PRAIRIE GROVE — Sarah O’Brien and Rick Clayton are vying for the only contested municipal race on the ballot in Prairie Grove, a contest for the Ward 1, Position 2 seat.
Unopposed candidates in the Prairie Grove municipal elections include Mayor Sonny Hudson and Clerk/Treasurer Carol Pair. Running unopposed for the City Council are Douglas Bartholomew, Robert A. Cunningham, Dale Reed, Buddy Lyle, Paul “Murph” Pair, Marquita Smith and Casey Copeland.
O’Brien moved to Prairie Grove from Sandusky, Ohio.
“I am seeking this position to make a difference and give back to the community in which I live and raise my family,” O’Brien said. “I believe the City Council is responsible for making important decisions that affect our city, which in turn affects the families that live here, the businesses that do business here and the future growth and prosperity of our city.”
O’Brien said she considers her strengths to be an eagerness to be an active member of the community, business sense, budget experience, strong family values, fiscal responsibility, loyalty to her principles and consistency.
Clayton said he’s always been interested in local government and has more time to give back to his community now that his two children are grown.
“I am honest, loyal and hard-working,” he said. “I am willing to devote the time that is necessary for this position. My top priority as a council member will be to ensure that taxpayers’ dollars are spent wisely.”
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PROFILES
Rick Clayton
Age: 53
Residency: Lifelong
Employment: Clayton Tile and Flooring
Education: 1976 graduate, Prairie Grove High School
Family: Wife, Elaine Clayton; children Meredith Green, Daniel Clayton
Military experience: None
Political experience: School board for five years
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Sarah O’Brien
Age: 28
Residency: Two years
Employment: Administrative support specialist, Pre-College Programs, University of Arkansas
Education: Associate degree in paralegal studies, NorthWest Arkansas Community College, working toward a bachelor’s degree in human resource development
Family: Husband, Jeff O’Brien; child, Chantry O’Brien
Military experience: None
Political experience: Staff senator at the University of Arkansas