Four Candidates Up for Ward 2 Seat on Springdale City Council

Editor’s Note: Zack Blake, Howard Cook, Rick Evans and Tommy Golden are seeking the Ward 2, Position 2 seat on the Springdale City Council. Evans is the incumbent. All were asked the same questions; some answers were edited for length and clarity. The general election is Nov. 6 with early voting beginning Oct. 22.

Question: What is the biggest challenge facing the city over the next four years?

Blake: The purpose of city government is to secure its citizens’ ability to enjoy their property and pursue their goals as they peaceably wish. The challenge is keeping government focused on its core function rather than on pursuing new ways to take and use citizens’ money and regulate their business.

Cook: I feel we must, and will, construct the interchange on Interstate 540 at Don Tyson Parkway so development at and around Arvest Ballpark will happen. Springdale taxpayers have a huge investment in the ballpark and the tax base created from commercial development benefit us all.

Evans: I believe our economic growth and our revitalization of the downtown area to coordinate with the Razorback Greenway initiative are the challenges we face. The city and chamber need to work together to bring new business to our city and drive the economic growth to boost the revenue of Springdale.

Golden: There are several big challenges facing Springdale. The biggest to me and to the citizens I have spoken with is expansion of the city’s commercial tax base. That tax revenue is crucial to all other projects that the city has in mind.

Question: What changes do you see or wish to see for the 2013 budget?

Blake: The average Springdale family is feeling financial strain due to a weak economy. The city should pride itself in keeping as much money in residents’ pockets as possible, by trimming wasteful expenses so that it can decrease such pressures as property taxes, which are a breach on God-given rights.

Cook: I just feel simply city government must exercise fiscal responsibility. End of story.

Evans: The council has been working to implement raises for all employees and keep the budget balanced at the same time. I would like to see our revenue continue to increase so that we can facilitate these raises and make improvements to make Springdale a better place for everyone.

Golden: Given the significant difference between the growth rate of Springdale’s income from the city tax and the county tax, it is paramount that Springdale dedicates resources to attracting new businesses to our city and be held accountable for the use of those resources.

Question: Pay for police officers and firefighters has been an issue. Do you want to see those employees receive raises and how would they be funded?

Blake: By reducing spending unrelated to securing citizens’ unalienable rights, municipal revenue would be adequate to fund top-notch, core government functions, such as police service. Adroit Springdale police should expect competitive annual raises, subsequently increasing service quality. Cost-benefit analysis should be completed concerning privatization of fire service.

Cook: I supported raises for police and fire departments while a member of the council from 1991 to 1994. I still support raises 20 years later. Those departments are the backbone of our city. Raises can be funded with tax base created by commercial development around Arvest Ballpark and the interchange.

Evans: I would definitely like to see the police and fire departments receive raises. I would fund these with the increasing revenue we are seeing, and continue to work with the chamber to continue to bring new businesses and tourism to the city.

Golden: Our police and firefighters should receive pay, benefits, training and equipment at least equal to the comparable cities around us. Again, an increase in the commercial tax revenue allows us to train and keep quality men and women who serve and protect us.

Question: An overlay district has been proposed for the land west of Interstate 540 and south of Sunset Avenue. What do you think of an overlay district, how should it be drawn up and what should the additional requirements for

Blake: What made America the most prosperous nation on Earth was the principle that government should be limited, and that its purpose is simply the securement of individuals in their peaceful pursuit of happiness. Public servants should therefore hesitate to increase zoning, as they are not the architects of societal development.

Cook: For an overlay district, I just feel the district should be drawn up with requirements which are simply reasonable. There should be a level playing field for all.

Evans: An overlay district needs an agreement between all parties on how the area can best serve the city and help raise tourism and revenue. This area should have requirements of similar and coordinating building materials and other types of aesthetics to give a unified look to the area.

Golden: While I share, and can appreciate, the desire to keep our new commercial zones as beautiful as possible, I also believe that if some compromises need to be made to attract businesses, it would be irresponsible of us to turn them away over landscaping requirements another city would waive.

Question: City voters approved a bond issue for up to $71 million. Any ideas how this money should be spent following the requirements set by the election?

Blake: Sound fiscal policy dictates that government must, like those it serves, live within its means. Going into debt should be seen as unnecessary, risky and unethical, particularly in this economy. The council should consider postponement of these non-urgent projects until they can be responsibly pursued.

Cook: Money should be spent as voted. I feel Tyson Park ball fields should be given to youth baseball. Adult softball fields should be built on new park land. As a past-president of Springdale Little League, I am aware youth needs to be by themselves. It works better that way.

Evans: The council is spending the funds on moving two fire stations to better locations and facilities. We are building two new parks as well as improving our existing parks with things such as (handicap) access. We are continuing street improvements, including the I-540 interchange at Don Tyson Parkway.

Golden: In a word — responsibly. The citizens of Springdale really stepped up to the plate in approving this bond issue. It is vital that the bond money is spent in a way that benefits as many residents as possible. Substance over style in this case.