with developer Tracy Hoskins to reroute Arkansas 112 back to the street committee. The cost share would partner the city with Hoskins to reroute Arkansas 112 just south of Sam’s Club diagonally northwest and reconnect it at Howard Nickel Road. Hoskins would then build his proposed mixed-use development, Park West, in the area.
The $2. 15 million would pay for only a quarter of the whole road. Petrie said that, if the contract passed, the road would essentially end in the middle of Park West. The contract guarantees that Hoskins will give the city the right of way to finish the road. City Attorney Kit Williams said the contract will be void and the money will be refunded to the city if Hoskins has not begun construction of Park West by November of 2010. Jordan, chairman of the street committee, said he felt more comfortable taking the issue back to the committee because the committee was given the cost for the whole reroute and not the $2. 15 million cost for a quarter of the construction. “We agreed we liked the realignment but we wanted to know what the cost was going to be, but we were never presented that until the past couple of weeks,” he said. There were some protesters and supporters who spoke about the development.
Aubrey Shepherd asked the council to turn the agreement down to protect the wetland prairie area the road and development is proposed to be built over. “If there’s a road built across that wetland prairie it should be on stilts, and we shouldn’t be doing it to encourage development,” Shepherd said.
Steve Rust, director of the Fayetteville Economic Development Council, asked aldermen to pass the agreement and encourage the development. He read part of a letter from an individual Rust said represented a prestigious hotel chain; Rust would not disclose which chain. The section of the letter Rust read stated that the hotel chain was interested in building a hotel in the area near Sam’s Club but it would not be interested if the road wasn’t redirected or the Park West development was not built.
Ward 4 Alderman Shirley Lucas expressed some concern about spending so much money to build half a road when there’s no guarantee more development will come to the city.
“What’s the phrase? ‘If we build it, they will come.’ We don’t even know if they’re going to come or not, and we’re spending a lot of money,” Lucas said.
The council also barely passed the tail end of the SouthPass development. Coody broke a 4-4 tie that entered the city into a $ 1. 4 million sewer infrastructure cost share for the 900-acre mixed-use development proposed for the south side of town.
“If this is for the contract, I don’t get a choice on how to vote because I don’t want to see the city get tied up in a lawsuit,” Coody said before he cast the final “yes” vote.
He was referring to the fact that the city (HE) had already signed a contract with developers John Nock and Richard Alexander for the SouthPass agreement and the council was advised at its Nov. 6 meeting by Williams that, if they failed to pass the development, the city could be subject to legal ramifications.
Jordan, Lucas, Ward 2 Alderman Nancy Allen and Ward 3 Alderman Bobby Ferrell voted against the cost share.
Copyright © 2001-2008 Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. All rights reserved. Contact: webmaster@nwanews.com

Southpass, budget pass, Hoskins freeway subsidy delayed

The Morning News
Local News for Northwest Arkansas

SouthPass, Budget Move Forward
By Skip Descant
http://www.nwaonline.net/articles/2008/12/02/news/120308fzcitycouncil.txt
THE MORNING NEWS
FAYETTEVILLE -- Fayetteville Mayor Dan Coody cast the deciding vote Tuesday night to extend a sewer line to the SouthPass regional park. The council tied 4-4, with Nancy Allen, Shirley Lucas, Bobby Ferrell and mayor-elect Lioneld Jordan voting against.
Please click on images to ENLARGE view of Fayetteville, Arkansas, city council on December 2, 2008


Because of many issues, such as cost and concern about developing on Mount Kessler, the SouthPass project has been controversial. The move Tuesday night was just another step in its slow march forward. Should the city kill the project -- a large mixed-use residential and park project in southeast Fayetteville -- it has been suggested by the city attorney that Fayetteville could be sued for not following through on contact obligations.
"I don't have any choice but to vote 'yes,' because I don't want to see the city end up in a lawsuit," Coody said.
The cost-share approved Tuesday night means the city will pay roughly $745,000 as its half of the cost of bringing sewer service to the project. The money will come from water and sewer impact fees.
The council also unanimously approved its $119.5 million 2009 city budget.
Jordan, who will be Fayetteville's next mayor and campaigned for cost-of-living raises, said the city could revisit raises in the first quarter of next year when officials know exactly how much surplus money the city finished 2008 with.
A 2 percent cost-of-living raise would cost roughly $800,000, said Paul Becker, Fayetteville's finance director.
Chickens can now legally cluck, scratch and lay eggs in Fayetteville backyards.
By a vote of 7-1 the council approved an ordinance to allow up to four hens per home. Robert Rhoads voted against, saying the ordinance seemed vague. It allows for both the slaughter of chickens, and prevents cruel treatment or killing of the birds.
"What is our business is passing legislation that may be confusing," Rhoads said.
"When it comes to the issue of slaughter, you know, we really haven't addressed it," said Jill Hatfield, superintendent of Fayetteville Animal Services.
A plan to require the chickens be registered with the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission did not receive support.
"It would become a permitting process," said Brenda Thiel, a council member. "And I don't think we're really going to have enough chickens to justify that."
By a vote of 5-3, the council voted down an appeal by developers for Amberwood Place, a 40-acre development with 177 dwelling units, some of them slated as attainable housing. Lucas, Jordan and Ferrell supported the project, primarily because it provided homes in the $110,000 to $135,000 range, a house type many say Fayetteville is lacking.
"If we want some (affordable) places -- and we've asked our developers to do this -- we've got a situation right here, and I'm all for it," Ferrell said.
"I really think we need some more homes that people can afford," Lucas added.
Other council members agreed with the city's planning staff and Planning Commission, saying Amberwood Place is contrary to Fayetteville's City Plan 2025. And also, some council members were not in favor of grouping affordable housing as a bloc.
"I have a lot of concern about it being bunched together," Allen said. "I have concerns that today's affordable housing may be tomorrow's slums."
And a move to enter into a $2.16 million cost-share with developer Park West LLC to extend Arkansas 112 into an open field to both encourage and access new development was sent back to the Fayetteville Street Committee for further study.

Doug Thompson pinpoints reason that Lioneld Jordan was elected mayor of Fayetteville

Doug Thompson explains Lioneld Jordan

Polls close at 7:30 p.m. Vote for Lioneld Jordan for mayor

Please click on image to Enlarge photo of woman with her grandson holding signs at South School and Martin Luther King Boulevard, formerly Sixth Street.
Time is short to vote. Don't miss the chance to help elect an honest, steadfast mayor with a heart big enough to value everyone.

Louise Mann says support Lioneld Jordan to support our police and firefighters

I'm sure we all want to show support for our fire and police, the people who risk their lives for us, daily.

They have now stood up against the current mayor. The Fire and Police have come together and endorsed Lioneld Jordan for mayor.

