Williams Resigns From Bentonville Council

Leah Williams
Leah Williams

BENTONVILLE -- Leah Williams announced Friday her resignation from City Council.

She and her family moved earlier this week into a house outside of Ward 3, the ward she was elected to represent.

Arkansas law regarding the election of aldermen states: "If any duly elected alderman shall cease to reside in the ward from which he or she was elected, that person shall be disqualified to hold office, and a vacancy shall exit, which shall be filled as prescribed by law."

"My family and I searched for a home in Ward 3 that would fit our needs but were unable to do so," Williams said in a statement Friday.

She, her husband and four children needed more space, she said. Their new home is on the city's east side in Ward 1.

"This decision was not easy and is still hard to digest," she wrote. "I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the council. I learned so much and have met so many great people."

Williams was elected to City Council in November 2012. She beat Ed Austin, then the city's longest serving alderman, who served for more than 25 years.

Williams is running against incumbent Rep. Jim Dotson, R-Bentonville, for the Arkansas House of Representatives District 93 seat this fall.

Williams said her new home is in District 93.

City officials are soliciting applications to fill the vacant council seat, said Mayor Bob McCaslin.

The council members will do interviews between now and their June 24 meeting, when an appointment will be made, he said.

Anyone interested in applying must reside in Ward 3 and be a qualified elector of Bentonville, according to the city's notice of vacancy.

Ward 3 boundaries are south of West Central Avenue and Southwest Second Street to the city limit and west of Southwest A Street and South Walton Boulevard and South Rainbow Road to city limit.

Letters and resumes can be submitted by mail or hand delivered to City Hall at 117 W. Central Ave., by fax at 479-271-3105 or by email to [email protected].

Submissions must be made by 9 a.m. June 24. For more information, call 479-271-5966.

NW News on 06/14/2014

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