Q: What will you offer as a City Council member?
Lanny "Morgan" Downum said he wants to protect the property rights of residents in Elm Springs. He would do that by trying to avoid strict ordinances for houses, like those that regulate colors of paint. He also wants to be fiscally responsible with city money.
PROFILE
Laquita Maxwell
Position: Elm Springs City Council Ward 1, Position 1
Age: 56
Residency: Elm Springs Resident for 33 years
Family: Husband, James
Employment: Proctor and Gamble, administrator
Education: Associate’s degree from John Brown University
Military Experience: None
Political Experience: Elm Springs Sewer Committee for 1 1/2 years
Lanny “Morgan” Downum
Position: Elm Springs City Council Ward 1, Position 1
Age: 35
Residency: Elm Springs resident for one and one-half years when his property was annexed into the city; lifelong Northwest Arkansas resident
Family: Wife, Rachel; two daughters, two sons
Employment: Self-employed farmer and electrician
Education: Springdale High School graduate
Military Experience: None
Political Experience: None
Editor’s note: Lanny “Morgan” Downum and Laquita Maxwell are candidates for the Ward 1, Position seat on Elm Springs City Council. Incumbent Allen Holcomb did not seek re-election. Early voting begins Oct. 20. The election is Nov. 4.
Laquita Maxwell said she's attended City Council meetings for the past two years, and served on the Sewer Committee for one and one-half years. This experience given her knowledge of city issues and opportunities. She also has a background in business and understands budgets.
Q: Why did you decide to run for City Council?
Downum said he wanted to run because his property was annexed into the city one and one-half years ago. He thinks he can bring a common sense viewpoint to the council.
Maxwell said being an alderwoman would be an opportunity to serve the city. She knows about city issues and wants to help.
Q: What could be better in the city, and how would you help make it better?
Downum said the the east side of the city is not ready for future commercial needs. He said he wants to make sure the necessary utilities are in place for future development.
Maxwell said she hasn't seen a five-year plan for the city and thinks one is needed. She said cities can't budget or plan for the future effectively without a five-year plan. The plan would help officials know whether or not they should take advantage of opportunities when they arise. If an opportunity doesn't fit with the plan, city officials shouldn't take it.
NW News on 10/04/2014