Why would they do that, if they did not feel very strongly there was a need for change? This is an endorsement that comes from the guys in the trenches. They have worked with both candidates.

Please think about this next question? Would you have the courage to come out and openly endorse against your boss? Have you ever taken such a courageous stand? It's not a small thing to do. Imagine the consequences.

Both Walt Eilers and Steve Clark have endorsed Lioneld. The Green groups have endorsed Lioneld. And the Unions have endorsed Lioneld.
These people/groups did not make their endorsements lightly. People are speaking out because they know, from firsthand experience, what kind of leadership would be good for Fayetteville.

I think most of us would agree that our fire and police have been darn good to us over the years.

Let's support our Fire and Police Depts. and give them the leader they have requested, Lioneld Jordan!

Northwest Arkansas Times reports that loss of Marsha Melnichak grieved by many

 Please click on image to ENLARGE photo of Marsha Melnichak (right) and friends visiting the Fayetteville Farmer's Market on October 25, 2008.

Melnichak remembered for fierce dedication to reporting
Northwest Arkansas Times
Posted on Saturday, November 22, 2008
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/nwat/News/71365

Hardworking, diligent, accurate and fair are just a few words used by area residents to describe Northwest Arkansas Times’ reporter Marsha Melnichak.
Marsha, 57, died Friday morning at Washington Regional Medical Center after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer; she was diagnosed on Oct. 13.
In April 2005, Marsha moved to Fayetteville to become a city-government reporter for the Times. During her 3.5 years in Fayetteville, she earned the respect of those she covered.
“Marsha set a new standard for journalism in Fayetteville,” said Fayetteville Mayor Dan Coody. “She was thorough, accurate and fair.”
Coody made his respect for Marsha’s work public with a proclamation he made before the Nov. 6 City Council meeting, declaring the day as “Marsha Melnichak Day.”
At that same meeting, the City Council passed a resolution honoring Marsha’s work.
“She worked long, long hours and made every effort to be fair. I have received calls from her to make sure she got it right,” Alderman Nancy Allen said. “It seems to me that ‘being fair’ is about the highest compliment you can give a reporter.”
Someone who had a lot of interaction with Marsha was local developer John Nock. “Marsha was ever diligent at her job as a reporter for the Northwest Arkansas Times and our great town was enriched by her having been here. When we lose a friend it gives us an opportunity to reflect on our own lives,” Nock said. “Perhaps Marsha’s passing can allow us all to be a little more diligent, a little more kind, a little more patient and never forget the wonderful lives we each enjoy.”
Marsha’s son, Michael Melnichak, described his mom as “uncorruptable.” He said she had a lot of respect for the position she held.
“It wasn’t just a job to her. She saw it as a responsibility, ” he said. “ She also knew the importance of being a good observer. ”
All these qualities helped her flourish.
“The Times was the pinnacle of her career,” said Marsha’s partner, Sue Morris. “She really thrived in Fayetteville.”
Morris said that even in Marsha’s last days at the hospital and as the medicine was getting to her, she was talking about having to get the election tally.
“She thought something was wrong with the ballots,” Morris said.
Marsha was dedicated in all her reporting, up to the end.
“I will remember Marsha for her strong work ethic, for her devotion to doing everything she could to deepen her understanding of what she was writing about and for her deeply held love for reporting, ” said Greg Harton, executive editor of the Times. “We’re proud of her work here, proud she was a part of our newsroom, and so sad to lose her as a friend and colleague.”
Fayetteville was just the last stop in Marsha’s 34-year journalism career.
Friend and colleague Joanne Fox went to high school with Marsha in Sioux City, Iowa, and they remained friends.
“It was Marsha who encouraged me to pursue journalism as a career, ” said Fox, now a reporter with the Sioux City Journal. “ When I had to declare a major in college, I decided to take her advice. It proved to be the most gratifying choice I could have made because it not only enhanced our friendship, it enabled us to share our professional lives.”
Marsha’s first job as a reporter was for the Atlantic (Iowa ) News Telegraph in 1974. She held that position until 1979, when she was named editor at the Belle Plaine (Iowa ) Union.
From 1986 to 1992 she took a break from the newspaper business and went to work for Teikyo-Westmar University in Le Mars, Iowa, as the director of communications.
In 1994, she once again became an editor, this time for the North Sioux City (S. D. ) Times. She held that position until 1996.
From 1999 to 2005, she worked at the Le Mars (Iowa ) Daily Sentinel in several capacities. She served as editor, news editor, reporter and photographer.
Tom Stangl, publisher at the Le Mars paper, said he remembers the day he hired Marsha.
"She came in and said, ‘Your headlines are wrong, your leads are bad, and your layout is terrible.’ I asked her if she could help us fix this and she said yes,” he said. “She was very passionate about her work, very idealistic.”
During her career, Marsha received several awards from the Iowa Newspaper Association. She was most proud of receiving the Skip Weber Investigative Reporting recognition in 2004 for her reporting on the Le Mars Community Betterment Program.
Other honors include Excellence in Editorial Writing, first place, 2004 and 2001; Best News Photo, first place, 2002; Best News Story, first place, 2000. She also received first place honors with the Frank Nye News Writing, Spot News and Editorial Content categories during her time at the Belle Plaine Union.
Copyright © 2001-2008 Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. All rights reserved. Contact: webmaster@nwanews.com

Aubrey Shepherd supports Lioneld Jordan in the Nov. 20, 2008, Fayetteville Free Weekly

Lioneld Jordan offers fair and open government



In the general election, Lioneld Jordan got votes from people from all political parties. Independence of thought and freedom from prejudice are two important qualities people admire about Lioneld Jordan.

Some said they follow city-government meetings on Government Channel and respect Lioneld for his work in eight years of City Council, committee and ward meetings.

Several said his work for neighborhoods made them trust him more than any other official.

Others said they met Lioneld years ago and respected his integrity in private life. Some said they had worked with him and recognized his consistently good judgment and kindness as he rose to a supervisory management position.

Some city workers have said privately that after years of interaction with Lioneld they felt more comfortable working with him than with any other elected official.

People who care about the fertile soil, clean air and water, trees, tall-grass prairie, wildlife, streams and all things living in Fayetteville said they voted for Lionel because of his consistent support of trails and parks and especially his voting to protect Wilson Spring and to create World Peace Wetland Prairie.

Some people said they voted for Jordan because of his support of well-planned developments and because he invites developers to his Ward Four meetings to interact with constituents BEFORE developers commit to projects with flaws easily recognized by people who live near the projects.

Most important is that many long-time Fayetteville residents recognize that Lioneld is dedicated to improving life for everyone in our city, regardless of economic status. He is a working man who reads constantly, listens to everyone and learns every day.

Early voting begins November 18 at the Washington County Courthouse. The county Website lists polling places for runoff election day, November 25.

