Three candidates vie for Ward 1, Position 2

SPRINGDALE -- The race for the Ward 1, Position 2 City Council seat has an incumbent facing two challengers.

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Eric Ford

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Colby Fulfer

Ward 1 consists of a large part of the city, taking up northwest, west central and some of central Springdale.

Eric Ford

• Age: 45

• Residency: Springdale, lifelong

• Employment: Department manager for Ball Corporation, 25 years

• Education: Attended Springdale High School and the University of Arkansas

• Political experience: 14 years on the Springdale City Council, served as the chairman of the Finance Committee and the Police and Fire Committee and is a member of several other city committees.

Colby Fulfer

• Age: 38

• Residency: Springdale, native with a combined 30 years

• Employment: President and owner of Westfield Chapel Funeral Home and teaching pastor at The City Church of Northwest Arkansas

• Education: Evangel University, Springfield, Mo.

Political experience: None

Eric Ford, who has served on the City Council for 14 years, is challenged by Colby Fulfer and Paul Jackson Hughes II.

Early voting starts Monday. Election day is Nov. 8.

Ford wants to enhance Springdale's core, calling it the city's most urgent need.

"The key to making Springdale successful is the continued investment in infrastructure and quality of life," said. "Doing this will attract jobs and investment in Springdale."

Road development is also vital to city growth, as well as investing in the police and fire departments, park and trail development and protecting neighborhoods from poor zoning choices, he said.

Fulfer said the city's most significant issue is economic development.

"Springdale can be the premier city in the state of Arkansas, but economic development will be the engine to get us there," Fulfer said. "With that comes fiscal responsibility."

Fulfer also mentioned the need to help the city's first responders by finding ways to ensure they receive appropriate compensation.

"Retention is much more cost effective than continuing to compensate new officers through training only to lose them to higher paying police departments or private security companies," he said.

Ford and Fulfer believe downtown revitalization is essential to Springdale growth.

"It is a quality of life type investment that will help attract jobs and other investments to the entire area," Ford said. "I would like to see a form-based zoning that will encourage a mixture of restaurants, retail and housing."

Fulfer said he appreciates the extensive efforts developing downtown, but the key to downtown success is workers, Fulfer said.

"The most important thing I want to see downtown is jobs," Fulfer said. "The dining, shopping and entertainment will follow the people."

Ford said he is the best candidate because he brings a unique perspective to the City Council and as a lifelong resident he understands Springdale tradition and values.

"I am process oriented, and my professional experience helps promote continuous improvement," Ford said. "This experience is needed to help Springdale compete and win in today's environment."

Fulfer said his business acumen makes him the best candidate.

"As a small business owner in Springdale, I have seen how tremendous the free markets are," Fulfer said. "I understand the hard work and dedication it takes to build something. I would love to be part of the City Council and to see Springdale become the standard bearer in Arkansas."

Hughes declined an interview request.

NW News on 10/20/2016

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