GENTRY — Editor’s Note: Jo Ellen Martin, Karen Land, Tamela J. Weeks, Johnetta Bilby, Cindy Edwards and Kristin Norman-Ferguson are candidates for Gentry City Clerk/Treasurer. Early voting has begun. Election Day is Nov. 2.
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Jo Ellen Martin
(incumbent)
Age: 56
Residency: Gentry, 30 years
Family: Husband, Richard; three children; two grandchildren
Employment: City of Gentry
Education: Three years college; International Institute of Municipal Clerks Continuing Education; Community Development Institute; Brigham Young University, Provo Utah; University of Arkansas, Fayetteville; University of Central Arkansas, Conway. Attended BYU for three years, Master Municipal Clerk Designation, one year from completing Certification Institute as a Certified Community Developer
Military experience: None
Political experience: Gentry City Clerk; Planning and Zoning Commission secretary
Reason for candidacy: For over 16 years I have served the city of Gentry and the citizens of this community as what is now the City Clerk/Treasurer position. I would like to continue to use the knowledge and expertise that I have obtained to continue to do this job and do it well. I have worked hard to learn the fundamentals of this position with continuing education, workshops and online courses, working faithfully in keeping abreast of new and changing laws to be assured that the city stays current on all changes and that it does not experience problems.
Goals in Office: My goals are to continue to maintain the honesty and integrity that this position requires; to remain knowledgeable and up-to-date on all matters that pertain to my position; to do my job in a manner that has given the city clear and concise audits throughout my 16 years with the city; to bring the city to the citizens by working with the council to put the codes and ordinances, minutes and agendas online and to keep the webpage current and up to date; remain active in my community outside of my city position. My primary goal is to do what is right and what is legal in all city matters as well as in my personal life.
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Karen Land
Age: 50
Residency: Gentry, 23 years
Family: Husband, Tom; two children
Employment: Gentry Family Dentistry
Education: Graduate of Gravette High School
Military experience: None
Political experience: None
Reason for candidacy: The position recently became an elected position, approximately three years ago. Excellent opportunity for a great job. I have worked 20 years for Gentry Family Dentistry, 15 of those years as office manager. My experience includes detailed bookkeeping, customer service in the manner of phone calls and personal contact on a daily basis. Discuss issues between doctor, patients and insurance companies. Very strong customer relation skills, approachable and multi-task daily. Adaptable, flexible and maintain confidentiality at all times.
Goals in office: To look for ways to run the department more efficiently and up to date. And better communication to town people, the city council and mayor. It would be an honor to be elected city clerk for Gentry.
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Tamela J. Weeks
Age: 54
Residency: Gentry, 41 years in Gentry School District, seven years in town.
Family: Husband, Craig; six children
Employment: Simmons Pet Food in Siloam Springs
Education: Graduate of Gentry High School
Military experience: None
Political experience: None
Reason for candidacy: I am running for city clerk for several reasons. I guess the most obvious would be that it is a good job, pays well and is close to my home. I am also highly qualified for this position. I have over 25 years of clerical experience, including payroll, accounts payable/receivable and accounting. I am skilled in Excel, Microsoft Word and other computer programs. And finally, I just love Gentry. I love the people, the businesses, the schools and town in general. My grandparents and my parents shopped and did business here. My siblings and I all attended school here as did all of my children. I attended church services here. Gentry is my hometown. I possess all the skills to do a superior job and I would find it an honor and a pleasure to use those skills in working for the people of Gentry.
Goals in office: If elected, my goal would be to provide fast, friendly and accurate service to the people of Gentry, to successfully fulfill all the duties of the position and to help Gentry continue to be a friendly, prosperous and successful community.
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Johnetta Bilby
Age: 60
Residency: Gentry, 59 years
Family: Husband, Leroy; two children; two stepchildren
Employment: 20 years as treasurer/clerk/secretary at Gentry First Baptist Church
Education: Accounting degree.
Military experience: None
Political experience: None
Reason for candidacy: I feel that this is what I am being called to do.
Goals in office: I love serving people and want to provide a friendly, professional atmosphere for our citizens to come to when they need city services and provide quick, easy access to public records. I will also work toward upgrading computer programs and cross training of employees to assure that all city offices are adequately staffed during regular office hours.
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Cindy Edwards
Age: 47
Residency: Gentry, 6 1/2 years
Family: Husband, Dennis; one child
Employment: Housewife
Education: GED from Pleasant Plains High School, Ill.
Military experience: None
Political experience: None
Reason for candidacy: To get more involved in our town.
Goals in office: Anything it takes to do what needs to be done.
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Kristin Norman-Ferguson
Age: 28
Residency: Gentry, 24 years
Family: Husband, Jeremy; three children
Employment: Homemaker
Education: Graduate of Gentry High School; Petra Allied Health (veterinary assistant)
Military experience: None
Political experience: None
Reason for candidacy: Maintain a full work week and to be a public servant to citizens.
Goals in office: To implement new ideas and to help the employees that work for the City of Gentry, also make it better for the current citizens and incoming citizens.