FAYETTEVILLE -- A floodplain administrator and Army National Guard veteran wants to take a City Council seat up for grabs in November.
Kris Paxton, 33, announced his intention to run for the Ward 1 spot held by Adella Gray. Gray, who will have spent 12 years on the council by the end of the year, isn't seeking re-election.
Key dates
• Candidate filing period: July 27 through Aug. 17
• Election day: Nov. 6
Source: Staff Report
Paxton works as technical services manager, floodplain administrator and stormwater manager for Springdale. He has more than a decade of experience in public service, making recommendations and providing data to the decision-makers at the municipal level. He also serves as the northwest representative of the Arkansas Floodplain Management Association.
"I've worked for a municipal government, so I'm familiar with the functions of an elected official," Paxton said.
A graduate of Ozark High School, Paxton has seven degrees and certifications, including a master's degree in geospatial information systems and bachelor's degree in geographic information systems from American Sentinel University. He also has an associate of applied science in architectural computer-aided design drafting at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith.
Paxton spent 15 months deployed to Kuwait with the Army National Guard. He moved to Fayetteville in 2015 with his wife, Kara. They live in Ward 1 with two daughters, ages 2 and 6.
Paxton said he largely agrees with the direction the city is heading but believes the focus on spending for parks, streets, sidewalks and trail systems could be sharper.
For example, Paxton said he would support a citywide, data-driven approach to sidewalk projects. The current practice is to build sidewalks equally among the four wards.
Paxton also supports saving Lewis Park. The city's lease on the 27-acres ends this summer, and the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture plans to sell. The park has served as a spot for flying disc and soccer players for 25 years and helps prevent flooding for hundreds of residents in the neighborhood.
Fayetteville last week became the first city in Arkansas and 54th in the nation to commit to 100 percent clean energy by 2050. Paxton said he supports the energy action plan, something a majority of residents also support, according to the plan's research.
NW News on 01/06/2018