Joe Jacobs

Outdoor Recreation in Little Rock and the Election

We decided to try something a little different here at Arkansas Outside this election season. Politics can often get too dirty even for us outdoor lovers, but sometimes you just have to wade into the muck. We are testing these murky waters by sticking to questions concerning local races in central Arkansas. Local races are important. The Little Rock City Board of Directors play an instrumental role in the well being of not only the citizens of Little Rock, but as Arkansas’s largest city and the seat of state government, they influence other towns and cities in the state.

We also decided to stay with a basic theme of outdoor recreation in our questions for current and prospective city directors. Of course, as famous outdoor dude John Muir once said, “When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe.” And thus we have to touch on alternative transportation, obesity and health issues, and quality of life. We could keep pulling at that loose threads but we needed to focus so we stopped there.

We sent the following email to all candidates and current office holders of the Little Rock City Board of Directors:

Arkansas Outside is the information hub for outdoor enthusiasts both in central Arkansas and the state. With the upcoming elections, our readers would like to know where city and county candidates, current office holders and those running unopposed stand on issues that affect their daily lives. Please take a moment to answer these 8 short questions. Our intent is to share your answers in their entirety with our readers. We would greatly appreciate having these back no later than October 10, 2014. Thank you for your answers.

1. In what outdoor recreation activities do you currently participate?

2. How important are outdoor recreation spaces like parks and trails to the quality of life for local citizens?

4. What role should the city and county take to improving alternate transportation options in central Arkansas?

6. What role should city and county governments have in addressing obesity and other health issues in central Arkansas?

7. What importance does the Fourche Creek Watershed have on the environmental health of the city of Little Rock? Have you ever participated in a volunteer clean-up of Fourche Creek?

8. What amenities do you think attract young, educated professionals to consider central Arkansas as a place to raise a family?

The city of Little Rock is divided up into Wards with a representative from each Ward sitting on the board. There are also three at large positions plus the mayor.

colr_Ward_Boundaries — Click on the map to see a larger version to figure out your Ward.

As you can see, city directors have the opportunity to vote on issues that affect the city and their own wards. Of course, the other directors are voting for things they think are best for their ward and the at-large members are suppose to look out for the city as a whole, but you have to feel like they will probably look out for the section of town that they may live or work in. The mayor gets to vote in the case of a tie.

This election cycle all board positions are up for election with the exception of Ward Four and the three At-Large positions. We printed the responses as written except for some formatting changes to add some consistency to the article. Otherwise, all words and punctuation belong to the public servant.

We made every effort to contact the candidates and office holders but didn’t hear from everyone. The initial emails were sent to the candidates and office holders on September 17 asking them to respond by October 10. Another email was sent to those who hadn’t responded on October 10 giving them three more days to respond. On October 14 we sent another email to the non-respondents giving them one more day. Below are the answers we got from those who took the time get back with us. An (I) before the name signifies the candidate is an incumbent. (Herbert Broadway had no email listed in the information I received from the voting commission, since most of this article had to be put together during late nights, I did not have the time to call Mr. Broadway).

Ward One

Herbert Broadway – No contact email listed.

(I) Erma Hendrix – No Response

Robert Webb –

1. In what outdoor recreation activities do you currently participate? Currently I bike. I support the complete street ordinance because we have many infrastructure issues in Ward 1 and this is one way of addressing them.

2. How important are outdoor recreation spaces like parks and trails to the quality of life for local citizens? Extremely important. Parks are critical for neighborhood cohesiveness and crime reduction. They also increase opportunities for youth to expend energy which helps with behavioral problems. Lastly, they increase the surrounding property value.

3. What forms of transportation are safe alternatives to automobiles to get to work, shopping, healthcare, recreation and socializing in central Arkansas? What forms of transportation should be safe alternatives? The public bus would be a great, safe form of transportation however there are limited routes which do not include the entire city. Additionally because of the distance between stops there is likelihood for incidences to occur, depending on where you are traveling. If you travel west of Shackleford, there is not a bus route that will take you to places in west LR.

4. What role should the city and county take to improving alternate transportation options in central Arkansas? THE city should have increased concentration of bus lanes. Reexamine current bus routes for feasibility and profitability and increased based on need. Also the city should encourage Lyft and or Uber to participate in our city to allow other affordable means of transportation.

5. Have you ever ridden a bicycle or walked through the section of the Arkansas River Trail between the Cantrell viaduct and Arch Street? What priority should the city and county give to improving this section? I have ridden the River Market trail down to the Big Dam Bridge, but not the entire length of Cantrell. I would like to see it extended throughout the city providing an inexpensive biking alternative to residents.

