If participation is a measure of interest in local government then cities and towns in Benton and Washington County run the gamut from passionate interest to apathy.
Candidates for municipal offices had until noon Friday to file to be on the Nov 8 general election ballot.
The Benton County Clerk's Office listed 98 offices up for election this year. Across the county, 35 offices drew more than one candidate. No candidates filed for 12 offices, including the six seats on the Sulphur Springs City Council. Dana Caler, elections administrator for the Benton County Clerk's Office, said sitting city councils appoint people to seats when no candidates file for an office.
In Rogers, voters will make a choice for mayor between incumbent Greg Hines and Carrie Perrien Smith.
"It's a little early, I've not started campaigning yet," Hines said. "We're going to roll out our message in a timely way. I'm excited and looking forward to an aggressive campaign."
Smith said she plans to work hard to connect directly with voters.
"It really is about face-to-face contact, at the end of the day," Smith said
In Fayetteville, there are three candidates in the mayoral race: incumbent Lioneld Jordan, who first was elected in 2008, local developer Tom Terminella and former Wal-Mart manager Ron Baucom.
Jordan said he's happy to defend his time as mayor against anyone. He emphasized partnership and openness as the pillars of his philosophy, both as mayor and in life.
"You never know how many challengers you're going to get," Jordan said. "You file on the record that you have."
Terminella said he's fired up to get out and earn the support of voters, and that having a third candidate in the mix is evidence of people in the city wanting change.
"There is a lot to do in 81 short days, but I'm building momentum and know that my message of positive growth and responsible leadership will resonate with Fayetteville citizens," he said.
Baucom, a former auditor and property manager for a local contractor and 17-year Wal-Mart employee, said the focus of his campaign will be job growth, roads and utilities and caring for the elderly.
"Regardless of what occupation we have, we need to strive to the best of our abilities," he said.
The deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 8 general election is Oct. 10. Early voting begins Oct. 24.
NW News on 08/20/2016