Baggett Seeks Re-Election To Ward 1

BENTONVILLE — Mary Baggett said she will work to keep Bentonville on firm financial footing and continue listening to its residents if she is re-elected to the Bentonville City Council in November.

Baggett is the sitting representative for Ward 1, Position 1 on the council.

Baggett was the first woman elected to the council in 1972, serving on the council and the Benton County Quorum Court for a combined 20 years. Baggett said her highest priority is providing a voice for Bentonville residents while remaining mindful they are “footing the bill for all we do.”

“I try to spend their dollars as I would spend mine,” Baggett said.

Mary Baggett

Baggett, 81, works part-time at Arvest Financial Center after retiring from Bates Memorial Hospital in 1995. She graduated from Bentonville High School in 1949 and has served on the Benton County Public Facilities Board and Bentonville Public Library Foundation Advisory Committee. She has also been a member of the Bentonville Public Schools Foundation Board of Directors, according to foundation documents.

Randy Lawson, a Bentonville resident, said he is inspired by Baggett’s history of public service.

“Mary’s an outstanding public servant. She has demonstrated that over many years and multiple venues — the Quorum Court and City Council and other areas — in serving the community,” Lawson said. “I think she’ll continue to be an outstanding member of the council in the future.”

Baggett said the biggest challenges the city faces include maintaining infrastructure to keep pace with growth, keeping a balanced budget and promoting economic development. She said the city must continue improvements to streets, water and sewer facilities and public safety. She cited the 2008 successful bond measure as instrumental in allowing the city to meet upcoming needs.

Baggett said she is happy to see revitalization efforts on North Walton Boulevard, particularly resident interest at neighborhood meetings. She stressed the importance of building new sidewalks, working with the chamber of commerce to recruit new businesses and continuing to listen to residents.

Baggett does not support the recent effort to allow retail alcohol sales in the county, though she said she believes a vote is the right way to go.

“I do not support making alcohol more accessible, but I do believe the ballot is the way for important decisions to be made so everyone has an opportunity to express their feelings,” Baggett said.

Baggett envisions Bentonville continuing to grow in population and as an arts center during the next 10 years. She said the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and expanded Walton Arts Center will draw more interest to the city. She said the council must keep a progressive focus and provide amenities for city residents to enjoy.

“I think city cooperation with business, private and government entities and, particularly, our citizens is crucial for a vibrant city,” she said.

Baggett also served on the Advertising and Promotion Board, where she worked with Kalene Griffith. Griffith said Baggett has been a role model her and helped restructure and raise regional awareness for the Bentonville Convention and Visitors Bureau in 2006.

"I can't think of a better person to continue her work on the City Council," Griffith said. "She truly listens to her constituents and leads with passion for a better quality of life for Bentonville residents."