Miller Joins Bentonville Council Race

BENTONVILLE -- Shane Miller will challenge longtime alderman Chris Sooter for the City Council's Ward 2, Position 2 seat.

Miller and Sooter are the only two running for the position.

Miller lives on Fifth Street and began attending council meetings about a year and a half ago when city officials were considering extending Fifth to Walton Boulevard, he said. In those meetings, Miller said he noticed the council would "rubber stamp" agenda items and not question how money was being spent.

He said he remembers Bill Burckart, alderman, questioned the cost for crosswalk lights on Central Avenue.

"No one really had an answer, but they ended up voting for it anyway," Miller said.

One of Miller's main priorities would be to make sure officials spend money wisely, he said.

"The most important thing is that no matter how much income we've got, we should be spending each penny wisely," he said.

Miller said he's also interested in helping improve the speed in which road projects are completed.

Miller is a hard worker and a driven individual, said Jason Skinner. Skinner and Miller attended Drury University together, and both served on the Rebuilding Together NWA board.

Miller likes to hear the different views before making decisions, Skinner said. He's seen some things he'd like to improve in Bentonville to make the city better, he said.

"He's very invested in this community," he said.

Miller is capable and dependable, said Jim Brewer, Miller's pastor at Hope Church of Northwest Arkansas.

Miller and his wife, Candice, assist with the church's children's programs, and are always willing to help out with other projects, Brewer said.

"He and Candice are very high-caliber people," he said. "They are very trustworthy people."

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.