FAYETTEVILLE — Emery said leadership skills he honed during 10 years in the U.S. Air Force would serve him well in public office.
“Going through the ranks and becoming a (noncommissioned officer), you have to learn to take charge of certain situations,” he said. “You learn how to look at all the possible solutions to a certain problem. I think that’s something that’s lacking in politics right now.”
If elected, Emery said he would try to simplify the city’s paid parking system in the entertainment district and reduce fines for people ticketed on and around Dickson Street.
“Especially in a down economy, you don’t want to keep people away,” he said.
Emery also mentioned improving roads and sidewalks in Ward 4 as a priority.
The ward encompasses most of west Fayetteville, including several neighborhoods west of the University of Arkansas and most residences west of Interstate 540.
Sarah Lewis, Ward 4’s alderwoman, announced last month she would step down from the council when her term ends.
Alan Long, a buyer for Newly Weds Foods, and David Chiodo, an engineer for an Anderson, Mo.-based poultry products company, are the only two other people to announce their intent to run for the seat.
The filing period for the Nov. 6 council election begins July 27.
Sheree Burnett, broadcast director at KNWA, said Tuesday she thought Emery would make an excellent council member.
“He very civically minded,” Burnett said. “The industry we’re in kind of forces us to know what’s going on.”
Profile
Mike Emery
Age: 43
Residency: Fayetteville since 2007
Family: Unmarried
Employment: Newscast director for KNWA, KFTA
Education: Studied broadcast journalism and political science at the University of Oklahoma
Military Experience: Sergeant, U.S. Air Force, 10 years active duty
Political Experience: None