Please vote to elect Lioneld Jordan mayor of Fayetteville.

Aubrey James Shepherd

Fayetteville, Arkansas

Marsha Melnichak's passing leaves an empty spot in the hearts of Fayetteville residents

Please click on image to ENLARGE photo of Marsha Melnichak (right) and friends visiting the Fayetteville Farmer's Market on October 25, 2008.


Marsha Melnichak died in her sleep Thursday night November 20, 2008, or early this morning, at Washington Regional Hospital in Fayetteville, Arkansas, I was told.
Having visited her Wednesday night at the hospital, I knew her time was short. During the meeting of the Telecommunication Board on Tuesday night, several people spoke off camera of their sadness that she would likely never again attend such meetings and report on them with her clear sense of reality and highly developed ability to sort through the chaff and find the significant points of such city meetings. She earned universal respect from city workers, public officials and area residents who read her news stories.
Few people reach Marsha's high level of competence and integrity in reporting the news.
She covered the beginning of the mayoral campaign well, and it was clear in brief conversations in the weeks since she found herself unable to work that one of her concerns was not being able to continue her work and be on hand next Tuesday to report on the final chapter.
Maybe she realized that she would not be with us by this time. Most of us did not.
Her absence should be a reminder that, whatever goals we set, pursuing them with honesty, good humor and grace is as important as the result.

Steve Clark's endorsement of Lioneld Jordan on Google video

Please click the "play" arrow to view video of Steve Clark endorsing Lioneld Jordan.

Steve Clark endorses Lioneld Jordan for mayor of Fayetteville, Arkansas

Please click image to enlarge view of Steve Clark as he announces his support for Lioneld Jordan and Alderman Jordan applauding.
Former Arkansas Attorney General Clark finished third in the race for mayor in a six-person field of candidates during the general election. Jordan is in a runoff with the incumbent mayor for the highest office in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Early voting has begun at the Washington County Courthouse and is available from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. Monday will be the final day to vote early at the courthouse and runoff election day is Tuesday, November 25 at regular polling places in Fayetteville.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette endorses Lioneld Jordan in the runoff for mayor of Fayetteville, Arkansas

 
EDITORIALS : Still for Lioneld Jordan
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Northwest Edition
Posted on Wednesday, November 19, 2008
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/adg/Editorial/244000

LIONELD JORDAN, the
conscientious alderman, is in a run-off for
mayor of Fayetteville. He’s trying to unseat Dan Coody, the two-term incumbent who’s seeking a third term. Mr. Jordan was our choice in the general election earlier this month. He remains our choice in Tuesday’s run-off.
Lioneld Jordan has much to recommend him. In his eight years as alderman, he’s never missed a city council meeting. He’s held monthly meetings in his ward to stay in touch with those who elected him to the city council. Known for his open approach, he listens to all. Even when he disagrees, he’s straightforward enough to explain why. He takes the time to master the difficult issues that come before a city council, and he’s been willing to admit he was wrong when he’s decided to change his mind.
He’s in a tough runoff. His opponent, Mayor Coody, has been a fixture in Fayetteville politics for many years, long predating his first election as mayor in 2000. And the mayor has got lots of supporters to show for it. But his opponent in this runoff has put together a notable coalition in his campaign to become Fayetteville’s next mayor. Mr. Jordan has won the endorsements of Fayetteville’s police officers and firefighters, as well as that of the Sierra Club and the local Green Party. In addition, three other candidates for mayor in the general election have now offered their support to him.
Mayor Coody has had his share of difficulties over the years. He bears ultimate responsibility for the $ 60-million-plus cost overrun for the expansion of the city’s wastewater system. The project came in three years late and had to be rescued with an increase in the city sales tax. He pushed hard for putting up a big hotelplus-condo at the site of the old Mountain Inn. But it has yet to materialize. Instead, the city has gotten a parking lot on the site.
The mayor has also disappointed with his heavy-handed take-over of the city’s Government Channel, which resulted in the cancellation of its public opinion forums. Those forums had been a popular way to provide non-partisan information about issues of interest to anyone who lives in Fayetteville.
Nobody expects Lioneld Jordan to do everything right if he’s elected mayor. But the city can be confident he’ll approach city government with a willingness to hear all sides and take all opinions into account before making the decision he believes is best for Fayetteville. He’s shown commendable openness in his years as an alderman. Based on his record, voters can expect the same from him as mayor. Which is why we’re endorsing him—again.
Copyright © 2001-2008 Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. All rights reserved. Contact: webmaster@nwanews.com

November 17, 2008, mayoral debate in The Morning News

Please click on image to ENLARGE view of laptop view of video being recorded during the November 17, 2008, debate between Dan Coody and Lioneld Jordan sponsored by the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce at the UA Continuing Education Center.ñ

The Morning News
Local News for Northwest Arkansas

Mayoral Candidates Trade Quips
By Skip Descant
THE MORNING NEWS
http://www.nwaonline.net/articles/2008/11/17/news/111808fzmayoral.txt
FAYETTEVILLE -- If elected, Lioneld Jordan aims to have an economic development plan within 90 days of taking office as Fayetteville's next mayor.
"After eight years we still do not have an economic development plan for this city. And that needs to change," Jordan told a nearly packed auditorium Monday night during a mayoral debate between Jordan -- a council member -- and incumbent Mayor Dan Coody. The debate was sponsored by the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce.
The discussion followed eight topics as diverse as growing collegiality on the council to how to mange building impact fees to how to "Keep Fayetteville Funky."
Coody, in his own calm style, spent much of his time explaining various aspects of the last eight years and the vision he holds for the future.
"We've worked to rebuild infrastructure. We're rebuilding the very basics on what you can build economic development," Coody said.
Jordan, who at times sliced the air with his hand to get his point across, reiterated many past segments of his stump speech, such as growing job training and being a better manager of the public's money.
"I don't plan on bringing a millage increase in 2009," Jordan said. "If I'm elected mayor of this city, we will have a balanced budget."
Coody also did not propose a millage increase, but his proposed budget dips into the city's reserve funds.
But when the evening's final question came up -- how to fund cost of living raises for city staff -- Jordan, a union member, reiterated that he does not plan to unionize the city work force.
"If I wanted to unionize this city, I've had eight years, and I never did it," he told the room flatly.
The issue was raised at the last debate and Coody stoked that fire a little further when he recalled a prior conversation he says he'd had with Jordan.
"He (Jordan) did say that if he had the chance, that he would unionize this city so fast it would make my head spin," Coody said.
Jordan denied the accusation, adding that if he did say something to that effect, it was an off-the-cuff joke.
"Let me tell you, I didn't come to unionize this city," Jordan said, and added, any such move would require City Council approval.
But the two men also quipped back and forth around economic development, even though both want to grow green-tech jobs. But Jordan wants to see less dragging of feet and fewer "outside consultants" brought in.
"I'm ready to hear from the business community of this city," Jordan said, subtly hinting at one the main themes of his campaign -- communication.
"And set down and hammer out an economic plan that will protect the businesses that we have and move this city forward," he added. Though Jordan did not offer any specifics to what that plan might include.
"This city needs to move forward economically, and we have not had a plan in eight years," Jordan continued.
"Sounds easy doesn't it?" said Coody, who then went on to call this approach "unrealistic."
"It is not 'unrealistic,'" Jordan said. "It takes attitude."
Coody then embarked on a his own dossier of his work with the Fayetteville Economic Development Council and the recent economic development strategy planning session the city held jointly with the university by bringing in Eve Klein and Associates, an economic development consulting firm.
And it would be almost impossible in this election to not touch on the Westside Wastewater Treatment Plant, which upon completion, was three years behind schedule and ended up costing some $60 million more than planned. Coody has half-heartedly taken the blame for the debacle, but adds that part of the problem was his office not having all the information regarding how wrongly the project was heading.
"If there's going to be a project going out of whack, I'm going to know about it and the people will know about it," Jordan said. "The buck always stops at the mayor's office, and when I'm mayor, the buck will stop with me."
"The reason the buck stops with me, is because everybody gets to pass it," Coody said.

