Newcomer challenges incumbent for Springdale council

SPRINGDALE -- The race for the City Council's Ward 4, Position 2 seat pits an incumbent's "solid record of service" against her challenger's "fresh perspective."

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Kathy Jaycox

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Jeremy Lynch

Ward 4 takes up northeast Springdale, part of east central Springdale and and a section of central Springdale.

Springdale City Council

Ward 4, Position 2

Kathy Jaycox*

• Age: 69

• Residency: Springdale, 27 years

• Employment: Former small business owner

• Education: Attended Fontbonne College, St. Louis

• Political experience: City Council since 1998, former airport commissioner

Jeremy Lynch

• Age: 31

• Residency: Springdale, six years

• Employment: Pricing manager at J.B. Hunt Trucking

• Educated: Graduated Fayetteville High School, attended University of Arkansas

• Political experience: None

Source: Staff report

Kathy Jaycox, who has served on the council since 1998, is challenged by Jeremy Lynch, a political newcomer.

Jaycox and Lynch differ on what issues are most urgent to further develop Springdale.

Jaycox said supporting the revitalization of downtown Springdale, supporting infrastructure needs, building a new animal shelter and maintaining and adding to the city's trails system, which she said "has become an economic driver for Springdale's future."

Lynch said the urgent needs are making the council more engaged with and accessible to the community and addressing the perception that Springdale is not as safe as neighboring communities. He said he also wants to promote business opportunities in Springdale.

"We need to better capitalize on the advantages of living, working and starting a business in Springdale, such as our central location to Northwest Arkansas and our diversity," Lynch said.

Jaycox and Lynch stress the importance of revitalizing the downtown.

"As one of the first boosters of downtown Springdale, I am delighted with the transformation of our downtown," Jaycox said. "The improvements to Shiloh Square, adding Walter Turnbow Park, the Razorback Greenway and the investments made by private owners in downtown properties has given us a preview of how special Springdale downtown can be."

"As the revitalization project continues to gain momentum," Lynch said, "I want to see more restaurants, shops and entertainment options that appeal to families and bring people together from all of the diverse groups in our community and from across the region."

Jaycox said her service to the city makes her the right candidate to vote for.

"I have a solid record of serving Springdale citizens by listening to their concerns, making city government open and accessible to our people and making decisions with integrity and informed judgment," she said.

Lynch, who is a price manager for J.B. Hunt Trucking, said his work experience makes him the best candidate.

"My work experience has helped me develop several skills including leadership, negotiation and teamwork, which will be useful in working for our community. I care about the future of our community and want to help make Springdale an even better place to live."

Early voting starts Monday. The general election is Nov. 8.

NW News on 10/22/2016

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