6. What role should city and county governments have in addressing obesity and other health issues in central Arkansas? Obesity is an issue that can be addressed with better quality parks and bike lanes. Also the city can continue to promote the mayor’s council on childhood obesity.

7. What importance does the Fourche Creek Watershed have on the environmental health of the city of Little Rock? Have you ever participated in a volunteer clean-up of Fourche Creek? I did not participate in the one clean up I was aware of due to a scheduling conflict. To address the Fourche Watershed, I am vaguely familiar with this and I don’t want to speak out of turn. Would you mind educating me?

8. What amenities do you think attract young, educated professionals to consider central Arkansas as a place to raise a family? Quality schools, parks and recreational programs; bike lanes that span residential and business communities.

Grayson Shelton –

1. In what outdoor recreation activities do you currently participate? My wife and I frequently go camping, kayaking, enjoy and participate in music festivals (with my band War Chief ) and hike/walk in state parks, national parks and municipal trails. It’s also worth noting that I’m usually a “walker” and she’s a “biker”, though I’m between bikes at the moment, so we usually walk while she talks about how much I need a new bike 🙂

2. How important are outdoor recreation spaces like parks and trails to the quality of life for local citizens? Parks are crucial to quality of life for citizens in any community. Humans need green space, and I plan to support not only parks but community gardens and dog parks as well. Trails are necessary not only for recreation, which most of Little Rock’s trail system is, but also for transportation.

That being said, transportation-oriented trails and lanes are a priority of mine and I look forward to working with other directors and the City Manager to develop a safer transit system for bikers and pedestrians away from major thoroughfares.

3. What forms of transportation are safe alternatives to automobiles to get to work, shopping, healthcare, recreation and socializing in central Arkansas? What forms of transportation should be safe alternatives?Any alternate form, foot, bicycle, skateboard, and public transit should all be considered when developing transportation routes. Another issue we encounter, from a Ward 1 perspective, is the lack of amenities and public facilities for alternative transit options. One of my priorities is to work with both Neighborhood associations and businesses to bring convenience to residents in the area which, hopefully, will add value to alternative transit options.

4. What role should the city and county take to improving alternate transportation options in central Arkansas? I believe, as I stated above, that pedestrian and bicycle lanes should be practical and safe, off major thoroughfares. For example, I would have proposed a bike lane down 7th street instead of 12th street. Many residents of Central High Neighborhood have complained to me that hardly anyone rides a bike down 12th street. 7th street is almost as extensive as 12th, and would be safer due to less traffic and more access.

5. Have you ever ridden a bicycle or walked through the section of the Arkansas River Trail between the Cantrell viaduct and Arch Street? What priority should the city and county give to improving this section? Yes, my wife and I frequently walk this area and encounter cyclists on the route. The intersections of trail and city road are key areas for designated pedestrian and bicycle lanes, to keep people safe. During rush hour, that intersection has a lot of traffic and vehicles speed through the area a lot. I look forward to working with citizens to develop safer routes.

6. What role should city and county governments have in addressing obesity and other health issues in central Arkansas? There’s a lot of ways to take this, so I’ll pick a few that I feel would benefit me personally… Please note that these are observations, and I’m not referencing any reports.

Alternative work schedules- I know that if I had more 3 day weekends I would be able to plan more vacations and activities with my family. Personally I think that would improve my health both physically and emotionally. This could also range to more staff working from home, where applicable, which would also help with infrastructure/utility concerns.

7. What importance does the Fourche Creek Watershed have on the environmental health of the city of Little Rock? Have you ever participated in a volunteer clean-up of Fourche Creek? I need to do more research on this question, to be honest. But, to be honest, I am also an employee of Little Rock Wastewater in a non-supervisory role. In the interest of fairness (they operate a plant at Fourche Creek and would not wish to present a conflict of interest) I would probably recuse myself from this issue.

I would, however, like to offer a statement In my short time with LRW, in which I have spent time in both administration tasks and in the field as an observer, I have seen a very high level of professionalism and courtesy in which I have been treated very respectfully and courteously. From a consumer standpoint I can mirror that praise and say that my experiences have been filled with nice people who do their best to solve problems and maintain a level of customer service that, in today’s “caller-on-hold” world, is a pleasant change.

