LOWELL — Michael Solomon announced his candidacy for Lowell mayor Monday evening, saying he has the “experience, knowledge and passion to lead the city.”
Solomon, who is presently Lowell’s director of planning and economic development, asked a crowd of 100-plus at Fast Lanes in Lowell for their support.
“Lowell is important to our family,” Solomon said. “It has given back to us as we’ve given to it.”
Solomon served four years on the Lowell City Council before spending the past four years as planning and economic development director.
PROFILE
Michael Solomon
Age: 38
Residency: Lowell
Family: Wife, Mary; two daughters, Savannah, 10 and Vivian, 7.
Employment: Director of Planning and Economic Development for the city of Lowell.
Education: University of Arkansas, Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science.
Military Experience: None.
Political Experience: Elected to the Lowell City Council in 2002 and 2004.
Source: Staff Report
He cited the need for controlled growth in the city and his experience to deliver it.
“Lowell now has a place at the table,” Solomon said. “We are a major player, no longer standing on the sidelines watching. We have our infrastructure in place and our planning procedures fixed.”
Solomon draws the support of current Mayor Perry Long along with State Rep. Jon Woods, R-Springdale.
“His qualifications make him a natural for mayor as we move into our economic development stage,” said Long, who is not seeking re-election.
Woods said he’s excited about Solomon running for mayor.
“I’ve worked with him and Mayor Long while I’ve been in the Legislature,” Woods said. “They’ve represented the area well.”
Linton Rentfro, a Lowell businessman, said he attended the event to support Solomon’s campaign.
“I own a business in Lowell, but live in Missouri, so technically I can’t vote for him,” Rentfro said. “But I can do everything I can to get him elected.”
Rentfro said Solomon’s business experience drew him to the candidate.
“I’ve seen him help get businesses to relocated to Lowell,” Rentfro said. “He gets involved. What more could you want if you owned a business in Lowell?”
James Brazeal, who said he’s lived in Lowell for the past two years, also touted Solomon’s business experience.
“He’s already working within the local government,” Brazeal said. “He knows what it takes to be mayor and what’s expected. I think he’ll be able to hit the ground running and do an excellent job.”
Solomon will face Eldon Long, owner of Long’s Northwest Hitch and member of Lowell City Planning Commission, who announced his candidacy in April.