Williams Enters Bid For Bentonville Ward 1 Seat

Michael Williams
Michael Williams

BENTONVILLE -- Michael Williams has entered the race for the Ward 1, Position 1 City Council spot.

Williams will run against Stephanie Orman and Jon Cavness. Incumbent Mary Baggett will not seek re-election.

Name: Michael Williams

Age: 31

Residency: Bentonville for four years

Family: Wife, Leah; four children

Employment: Senior manager at Walmart

Education: Bachelors degree in strategic management systems from Cardinal Stritch University

Military Experience: None

Political Experience: None

Source: Staff Report

Williams said he became interested in running for City Council after he attended meetings when his wife, Leah, served, he said. Leah Williams now seeks election in the state legislature.

Michael Williams served on the Youth Strategies' board in Springdale for a year and a half, he said. He's a Walmart corporate compliance senior manager in systems and analytics, according to his resume.

The increase in businesses and housing market landscapes shows there are great things ahead for Bentonville, he said.

Williams said he wants diversity to engage with the city as it moves forward.

Bentonville is diverse, but the diversity is engaged with the companies in the city and not the city itself, Williams said.

Williams said he'll listen to people's concerns and solicit input from others if he's elected.

Alex Artis has been a friend of Williams for about three years. Artis described Williams as dedicated, outgoing and genuine.

Williams' personality, charisma and ability to work with different people make him a good council candidate, Artis said.

Williams is a leader who helps people move to the next level, he said.

"I think he'd make a great councilman." Artis said.

There are 19 candidates for the City Council's eight positions, according the the Benton County Clerk's Office.

The election will be held Nov. 4.

NW News on 08/21/2014

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