Working to empty the bases

guest commentary by Gary Campbell

“Have you ever considered running for City Director?”

That was the question posed to me. As the conversation continued, it became obvious that I was being encouraged to serve. It was pointed out I could apply my corporate business and Planning Commission experience to contribute to Fort Smith’s future. 

Serving as a City Director is a worthwhile experience if one is willing to publicly suffer success and defeat. Experiencing public failure runs counter to human nature. But a reading of history shows that many people who overcame their share of defeats continued to contribute. (e.g. Abraham Lincoln). 

One of the first experiences a new director encounters is that Board decisions are group decisions. A 4-3 vote equals a 7-0 vote. Each director’s responsibility is to do his homework and present a thoughtful argument on the best interest of Fort Smith’s future. Thankfully our board debates issues and ideas but not personalities, as it should be.  We all bring different philosophies to the discussions, but we care about this community.

During my tenure, I have worked to climb the learning curve by listening to others, reading books and taking training at the Arkansas Municipal League as well as the National League of Cities. Years ago someone said you get more done using good ideas rather than trying to take credit for originating ideas. That’s why I donate time for involvement outside of Fort Smith to look for ideas and new perspectives as well as promoting the city.

Locally the 188th/Fort Chaffee Community Council was formed to “BRAC proof” the Air National Guard and Fort Chaffee. The Arkansas Municipal League and the National League of Cities follows a similar concept for cities.  

Cities exist solely as a creation of the state of Arkansas, which defines their purposes. The municipalities’ only capabilities are subject to approved legislation that can be changed during any session. The Arkansas Municipal League was founded 75 years ago to represent the joint interest of cities to the Legislature. During that time, it has successfully opposed many bills that would have been detrimental as well as sponsoring beneficial initiatives.

For example, the local sales tax election option was an initiative of the AML, which has allowed Fort Smith to fund our street construction program, Lake Fort Smith expansion, Riverpark facility and new library system.

The League also promotes and works to protect the annual turnback funding that provides more than $400,000 for our street maintenance and other expenses. Today it represents all 500 Arkansas communities. 

Between legislative sessions, the AML sponsors numerous training events for elected officials and city employees (e.g. FOI laws) as well as providing other services for municipalities (e.g. legal opinions, vehicle insurance, grant support, health insurance, safe investments, etc). These programs are designed to improve cities and help save money.   

I have been active in the AML during my board tenure by attending training, moderating sessions and serving on the executive committee. In 2001, we brought more than 400 elected officials to Fort Smith for the annual Arkansas Municipal League. Currently, I serve as first vice president of the league.

 The National League of Cities works on the national level for cities. I serve on the organization’s community and economic development steering committee, which allows me to learn from the successes or failures of larger cities. The committee develops policies to support the NLC lobbying positions at Congress. This committee was responsible for saving the CDBG funding 5 years ago. CDBG provides almost $900,000 annually to Fort Smith for local grants that would otherwise be lost.

Last year I had the opportunity to serve on the statewide Task Force for the 21st Century. It was very intensive but afforded me an opportunity to travel the state and see what other regions are doing to compete in the future. Others are ahead of us, but none have the assets we have to succeed. Space doesn’t allow elaboration but suffice it to say that our city and the job structures will change. Gov. Mike Beebe suggested in the kickoff meeting that we should think forward about our grandchildren’s jobs not our parent’s jobs. I submit that the challenge for the city board is to constantly be aware that choices made today will determine Fort Smith’s future. 

Serving on the Board of Directors is about representing the citizens, making decisions and planning for the future. This would not be possible without our professional staff that implements the Board decisions. Fort Smith has a great future with good assets if we make the right choices. We’ve loaded the bases several times over the decades without scoring a run. I’m confident that we can score this time.