8. What amenities do you think attract young, educated professionals to consider central Arkansas as a place to raise a family? I think we’re going in the right direction in some aspects, while we need some work on others. We need to continue to attract enterprise and corporations, but I think we have a great opportunity for entrepreneurs and locally-owned business to make their name in the area. From my Ward’s standpoint we desperately want to bring people back downtown; We have a plethora of opportunities for businesses to make there mark in a responsible, neighborhood-friendly and cost-effective fashion… In order to do that (specifically with the group you’re mentioning) we need to add convenience and continue to work together to improve the quality of life for the entire community.

To be honest, it’s a testing, but really awesome time to live in Ward 1 as we work to preserve the heritage that’s so important to the city but embrace forward thinking and making our capital city something we can be proud of.

Ward Two

Pamela Adcock – No Response

(I) Ken Richardson –

1. In what outdoor recreation activities do you currently participate? Golfing and walking

2. How important are outdoor recreation spaces like parks and trails to the quality of life for local citizens? Very important for a number of reasons!

4. What role should the city and county take to improving alternate transportation options in central Arkansas? As a City Director, I’ve advocated for bicycle lanes on my 12th Street Corridor Revitalization Initiative as well as street scape changes that encourages more walking in that community. The City should be at the forefront with supportive policies that encourages alternative transportation options.

6. What role should city and county governments have in addressing obesity and other health issues in central Arkansas? We should be at the forefront with respect to these issues given the number of food deserts in our community and disproportionate number of convenience stores in certain parts of our community.

7. What importance does the Fourche Creek Watershed have on the environmental health of the city of Little Rock? Have you ever participated in a volunteer clean-up of Fourche Creek? The Fourche Creek Watershed is critically important to the overall environmental health of the city of Little Rock and I’ve never participated in any volunteer cleanup efforts due to my busy schedule conducting gang intervention work.

8. What amenities do you think attract young, educated professionals to consider central Arkansas as a place to raise a family? Alternative transportation options, accesible public transportation options, health food stores and safe parks

Ward Three

Kathy Webb –

1. In what outdoor recreation activities do you currently participate? I am an avid walker, with a goal of at least 10,000 steps per day. The majority of my time spent in city parks is at ones with soccer fields, where I watch my great nephew.

2. How important are outdoor recreation spaces like parks and trails to the quality of life for local citizens?Parks and trails are important to our citizens for a variety of reasons. First, young families look to amenities such as parks and trails when choosing where to live. Second, businesses factor the quality of parks and trails into decisions about where to locate, therefore having a huge economic development impact. Third, research shows a correlation between parks and trails and the health of a community.

While serving in the AR General Assembly, I worked with the citizens of the Capitol View/Stifft Station Neighborhood Association, connecting them with potential funders for the Rose Creek Trail Project. Additionally, I worked to persuade Governor Beebe to allocate $250,000 for a War Memorial Trail. These efforts demonstrate my understanding of the importance of parks and trails, as well as my commitment to make things happen to develop them.

3. What forms of transportation are safe alternatives to automobiles to get to work, shopping, healthcare, recreation and socializing in central Arkansas? Bus, cycling and walking should be safe, alternative methods of transportation. To make that happen, the bus system needs to provide routes that “work” for working people. In order to do that, bus service has to become a viable alternative. Additionally, when CATA does strategic planning, they should consider a reframing of public transportation as a viable alternative. Specifically, how to increase support for public transit among non-users (source “How Transit Benefits People who Do Not Use it: A Conservative Inquiry”). For cycling and walking to become viable alternatives, Little Rock should implement Complete Streets policy for all new and redevelopment. Sidewalks need to be repaired and added. Bike lanes need to be added, with bicycle boulevards, improved signage, bike racks and bicycle education increased. A pilot program, with a private partner, should be started in a high density neighborhood with bikes available for rent at a variety of stations.

All of these ideas, many at low cost or no cost, would improve the options for alternative methods of transportation.

4. What role should the city and county take to improving alternate transportation options in central Arkansas? The city and county should be leaders in providing safe ways for people to use alternative methods of transportation, through education, clearly marked routes, sidewalks and other activities.

5. Have you ever ridden a bicycle or walked through the section of the Arkansas River Trail between the Cantrell viaduct and Arch Street? I have walked through sections of the River Trail between Arch and the Cantrell viaduct, and have a number of friends who bike through it. The issues are numerous, including lack of bike lanes, unsafe road surface, high traffic areas, confusing signage in places and security issues. I would advocate for completion of the trail.