Mayoral debate today

Please click on image to ENLARGE to read details.

Letters supporting Lioneld Jordan for mayor on November 16, 2008

Letters to the editor
http://www.nwanews.com/nwat/Editorial/71174
Northwest Arkansas Times
Posted on Sunday, November 16, 2008

Jordan can be trusted

Early voting for the mayoral runoff election begins on Nov. 18, and Election Day is Nov. 25. I urge you to get out and vote and, when you do, to vote for Lioneld Jordan. Here are three of the many reasons why I will be voting for Lioneld: 1. We need a mayor who believes in balancing the city budget and living within our city income. Last year, it fell to Vice Mayor Jordan to lead the City Council through this difficult task while the mayor was off in Europe doing other things. This year, Jordan joined the Council in passing a resolution directing the mayor to submit a balanced budget, which the mayor refused to do. Lioneld will not need that kind of direction. 2. We need a mayor who believes in closely monitoring large multi-million dollar city projects right from the beginning, not after they have fallen years behind schedule and are running millions of dollars over budget. Contrast the initial mismanagement of the sewer and trails projects by the Streets Committee under Lioneld Jordan’s chairmanship. 3. We need a mayor who not only believes in regular two-way communication with the people, but actually practices it. Contrast Lioneld’s 110 face-to-face Ward 4 and other meetings with the number of such appearances by our mayor over the past eight years. Again, please get out and vote during this runoff, and when you do please remember: Lioneld Jordan — Experience You Can Trust !
William A. Moeller
Fayetteville


Incumbent’s campaign disappoints

The Sunday, Nov. 9, Northwest Arkansas Times illustrates strongly why Lioneld Jordan should be Fayetteville’s next mayor. In the article about the runoff race, incumbent Mayor Coody disappoints, but hardly surprises me, by resorting to the politics of fear to down Mr. Jordan. Coody uses the buzzwords “ union, ” the Wal-Mart bogeyman, and “ radical, ” which actually translates as from the roots, to frighten people worried about the city budget. Check the record. Mr. Jordan has certainly had a grassroots campaign, but he has never proposed unionizing city employees. It is Coody who defied the elected city council’s directive to present a balanced budget. Dr. Nick Brown, in a letter the same day, eloquently defines “ sustainability, ” one of Coody’s favorite terms, as including social justice. I believe that if the mayor treats city employees well, they will not need to unionize; the fact that two of the largest, most visible and most depended-upon groups of city employees, namely our firefighters and police, support Lioneld Jordan speaks volumes. As mayor, Lioneld will not throw away money on fancy consultants, when we have plenty of expertise here in town. How difficult can it be for the mayor to put the UAF chancellor on speed-dial ? Lioneld will not direct the city attorney to fight a private howeowner over a sewage mishap, when simply fixing the problem would cost less than 10 percent of the eventual legal bills and settlement. Lioneld has learned that illconceived real estate dealing, such as the Mountain Inn / TIF fiasco, the Wilson Springs purchase, and the Tyson Building saga, are budget drains and not economic salvations. Join with me to return our city to the citizens. Vote for Lioneld Jordan Nov. 25.
Rick Belt
Fayetteville

Regarding the runoff

Although two of Lioneld Jordan’s former mayoral opponents (Eilers, Fire Cat ) have now endorsed Jordan, his runoff opponent informs us that the “ dynamic of the campaign will change as mayoral forums allow more time for two candidates to answer questions than was possible with six. ” (Northwest Arkansas Times, Nov. 6 ) Jordan’s opponent asserts that the more “ in-depth ” answers provided in debates will allow voters to “ delve more deeply into issues and public records and history of leadership ” However, those of us who’ve long appreciated Lioneld Jordan’s leadership in Ward 4 and as vice mayor are sure that Lioneld has already outlined the best long-term approaches for Fayetteville’s future development. His mayoral platform and track record build on proven experience, hard work and accountability, rather than rhetoric. And his strong backing and endorsements by Fayetteville’s police and firemen and the Sierra Club, clearly affirm his competence and leadership skill, as well as his working knowledge of how the city operates. Thus we can agree that debates between the two candidates will allow Fayetteville voters to delve into the deeper needs of our community and to judge the two candidates’ respective track records over the past eight years. And we’re certain that voters will agree with us — and his former opponents — that Lioneld Jordan is our best “ in-depth ” candidate to lead the city staff and City Council toward a sustainable, economically-sound future for all of Fayetteville. His honesty and hard work have earned our trust and yours. Please join us in voting for Lioneld Jordan on Nov. 25 — or better yet, vote early, beginning Nov. 18.
Jim Bemis
Fayetteville

Copyright © 2001-2008 Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. All rights reserved. Contact: webmaster@nwanews.com

Lioneld jordan means green business

Please click on image to ENLARGE for reading.

Melissa Terry explains why she supports Lioneld Jordan for mayor of Fayetteville, Arkansas

Why I support Lioneld Jordan

In the 10 years I've know him, Lioneld Jordan has consistently been the kind of leader who lets the facts speak for themselves. When we organized the first Scull Creek Clean Up, Lioneld came and worked with us all day pulling tons of trash out of that creek, whereas others showed up only in time for press opportunities. Additionally, when the question came to the city council about ways we can improve our city's recycling program, Lioneld Jordan is the only elected person who ever came out and did a day's work with our awesome recycling crew to see what really needs to be done to improve our current waste reduction program. Lioneld's the kind of guy whose principles are his politics, rather than the other way around. He can bring diverse points of view to tough issues and not burn bridges along the way, as evidenced by the fact that he enjoys the same supporters today as when he ran for office eight years ago. This consistent support base is because Lioneld Jordan understands how to treat people with the respect of an individual and the professionalism of a leader.

