FAYETTEVILLE -- A longtime Wal-Mart manager and former auditor for a Northwest Arkansas contractor threw his hat into the race for mayor.
Ron Baucom, 59, filed Friday to join incumbent Mayor Lioneld Jordan and developer Tom Terminella in the race.
Baucom spent 17 years as an employee and manager at Wal-Mart before heading a number of small businesses, he said. He served as an auditor and property manager for JR Ball Contracting Group from 2002 to 2006, and now cares for his 89-year-old mother, Betty Baucom, full-time. Baucom also works part-time at MailCo USA and Landmark Event Staffing, both in Fayetteville.
Job growth, expanding infrastructure such as roads and utilities, and making sure senior citizens have access to the care they need are the pillars of Baucom's campaign, he said.
Baucom said he considers his desire to become mayor to be a "personal calling," and the city government is due for some fresh faces.
"We need to keep searching for ways for job growth," he said. "I'd like to research as much as we can try to get even more industry here to create more jobs."
His mother has been a huge influence on his life, Baucom said, emphasizing community service and good works.
"I was taught by my God-fearing mother that we're all God's people and we should serve others to the best of our abilities," he said. "I think Mr. Jordan's done a fine job, but I think we still need to continue to strive to do our best with whatever we're doing."
Baucom acknowledged he may not have the name recognition of his opponents, but pointed out he has built close relationships as a lifelong resident who raised three children in Fayetteville.
"I've seen so many changes,"he said. "It has changed for the better, in most ways I think, but we can still improve."
NW News on 08/20/2016