6. What role should city and county governments have in addressing obesity and other health issues in central Arkansas? Cities and county government should be engaged in the fight against obesity, and other health issues. AR ranks third in obesity, according to the most recent data (just behind MS and WV). Health problems that result from obesity have an impact on our public health system. As a member of the Executive Committee of the AR Coalition on Obesity Prevention (ARCOP), I have worked with communities across AR who are tackling obesity by making walking and other physical activity easier to participate in, who are creating community gardens and increasing access to healthier food, and are working with businesses to promote wellness plans.

7. What importance does the Fourche Creek Watershed have on the environmental health of the city of Little Rock? Have you ever participated in a volunteer clean-up of Fourche Creek? The Fourche Creek Watershed is important to the city of Little Rock because it drains and filters almost 99% of the runoff from Little Rock. The natural purification in the bottom lands has economic benefit to the city, and the flora and fauna inhabiting the area are significant. While I have not participated in a clean up day, I have attended programs sponsored by Audubon Arkansas as well as worked with Ken Smith, Rob Fisher and others who have been instrumental in the restoration of Fourche Creek Watershed.

8. What amenities do you think attract young, educated professionals to consider central Arkansas as a place to raise a family? Research shows that parks and trails are important to young families when choosing where to live, and are in fact, among the most important amenities. I believe funding for Parks and Recreation is important, as well as utilizing relationships with county and state government to maximize potential funding opportunities.

Geoffrey Yamauchi –

1. In what outdoor recreation activities do you currently participate? I enjoy softball in our city leagues, hunting(duck, dove and last year deer), fishing(trout, bass, and crappie), hiking and walking my dogs in Allsopp park.

2. How important are outdoor recreation spaces like parks and trails to the quality of life for local citizens? I think the parks and trails are very important to help people connect with nature and decompress from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

3. What forms of transportation are safe alternatives to automobiles to get to work, shopping, healthcare, recreation and socializing in central Arkansas? I think our public transportation needs some revamping. I would also like to see more ride sharing programs in the city(Uber, Lyft and she ride) She ride provides rides for women by women. I have used Uber in San Francisco and I had a great inexpensive experience.

4. What role should the city and county take to improving alternate transportation options in central Arkansas? I believe thecity shoud allow as many different options as possible. By increasing the competition, all forms will improve.

5. Have you ever ridden a bicycle or walked through the section of the Arkansas River Trail between the Cantrell viaduct and Arch Street? What priority should the city and county give to improving this section? I have not ridden on the portion of the river trail about which you are asking. I have ridden the entire river trail loop. I think the city needs to find out what importance this section of the trails have to commuters if there is a call for improvement then we should move forward and take advisement from the users in ways to improve.

6. What role should city and county governments have in addressing obesity and other health issues in central Arkansas? I think the city should take an interest in the health of the citizens, but rather than mandating changes the changes should be molded slowly into peoples routine. Also I believe in partnerships between local health providers(Baptist, UAMS, BCBS, etc.) to help fund initiatives that would benefit Little Rock’s health.

7. What importance does the Fourche Creek Watershed have on the environmental health of the city of Little Rock? Have you ever participated in a volunteer clean-up of Fourche Creek? I believe it is very important to have a safe supply of clean drinking water, howeve, I do not support the efforts to remove property rights. If Sams club can filter the drainage water from the large parking lot space with a small filtration pond then I believe CAW can find ways to handle runoff from private citizens lands. I find it disturbing how much trash is in the creek when i drive by, I would like to see stiffer penalties for littering. I have not taken part in the cleanups.

8. What amenities do you think attract young, educated professionals to consider central Arkansas as a place to raise a family? Low taxes, livable community, friendly neighborhoods, decent roads, educated workforce, great education for the future generations and a clean city.

I love this city and the fact I can walk to my grocer, bank, post office, voting spot, and many local restaurants. I want to help Little Rock become safer, cleaner and an even better community to live in.

Ward Four

Brad Cazort – No Response (This position is not up for reelection this year)

Ward Five

(I) Lance Hines –

1. In what outdoor recreation activities do you currently participate? Golf, trap shooting, duck hunting, deer hunting, fly fishing

2. How important are outdoor recreation spaces like parks and trails to the quality of life for local citizens? I think a vigorous parks system including trails is a quality of life attribute not only citizens look for but also companies looking to locate in an area consider.

4. What role should the city and county take to improving alternate transportation options in central Arkansas? The City of Little Rock is always considering connectivity of alternate transportation modes and trying to provide safer areas for walkers and cyclists.