Most importantly, Lioneld's a dad. In few other forums are your powers of diplomacy more tested or more tried. He's brought up four children on a state employee's salary for 26 years, so we know he understands about managing a budget.

As an example of making the most of a limited budget, Lioneld had a third the amount of his primary opposition's campaign budget, yet he still managed to wage a successful campaign. Additionally, he garnered the support of both the Fayetteville Police Department and the Fayetteville Fire Department. These are people we trust with making lifechanging decisions and their endorsements are a decisive call for new leadership. The Sierra Club's endorsement also shows that Lioneld can work with our vibrant conservation community to ensure that Fayetteville's local economy and ecology thrive together.

Lioneld can help lead Fayetteville toward being a training hub for the emerging green collar economy by working with technologies incubating at the Genesis Center and by forming a working partnership with John Brown University's Renewable Energy degree program. Building a bridge between these partnerships and service programs like CityYear, AmeriCorps and VISTA can help our community grow more sustainable - without draining our coffers.

And, most importantly, I support Lioneld Jordan because I like him. What he says to your face is what he says behind your back. When he tells you that he supports your program, cause or concern, he actually does. When he doesn't like your position, he tells you. As a downtown property owner, a transparent city government that stands on principles rather than politics sounds pretty good to me. I encourage you to support Lioneld Jordan.
Melissa Terry / Fayetteville

The Morning News reports that Walt Eilers endorses Lioneld Jordan for mayor of Fayetteville, Arkansas

Please click on image to ENLARGE view of Walt Eilers and Lioneld Jordan after Eilers threw his support to Lioneld Jordan in the runoff for mayor of Fayetteville, Arkansas.

The Morning News

Local News for Northwest Arkansas


Mayoral Candidate Gets Backing of Former Opponents

By Charles Huggins
The Morning News
FAYETTEVILLE -- Hoping for a last-minute push in the final leg of the mayor’s race, current Alderman Lioneld Jordan announced Saturday morning he has cultivated the support of two former candidates.
Supporters gathered at the Washington Square to hear Walt Eilers throw his weight and 2,189 votes to Jordan before the Nov. 25 run-off election.
“Lioneld has the set of skills to help the city move forward,” Eilers told the crowd. “I encourage you to help him out.”
That set of skills includes having good communication skills, knowing how city government works without micromanaging, and having a good working relationship with the City Council, Eilers said.
Former candidate Adam Fire Cat, donned in a half-black, half-white tuxedo, brought his off-beat but straightforward perspective with his endorsement of Jordan.
Fire Cat agrees with Jordan’s philosophy of fiscal responsibility and operating a balanced city budget, he said.
“To me, numbers are black and white,” Fire Cat said, drawing a chuckle from the crowd.
Jordan stumped on having a better relationship with the City Council than Coody, and said as mayor he would hold townhall meetings for each ward to give residents more participation in their government.
“This whole campaign has been about two words: The people,” Jordan said following the announcement.
Having the support of Eilers and Fire Cat could be what Jordan needs to put him over the top, Jordan said. Coody received 9,806 votes, or 37 percent, in the Nov. 4 general election, and Jordan received 7,380 votes, or 28 percent.
Coody agreed the race is about the citizens, but said, “It’s also about how to best bring about change based on the public input. There’s a long track record with me to prove that.”
Coody contested the claim that Jordan has a better relationship with aldermen than he does.
“We got 99 percent of everything passed,” Coody said. “We get along fine.”
Early voting begins on Nov. 18 through Nov. 24, with the run-off election on Nov. 25.

Walt Eilers endorses Lioneld Jordan for mayor of Fayetteville, Arkansas

Please click on image to ENLARGE view of Walt Eilers and Lioneld Jordan after Eilers threw his support to Lioneld Jordan in the runoff for mayor of Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Walt Eilers to endorse Lioneld Jordan for mayor at 10 a.m.

Breaking news.....

Former mayoral candidate Walt Eilers will be publicly endorsing Lioneld Jordan at a press conference Saturday morning @ 10:00am at the Urban Table steps (Old Post Office). All are welcome to attend.

Unofficial results of Washington County, Arkansas, races on Nov. 4, 2008

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Northwest Edition Benton County Daily Record Northwest Arkansas Times
Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Coody, Jordan in runoff for Fayetteville mayor; Edwards wins county judge race
Northwest Arkansas Times
Posted on Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Fayetteville's hotly contested mayoral race will go on for another three weeks as incumbent Dan Coody faces off against Alderman Lioneld Jordan for the next four-year term starting in January.

State Rep. Marilyn Edwards, a Democrat, defeated Republican challenger Earvel Fraley to become the next Washington County judge.

Coody, with 9,806 votes, earned the most of any single candidate, but not the 50 percent plus one required to avoid a runoff. Coody's votes totaled 37.5 percent while Jordan gained 7,380 votes, or 28 percent of those cast.

Former Arkansas attorney general Steve Clark came in third with 21 percent of the vote, or 5,528 ballots cast.

Below are the unofficial results for all races released by the Washington County Election Commission about 11:15 p.m. National, statewide and congressional races reflect only the votes cast in Washington County.

PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

Gloria La Riva (SAL). . . . . . . 35 — .05%
Barack Obama (DEM) . . . . . . . 28,965 — 42.42%
John McCain (REP). . . . . . . . 37,915 — 55.53%
Chuck Baldwin (CON) . . . . . . . 244 — .36%
Ralph Nader (IND). . . . . . . . 627 — .92%
Bob Barr (LIB). . . . . . . . . 317 — .46%
Cynthia McKinney (GRN) . . . . . . 172 — .25%

U.S. SENATE

U.S. Senator Mark Pryor (DEM). . . . 50,343 — 78.70%
Rebekah Kennedy (GRN) . . . . . . 13,623 — 21.30%

U.S. CONGRESS

Abel Noah Tomlinson (GRN) . . . . . 19,57 — 30.18%
Congressman John Boozman (REP) . . . 45,288 — 69.82%

STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 87

Earl J. Hunton (DEM). . . . . . . 3,616 — 44.07%
Representative Mark Martin (REP). . . 4,589 — 55.93%

STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 89

Gene Long (REP) . . . . . . . . 6,911 — 45.63%
State Representative Jim House (DEM) . 8,236 — 54.37%

COUNTY JUDGE

Representative Marilyn Edwards (DEM) . 37,750 — 57.73%
Earvel E. Fraley (REP) . . . . . . 27,640 — 42.27%

