ROGERS — Rachel Cox, making her first run at a seat on the City Council, wants to build better relationships with residents and small-business owners.
A Rogers native, Cox joined the crowded race for the Ward 4, Position 1 seat held by Bob Goodwin for more than 20 years.
Two other first-time candidates, Carlos Chicas and Carrie Smith, are also running for the Ward 4 council seat.
“I have a passion for running for office and the political process,” Cox said. “I’ve worked for several nonprofit (groups), and many young people aren’t energized about the political process. I think more young people should get involved; they just don’t see the need.”
Cox is also interested in development of the city, not just on the west side by Interstate 540, but in the historic downtown area and east side of town.
“It’s great that there has been a major focus on the west side of town,” Cox said. “Rogers is more than just the west side. We need to focus on development downtown and on the east side as well. They are part of Rogers, too.”
Main Street Rogers officials have done a good job downtown, but more can and should be done, she said.
“I want to engage small business owners about downtown and the benefits of being downtown. There was a recent branding project by Main Street and the Chamber of Commerce. I think we need to start getting that brand out there. There is a wide array of people who live in Rogers who don’t know anything about downtown,” Cox said.
Cox said her campaign will probably be different from other campaigns.
“People have asked me how they can contribute to my campaign. I would rather they contribute money to a nonprofit or get involved in volunteering. I want to build relationships between the city, nonprofit and business owners. I would like to see more people involved in moving our city to the next level,” Cox said.
Kailey Wever, a mother and longtime friend of Cox, said she thinks Cox would be a great council member.
“I’ve known Rachel since we were in the sixth grade. She is smart, one of the nicest people I know. She has a heart for the community,” Wever said.
“Rachel wants to give back to the community. She will listen to what people say they want for the community,” Wever said.
Profile
Rachel Cox
Rogers City Council
Ward 4, Position 1
Age: 25
Residents: Rogers native
Family: Husband, Steve; three children
Education: Rogers High School; an associate’s degree from NorthWest Arkansas Community College; attended University of Arkansas.
Employment: Director of development and marketing of Havenwood, a nonprofit home for single parents
Political Experience: None