5. Have you ever ridden a bicycle or walked through the section of the Arkansas River Trail between the Cantrell viaduct and Arch Street? What priority should the city and county give to improving this section? No, I have not ridden or walked the area but I do know it is a top priority for Mayor Stodola and the city board to complete this connection to make it safer and complete the loop. It is currently not a safe alternative to completing the River Trail.

6. What role should city and county governments have in addressing obesity and other health issues in central Arkansas? The City of Little Rock has a current program funded through the Bloomberg foundation that is directly addressing the childhood obesity epidemic through volunteerism and community engagement.

7. What importance does the Fourche Creek Watershed have on the environmental health of the city of Little Rock? Have you ever participated in a volunteer clean-up of Fourche Creek? Fourche creek is very important watershed that feeds into the Arkansas river. It unfortunately does not get the recognition it deserves and an asset and outdoor adventure area within the city limits. No, I have never participated in a volunteer clean-up and would be happy to participate if invited.

8. What amenities do you think attract young, educated professionals to consider central Arkansas as a place to raise a family? Safe neighborhoods, quality public schools, quality parks and cultural engagement opportunities, big city amenities with a small town community connected feel.

Ward Six

(I) Doris Wright –

1. In what outdoor recreation activities do you currently participate? Response: Walking

2. How important are outdoor recreation spaces like parks and trails to the quality of life for local citizens? Response: I think these activities are extremely important to our citizens as it creates a sense of well being and encourage physical activity which improves the health of the individual.

3. What forms of transportation are safe alternatives to automobiles to get to work, shopping, healthcare, recreation and socializing in central Arkansas? What forms of transportation should be safe alternatives? Response: Alternatives to automobiles include: bus transportation, cycling, telecommuting and walking. I would like to see a light rail system developed and the existing trolley system expanded so that people working downtown can use it to instead of their cars. The bus route could then be expanded so that people living outside the downtown area will more opportunities to use the service.

4. What role should the city and county take to improving alternate transportation options in central Arkansas? Response: The city and county should take the lead in the development of our transportation alternatives.

5. Have you ever ridden a bicycle or walked through the section of the Arkansas River Trail between the Cantrell viaduct and Arch Street? What priority should the city and county give to improving this section? Response: No I have not. The city should determine the priority of an area based upon its use or potential use.

6. What role should city and county governments have in addressing obesity and other health issues in central Arkansas? Response: The role of public health is a state function; however, to address the needs of the citizens of Little Rock, the city and county governments should encourage the citizenry to participate in outdoor recreational activities offered by our Parks and Recreation department and to use the fitness centers located in our parks.

7. What importance does the Fourche Creek Watershed have on the environmental health of the city of Little Rock? Have you ever participated in a volunteer clean-up of Fourche Creek? Response: I think the creek, watershed, and wetland areas are extremely important to the city of Little Rock because they provide water purification, efficient containment and storage of floodwaters, urban noise reduction, air and water pollution control, and wildlife habitat within the city. My research tells me that Fourche Creek is home to over 50 species of fish (one fourth of all Arkansas fish species), stands of three hundred year old bald cypress, and a diverse population of migratory bird species.

No I have not participated in a clean-up effort of Fourche Creek.

8. What amenities do you think attract young, educated professionals to consider central Arkansas as a place to raise a family?
Response:

access to public schools that don’t require long school bus commutes out of the downtown
a feeling of family-friendliness within the community
Walkability
An interesting downtown that children can be a part of – children are interested not just in museums, and playgrounds but in a lively streetscape with interesting features.

Sandy Becker –

1. In what outdoor recreation activities do you currently participate? Walking and occasionally bicycling. Bicycle out of service.

2. How important are outdoor recreation spaces like parks and trails to the quality of life for local citizens? Very. I have helped to develop and maintain a wooded walking trail at Romine Elementary.in Little Rock. I also assist with maintenance of Kiwanis Park (operate a mobile bushhog) and have worked with the City of Little Rock Community Service program to help maintain and develop public parks and areas.

4. What role should the city and county take to improving alternate transportation options in central Arkansas? The City and County should evaluate and maintain an efficient means of public transportation such as buses and promote the use of public transportation as an important option for citizens.Innovative ways should be thought of for increasing the use of this service.

5. Have you ever ridden a bicycle or walked through the section of the Arkansas River Trail between the Cantrell viaduct and Arch Street? What priority should the city and county give to improving this section? No. The City and County should look for ways to develop community resources and work with the community and organizations to have a way to keep them adopted, used, and maintained.