CIRCUIT CLERK

Bette Stamps (DEM) . . . . . . . 52,193 — 100.00%

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE DISTRICT 1

Thomas D. Lundstrum (REP) . . . . . 4,108 — 61.20%
Sharon Green (DEM) . . . . . . . 2,604 — 38.80%

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE DISTRICT 5

Candy Clark (DEM). . . . . . . . 3,310 — 61.33%
James Reavis (REP) . . . . . . . 2,087 — 38.67%

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE DISTRICT 12

Robert Kenyon (REP) . . . . . . . 2,528 — 47.95%
Ann Harbison (DEM) . . . . . . . 2,744 — 52.05%

MAYOR FAYETTEVILLE

Steve Clark. . . . . . . . . . 5,528 — 21.13%
Lioneld Jordan. . . . . . . . . 7,380 — 28.21%
Sami Sutton. . . . . . . . . . 338 — 1.29%
Walt Eilers. . . . . . . . . . 2,189 — 8.37%
Mayor Dan Coody . . . . . . . . 9,806 — 37.48%
Adam Fire Cat . . . . . . . . . 919 — 3.51%

MAYOR SPRINGDALE

Jim L. Reed. . . . . . . . . . 578 — 4.08%
Nancy Deason Jenkins. . . . . . . 2,645 — 18.68%
Doug Sprouse . . . . . . . . . 4,979 — 35.16%
Ray Dotson . . . . . . . . . . 1,368 — 9.66%
Ken Watson . . . . . . . . . . 1,226 — 8.66%
Mike Overton . . . . . . . . . 3,366 — 23.77%

CITY CLERK WEST FORK

Susan Cooney . . . . . . . . . 421 — 51.40%
Brandy Rollins. . . . . . . . . 398 — 48.60%

RECORDER / TREASURER ELKINS

Constance E. Tober . . . . . . . 383 — 46.94%
Sunny Ledford . . . . . . . . . 433 — 53.06%

RECORDER / TREASURER TONTITOWN

Amy B. Pianalto . . . . . . . . 530 — 53.48%
Becky Alston . . . . . . . . . 461 — 46.52%

ALDERMAN WARD 1 POSITION 1 ELKINS

Jeremy Stevens. . . . . . . . . 460 — 56.51%
John Snell . . . . . . . . . . 354 — 43.49%

ALDERMAN WARD 1 POSITION 1 TONTITOWN

David Bolinger. . . . . . . . . 504 — 50.55%
Sunny Hinshaw . . . . . . . . . 493 — 49.45%

ALDERMAN WARD 1 POSITION 1 WEST FORK

Rodney Drymon . . . . . . . . . 459 — 54.77%
Frances Hime . . . . . . . . . 379 — 45.23%

ALDERMAN WARD 1 POSITION 2 ELKINS

Phillip Southan . . . . . . . . 332 — 41.40%
Bonnie Wilcox . . . . . . . . . 470 — 58.60%

ALDERMAN WARD 1 POSITION 2 SPRINGDALE

Kathy Jaycox . . . . . . . . . 6,268 — 50.98%
A. L. Hollingsworth . . . . . . . 3,204 — 26.06%
Craig Graves . . . . . . . . . 2,195 — 17.85%
Eddie Free . . . . . . . . . . 628 — 5.11%

ALDERMAN WARD 1 POSITION 2 TONTITOWN

James E. Main . . . . . . . . . 312 — 32.33%
Henry C. Piazza . . . . . . . . 653 — 67.67%

ALDERMAN WARD 1 POSITION 2 WEST FORK

John Robert Richard . . . . . . . 507 — 64.10%
Bryan F. "Moe" Greenoe . . . . . . 284 — 35.90%

ALDERMAN WARD 2 POSITION 1 ELKINS

Bobby McGarrah. . . . . . . . . 378 — 43.90%
Terri L. Miller . . . . . . . . 483 — 56.10%

ALDERMAN WARD 2 POSITION 1 GREENLAND

Ray Hathaway . . . . . . . . . 150 — 38.66%
Danny Dutton . . . . . . . . . 238 — 61.34%

ALDERMAN WARD 2 POSITION 1 TONTITOWN

Arthur Penzo . . . . . . . . . 665 — 68.35%
Larry Bain . . . . . . . . . . 308 — 31.65%

ALDERMAN WARD 2 POSITION 2 ELKINS

Henry L. Hickman . . . . . . . . 345 — 41.82%
Bruce Ledford . . . . . . . . . 480 — 58.18%

ALDERMAN WARD 2 POSITION 2 SPRINGDALE

Randy Pounders. . . . . . . . . 2,617 — 22.64%
Danny Farrar . . . . . . . . . 2,353 — 20.35%
Ed Gillean . . . . . . . . . . 1,301 — 11.25%
Rick Evans . . . . . . . . . . 5,290 — 45.76%

ALDERMAN WARD 3 POSITION 1 ELKINS

Duane Foster . . . . . . . . . 500 — 61.80%
Chris Dunivan . . . . . . . . . 309 — 38.20%

ALDERMAN WARD 3 POSITION 1 GREENLAND

Stephanie G. Sawyer . . . . . . . 112 — 28.35%
Carroll E. Hancock . . . . . . . 143 — 36.20%
Lonnie Meadows. . . . . . . . . 140 — 35.44%

ALDERMAN WARD 3 POSITION 1 TONTITOWN

Gary Mussino . . . . . . . . . 345 — 36.39%
Julienne Zulpo Bowling . . . . . . 603 — 63.61%

ALDERMAN WARD 3 POSITION 2 ELKINS

Lloyd Stith. . . . . . . . . . 453 — 56.91%
Bob Cox . . . . . . . . . . . 343 — 43.09%

ALDERMAN WARD 3 POSITION 2 SPRINGDALE

Jeff Watson. . . . . . . . . . 5,448 — 45.04%
Teresa J. Powers . . . . . . . . 3,010 — 24.88%
Josh Jenkins . . . . . . . . . 3,639 — 30.08%

ALDERMAN WARD 4 POSITION 2 SPRINGDALE

Ruth Strebe Motes. . . . . . . . 5,051 — 44.42%
Eric Ford . . . . . . . . . . 6,320 — 55.58%

FAY. ALDERMAN WARD 1 POSITION 2

Don Conner . . . . . . . . . . 2,366 — 41.51%
Alderman Brenda Thiel . . . . . . 3,334 — 58.49%

FAY. ALDERMAN WARD 2 POSITION 2

Matthew Petty . . . . . . . . . 2,452 — 51.60%
Mark Kinion. . . . . . . . . . 2,300 — 48.40%

FAY. ALDERMAN WARD 4 POSITION 2

Craig M. Honchell. . . . . . . . 1,585 — 26.98%
Sarah Lewis. . . . . . . . . . 3,818 — 65.00%
Bernard Sulliban . . . . . . . . 471 — 8.02%

PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT NO. 1

FOR Proposed Referred Amendment No . . 44,174 — 71.69%
AGAINST Proposed Referred Amendme . . 17,445 — 28.31%

PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT NO. 2

FOR Proposed Referred Amendment N . . 43,463 — 72.61%
AGAINST Proposed Referred Amendme . . 16,399 — 27.39%

PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT NO. 3

FOR Proposed Initiative Amendment . . 42,414 — 64.56%
AGAINST Proposed Initiative Amendm . . 23,282 — 35.44%

PROPOSED INITIATIVE ACT NO.1

FOR Proposed Initiative Act No. 1 . . 31,510 — 48.22%
AGAINST Proposed Initiative Act No . . 33,839 — 51.78%

REFERRED QUESTION NO.1

FOR Issuance . . . . . . . . . 39,991 — 67.29%
AGAINST Issuance . . . . . . . . 19,443 — 32.71%

LOWEST LAW ENFORCEMENT PRIORITY POLICY FAYETTEVILLE

FOR Code Section No. 130.02 . . . . 16,951 — 65.87%
AGAINST Code Section No. 130.02 . . . 8,782 — 34.13%

ALL UNOPPOSED CANDIDATES

FOR . . . . . . . . . . . . 46,554 — 100.00%

For statewide results, go the Arkansas Secretary of State Web site at www.arelections.org.

Read tomorrow's Northwest Arkansas Times for all the details on this story!

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Fraternal Order of Police pesident says Lioneld Jordan the right choice for mayor

Let's make Lioneld our next mayor

Earlier this month the Fayetteville Fraternal Order Police and the Fayetteville Fire Fighters Association endorsed Lioneld Jordan for mayor of the city of Fayetteville. We believe strongly that the time has come for positive, effective change, and it is my position that the person best able to drive that change is Lioneld Jordan. For the past four years, the city governmental bodies have been hampered by misinformation and excuses. We have seen a city council and a city administration that once worked well together deteriorate into factions that no longer seem willing to cooperate or take actions in the best interest of the city. Blame for failures seems generally placed with others, and the result of this quagmire has been that important projects go undone or are delayed, employees suffer and services provided to the citizenry are scaled back. Amidst the finger pointing, the belief that Lioneld Jordan could unite the council and administration has remained constant. Jordan was elected vice mayor by his colleagues for a number of reasons, though we believe one of his strongest attributes has been his nononsense approach. Jordan has been a man of his word and he gets things done. Lioneld Jordan started his political career by telling citizens," You will be informed. "Throughout his eight years of service as an alderman of Ward 4, Jordan has routinely fostered and encouraged open government as demonstrated by the fact that he has hosted over 104 ward meetings and by his exemplary record of attendance at council meetings. Jordan has proven himself as a public servant for the people; his commitment and dedication to the city of Fayetteville will make him a mayor for the people. Lioneld Jordan has always been willing to sit down and listen to the citizens of Fayetteville and has shown a willingness to address their concerns. Lioneld Jordan has the entire city's best interest in mind and not just the interest of a select few. Lioneld Jordan supports public safety, and public safety supports Lioneld Jordan.
Leonard D. Graves President,
Fayetteville Fraternal Order of Police

Mark Kinion's productive, consistent volunteer effort for Fayetteville's people and environment lauded in Northwest Arkansas Times letter

Mark Kinion is Ward 2 's best bet

I have never written a letter to the editor before, but I want to make sure and publicly voice my support for Mark Kinion for Ward 2. Mark has the commitment, experience and empirical accomplishments to demonstrate his qualifications to serve on the Fayetteville City Council. Mark Kinion has a long and verifiable history of working with different and diverse groups to promote cooperative and effective communication so citizens can reach maximum success. He brings strong leadership and excellent business planning acumen with him, as well as compassion for the health and welfare of all citizens and their pets. Mark has a love for the city of Fayetteville. Here are just a few of the accomplishments and improvements for our city, county and Benton County, as well, that Mark has been a part of: Humane Society of the Ozarks: While Mark was president and in other leadership positions, the HSO initiated In Kind News (a weekly reader-type magazine for grade-school children promoting environmental and conservation activities ) in every grade school in Washington County; hired its first full-time executive director; paid off its capital campaign; handed over what at the time was a state of the art animal control program, including buying the county an animal control vehicle; worked on numerous fundraisers, including being a part of staring the Possum Ball and the Dogwood Walk; and one of the most important programs for Fayetteville and Washington County was being part of the team who initiated the first free spay / neuter program in the region. Ozark StateWorks: Mark conducted effective workshops for board development; chaired the Financial Development committee with great success using a sound business model; and was part of the most successful seasons of productions by motivating local artistic talent and developing the support of local business leaders. Advisory Committee of Planned Parenthood: Initiated effective marketing survey and marketing plan to open the first full service bilingual health clinic, against all odds, in Benton County. Wilson Park Neighborhood Association Steering Committee: Past president; only neighborhood to work with AEP / SWEPCO to preserve tree canopy; worked with the University of Arkansas to encourage fraternity to build on-campus rather than the heart of an established historic neighborhood, and was an active proponent for effective traffic-calming measures. I can unequivocally and without hesitation recommend and endorse Mark Kinion to be our city council representative. Unlike some in this campaign season, I know Mark has accomplished all of these successes because I served with him in these organizations. Mark Kinion is not jumping on the most current and politically expedient bandwagon. He has for years demonstrated a commitment and follow through on issues which effect not only Fayetteville but the region. Mark has a history of being green and financially responsible. Vote for Mark Kinion, and know you are voting for someone who not only speaks well on issues but has a history of solving issues.
Lea Ann Van Winkle-Gisler
Fayetteville

