Kendall Makes A Run For Second Term On Rogers City Council

ROGERS -- Incumbent Clay Kendall is running for his second term representing Ward 3, Position 1 on the City Council.

Kendall ran unopposed in 2012, but has an opponent this year. Keith Jackson is making his second run for a seat on the council. Jackson ran for the Ward 3, Position 2 seat in 2012, losing in a runoff to Andrew Hatfield.

"I want to continue to serve the public as a city alderman. Eight generations of Kendalls have lived in Northwest Arkansas, and three generation in Rogers. We have outstanding leaders and I want my children exposed to good leadership. I have a lifelong relationship with many leaders in Northwest Arkansas. I want to part of the leadership that does the right thing for residents," Kendall said.

Kendall was appointed by Mayor Greg Hines in June 2012 to finish the term of longtime alderman Larry Daniels who died in office. He ran for the seat later that year.

During his time on the council, he said he's learned a lot of things.

"One of the things I learned is there a lot of different personalities in the city. Another thing I learned is you can't please everybody. There are some emotional issues that no matter how you vote, you aren't going to please some people," he said.

Making decisions that have an impact on residents isn't always easy.

"It's uncomfortable when you have to vote against a small group of people who have very strong feelings about an issue. The reality is, you have to do the right thing for the majority of the residents," Kendall said.

Hines and Kendall attended a meeting in Buffalo, N.Y., earlier this year on revitalizing downtown. Kendall said the meeting gave him the opportunity to learn the benefits of a walkable, economically sound downtown.

"A lot is going to happen to our downtown in the next few years. We have excellent commerce on the west side of the city we also want to have an economically stable downtown as well. Gateway Planning is a good company. I think they are going help us develop a long-range plan to revitalize downtown," Kendall said.

City official hired Gateway Planning earlier this year to forge a economic development plan for downtown.

Kendall said he thinks the city is doing well where infrastructure is concerned.

"Keeping up with growth is always an ongoing challenge. We are spending $100 million over the next couple years to improve our city streets and provide new connections to various parts of the city in an effort to stay ahead of the curve," Kendall said.

Kendall said he also has a passion for trails and parks.

"When people move to Rogers they want bike and walking trails. The Parks Department has done a fantastic job of not missing any opportunities to secure grants to help build the trail system. We have bikes at various locations that anyone can use. I ride a bike on the trails often, and there are always others on the trail walking or riding. Trails are an important part of our city," Kendall said.

Jim Tull has known Kendall most of his life. Tull said Kendall has the right traits to continue to be an alderman.

"Clay is a good listener, he doesn't talk much unless he has something that adds to the conversation, but he listens to find out what the residents want," Tull said.

"He also follows through if someone has an issue with the city. He will investigate the issue and get back with the person to explain the reasoning for a decision or situation. He listens, acts and follow ups," Tull said.

Joe Spivey said he's know Kendall since Kendall babysat his son years ago.

"Clay has a history in Rogers and Benton County. He understands the traditions on the east side of town, and the economy on the west side. He knows it takes both sides to make a great city," Spivey said.

Spivey said Kendall's financial background makes him a good and effective alderman because Kendall understands the value of dollar and how to manage that dollar.

"He respects people and the city. He has no agenda other than to represent people to the best of his ability," Spivey said.