6. What role should city and county governments have in addressing obesity and other health issues in central Arkansas? The City should promote and encourage organized and spontaneous outdoor activities that can improve the activity levels of youth and those older than youth. The community gardening projects of the City is a way of introducing healthier food options to our citizens.

7. What importance does the Fourche Creek Watershed have on the environmental health of the city of Little Rock? Have you ever participated in a volunteer clean-up of Fourche Creek? I have worked with Henderson Middle School’s EAST lab that has done at least project relating to Fourche Creek. At the October City of Little Rock Neighborhood Connections Meeting – the Fourche Creek Watershed is being discussed.

8. What amenities do you think attract young, educated professionals to consider central Arkansas as a place to raise a family? A good public library system, an involved school (s) for their children, a community atmosphere, and neighborhoods that have green space and public space.

Ward Seven

(I) BJ (Brenda) Wyrick – No Response

At Large

Joan Adcock – No Response (This position is not up for reelection this year)

Gene Fortson – (This position is not up for reelection this year)

1. In what outdoor recreation activities do you currently participate? I enjoy hunting, fishing and just walking in the outdoors. Until three years ago, I played lots of golf, but an arm injury has hampered my golf game

2. How important are outdoor recreation spaces like parks and trails to the quality of life for local citizens? Parks, trails, playing fields, and public tennis, soccer and golf facilities are vital to a meaningful quality of life in a city.

3. What forms of transportation are safe alternatives to automobiles to get to work, shopping, healthcare, recreation and socializing in central Arkansas? What forms of transportation should be safe alternatives? Obviously more complete public transportation would take autos off the street. As more people move downtown, walking, bikes and other means of getting around become more vital.

4. What role should the city and county take to improving alternate transportation options in central Arkansas? Without dedicated sources of revenue, area wide efficient public transportation is not feasible. The cities in our area need to work together to pursue this goal.

5. Have you ever ridden a bicycle or walked through the section of the Arkansas River Trail between the Cantrell viaduct and Arch Street? What priority should the city and county give to improving this section? I have. The absence of access through this riverfront area property is the biggest obstacle that must be overcome to improve this trail section.

6. What role should city and county governments have in addressing obesity and other health issues in central Arkansas? Obesity is a societal problem that requires educational effort and encouragement of behavior modification from all levels of government.

7. What importance does the Fourche Creek Watershed have on the environmental health of the city of Little Rock? Have you ever participated in a volunteer clean-up of Fourche Creek? Fourche creek is an invaluable asset and a little known secret. I have floated through the area and it is awesome. It needs to be preserved , enhanced ad utilized more.

8. What amenities do you think attract young, educated professionals to consider central Arkansas as a place to raise a family? Quality of life assets are necessary to appeal to the educated young professional. That includes cultural assets such as public art, availability of entertainment, recreational opportunities and all manner of public parks and their recreational offerings.

Dr. Dean Kumpuris – (This position is not up for reelection this year)

(Dr. Kumpuris and I had a short conversation on the phone, These answers are paraphrasing at best)

1. In what outdoor recreation activities do you currently participate? Running, cycling, hunting and fishing

2. How important are outdoor recreation spaces like parks and trails to the quality of life for local citizens? The city needs more trails to connect current trails and parks.

4. What role should the city and county take to improving alternate transportation options in central Arkansas? It’s important for local government to improve alternate transportation.

6. What role should city and county governments have in addressing obesity and other health issues in central Arkansas? It is the job of everyone in the community.

8. What amenities do you think attract young, educated professionals to consider central Arkansas as a place to raise a family? All amenities a city can offer are important.

Mayor

Mark Stodola – No Response

It is our hope that these answers will factor into your decision in voting for leadership for the city of Little Rock. If nothing else it gives voters an expectation in the actions of the board members who are elected.

There are a lot of important issues facing the city, please take the time to learn more about your elected officials and where they stand on issues important to you and your community.

Here is a link to the Pulaski County voter information, you can print out a sample ballot and find your early voting and regular voting locations.

2 Responses

David Meroney says:

October 23, 2014 at 8:25 pm

Great idea. Really enjoyed reading the responses for the candidates for my Ward as well as the others. I’m disappointed in those who did not respond.

Excellent work. Thank you

Reply
Marvin Winston says:

October 30, 2014 at 12:14 pm

Thanks for putting this together. Very interesting answers.

Reply