Please vote for Lioneld Jordan for mayor of Fayetteville, Arkansas

Please vote for Lioneld Jordan for mayor

Lioneld Jordan has been my choice for mayor of Fayetteville since the beginning of discussion of the upcoming election more than a year ago.
There is no one in the race who can be expected to do more to protect the environment of our city, the people of our city or make better decisions for the future of our city.
Lioneld was born in Fayetteville. I wasn't. I have never been able to call any other place home even when I worked in Little Rock for a few years. But, if anyone loves Fayetteville more than I do, it is Lioneld.
And no one in public life since I first attended graduate school at the University of Arkansas in 1966 has more consistently earned my respect.
I have found him always willing to listen to the concerns of everyone. The fact that he understands and relates to working people in my Town Branch neighborhood in south Fayetteville has been very important to us in recent years.
He supported our effort to save a parcel of wetland prairie from an intense development as we raised money to make the land a city nature park. The project would have wedged 48 apartments into a beautiful and old single-family neighborhood with no concern for the sensitive environment.
He voted to protect the Wilson Spring property, a much bigger and more unusually delicate ecosystem than almost any place this side of the Buffalo River,
He earned the endorsement of the Sierra Club in part for those votes and for his support of parks and trails and the steep, timbered hillsides of our city.
He has earned the endorsement of the firefighters and police officers of our city. He has earned the endorsement of the union of members of the staff and faculty of the University of Arkansas, where he has worked for decades.
He has earned the respect and endorsement of the local Green Party.
Among people I know, he has strong support among those whose statewide and national votes will be for candidates of both Democratic and Republican parties. His record stands on its own. He is the kind of person that most members of both major parties want to see on their ticket.
And he has been endorsed by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
As a member of the OMNI Center for Peace, Justice and Ecology, I am only one of many who have voted for Lioneld, because he is strong in all the areas of OMNI's concern.
I am among the members of the Carbon Caps Task Force who support Lioneld.
I have friends who support the Nature Conservancy, Ducks Unlimited, the Arkansas Wildlife Federation, Audubon Arkansas, the National Audubon Society, Quail Unlimited and many unaffiliated hunters and fishermen and bird-watchers and nature lovers who have expressed support for Lioneld.
Most important, however, are the working people of Fayetteville who know and respect Lioneld and believe that he will continue to give them a voice in city government, even as he works to create new jobs in the city and housing for low-income residents and to protect the environment while negotiating the best possible development plans as our city continues to grow.
Lioneld respects everyone and shows no prejudice toward anyone. He listens to all and learns and strives to make decisions fair to all. He is indeed the real deal.
Aubrey James Shepherd

Arkansas State Representative Lindsley Smith supports Lioneld Jordan for Mayor

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Mark Kinion the clear choice for Ward 2 seat on City Council. He has built a resume of actual service to this community.

Mark Kinion is the choice for Ward 2 alderman.
Nancy Allen, the current alderman for Ward 2, and Don Marr, the previous alderman for Ward 2, both have endorsed Kinion because of his integrity, experience on many committees of Fayetteville government and his broad experience in business and environmental protection.
Kinion is part of the housing board and the Council of Neighborhoods and has been an important contributor to many significant Fayetteville initiatives. He knows and cares about the people of the city. He understands peace, justice and ecology!
No one in the race for Ward 2 alderman has anything close to Kinions' credentials.
The best thing is that Kinion is honest. He learns and makes good decisions. Ward 2 residents can depend on Mark Kinion to do the right thing and vote to protect the current residents of Fayetteville and the natural heritage of Fayetteville.
He was born and reared in Northwest Arkansas and earned a degree from the University of Arkansas. He has the knowledge, experience and good intentions that have been epitomized in the work of the most recent Ward 2 aldermen holding the seat he is seeking.

Lioneld Jordan TV spot

Lioneld Jordan visits with supporters on East Dickson Street

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Aubrey James Shepherd's third video supporting Lioneld Jordan for mayor

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette editorial endorses Lioneld Jordan for mayor

For Lioneld Jordan

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Northwest Edition

Posted on Tuesday, October 28, 2008

URL: http://www.nwanews.com/adg/Editorial/241825

LIONELD JORDAN has a reputation for working hard. He’s the city alderman in Fayetteville who’s never missed a city council meeting in his nearly eight years in office. Alderman Jordan has brought the same dedication to the monthly meetings he’s held in his ward.
He’s also known for his thorough knowledge of city government, for his ability to understand complicated city business, and his just plain love of his hometown.
One of the candidates Lioneld Jordan is running against is the incumbent, Dan Coody. Mayor Coody is winding up his eighth year as mayor with a mixed record. He’s certainly done some good things for Fayetteville. Like establishing the current system of trails in the city. And he talks up environmental issues, even if he hasn’t always lived up to his own standards.
But the Coody administration has had some notable shortcomings, too. There’s the $ 60-million-plus cost overrun for the expansion of the city’s wastewater system. The project came in three years late and had to be bailed out with an increase in the city sales tax. Then there’s the stalled development the mayor backed on the site of the old Mountain Inn. Instead of a big hotel, the city got a big hole, which is now to become a big parking lot. That’ll be an improvement, but not much of one.
The mayor’s also presided over a takeover of the city’s Government Channel. The biggest result has been an end to its forums, where issues were discussed openly and fairly. A fear of fair and open discussion is not a good sign in a mayor, especially a mayor of a town as freespirited and open to argument as Fayetteville. What a shame.
Mayor Coody, maybe reflecting what he learned in the military, says a city’s chief executive is responsible for what happens during his administration. We agree. The wastewater project, the downtown hole in the ground, the canceling of issue forums... he must take responsibility for all of them along with the city’s accomplishments during his tenure.
As an alderman, Lioneld Jordan hasn’t always been right. But he’s consistently shown a willingness to dig into issues and take every side into account. As his supporters have noticed, when he disagrees with anybody, he tells them why. And his explanations tend to be well thought-out. (It’s hard to imagine him shutting down any public forums. )
His long service on important committees, such as the Street, Water-and-Sewer, and Equipment committees have given him a thorough understanding of how the city works. He does his homework. And he’s served as vice mayor, which would be good experience for the top job.
If it’s time for a change in Fayetteville, and it is, its name is Lioneld Jordan. That’s why we’re endorsing him today.

Copyright © 2001-2008 Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. All rights reserved. Contact: webmaster@nwanews.com

Mark Kinion the clear choice for Ward 2 seat on City Council. He has built a resume of actual service to this community.

Mark Kinion
AGE: 51
EDUCATION: University of Arkansas, BS, food science and technology
OCCUPATION: Retired senior executive for GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals
LENGTH OF RESIDENCY IN THE AREA YOU WISH TO SERVE: About 20 years
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Fayetteville Housing Authority, board of commissioners, past vice-chairperson;
National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials, member;
Partners for Better Housing, board of directors, founding board member;
Fayetteville Council of Neighborhoods, past chairman; Wilson Park Neighborhood Association, past coordinator;
Humane Society of the Ozarks, past president, past finance committee chairman, lifetime member;
Ozark StageWorks, board of directors, financial development chairman; Planned Parenthood of Arkansas/Eastern Oklahoma, advisory board;
University of Arkansas Alumni Association, lifetime member;
United Way of Pulaski County, former vice president of campaigns;
No. 1 issues: Transparent government, open communication, mutual respect and trust.

No citizen should feel disenfranchised from local political activity. All residents should feel they have an avenue to be heard and know their opinion is respected and valued.
I will have regular Ward 2 meetings to let people know relevant information in a timely manner regarding issues facing our city. Additionally, I will encourage open and mutually respectful dialog between the constituency, other members of the City Council, city officials and city administrative divisions.
Trust will be built by promising transparent and measurable actions in regard to economic, environmental and social impact of city projects.
By open dialogue, transparent action, and measurable benchmarks accountability can be established.
This open communication model will be applied to every issue and concern.