Burckart, Webb Win Bentonville Runoff Races

BENTONVILLE -- Bill Burckart won the Ward 3, Position 2 seat and Jim Webb claimed the Ward 4, Position 2 seat in runoff elections for City Council on Tuesday.

In unofficial totals released by the Benton County's Election Commission, Burckart, the incumbent, received 534 votes (52 percent) to his opponent Kristy Reed's 493 votes (48 percent). Webb received 572 votes (56 percent) to incumbent Jim Grider's 451 votes (44 percent).

Burckart has served on the council since 2008. This was Reed's first bid for political office.

Burckart said he was pleased and humbled by the results. He said looks forward to serving Bentonville residents as long as they keep him on council.

"I'll always be a voice for the people," he said.

Burckart also commended Reed for her hard work and a good race.

Burckart and Reed received a combined 85 percent of the votes in a three-candidate race during the Nov. 4 general election. Burckart received 4,001 votes (49 percent) and Reed received 2,940 votes (36 percent). Bryan Bennett, the third candidate, received 1,242 votes (15 percent).

This is the first time Webb has sought a council seat. Grider has been the incumbent since elected in 2002.

Webb spoke highly of Grider and the work he's done on the council.

"I am so excited and actually surprised," Webb said. "The numbers in the primary looked good, but Mr. Grider's been in there for 12 years, and I wasn't sure if I was going to pull it off."

Webb thanked his wife, two sons, everyone who helped on his campaign and those who voted.

The two entered the runoff after Webb received 3,786 votes (48 percent) and Grider received 2,894 votes (36 percent) in the Nov. 4 general election. Anthony Ciabattari was the third candidate in that race. He came away with 1,281 votes (16 percent).

Stephanie Orman was the only candidate in a three-way race who was able to avoid a runoff in the general election. She received 4,541 votes (56 percent) against Michael Williams and Jon Cavness in Ward 1, Position 1.

The other five Bentonville City Council races each had two candidates. Tim Robinson ousted Roger Thomas, incumbent, for the Ward 2, Position 1 seat. Octavio Sanchez beat incumbent Burton Head in the Ward 4, Position 1 race in the general election.

Incumbents John Skaggs, Chris Sooter and James Smith kept their positions.

In Rogers, Sam Jeffery won the runoff election for the Ward 4, Position 1 seat on the City Council, beating Carrie Perrien Smith.

Jeffery received 523 votes (52 percent). Smith received 474 votes (48 percent).

Jeffery, a Rogers native, moved back to Rogers about five years ago. This was his first run for political office. This was Smith's second run for public office. She ran unsuccessfully for the same council position in 2012.

Jeffery said previously if elected he will spend time with residents.

"I want to get out in the city and get first-hand knowledge of what people want, and what changes they would like to see," Jeffery said.

Smith and Jeffery were the top vote getters in the four-person race during the general election Nov. 4. Smith polled 116 votes more than Jeffery, forcing the runoff. Carlos Chicas and Antonio Covington were the other two candidates in the general election.

Clay Kendall, Ward 3, Position 1, aldermen, won re-election to his seat Nov. 4 by defeating Keith Jackson in the general election.

NW News on 11/26/2014