Crowd gathers to cheer Fort Smith city staff

More than 65 people gathered near the Fort Smith city offices before noon on Friday (Aug. 19) for what might be best described as a pep rally for city employees.

In almost 100-degree heat, the crowd gathered on the 600 block of Garrison Avenue across from the city offices. They held signs with various pro-Fort Smith messages, including “Fort Smith Rocks,” “4ward Fort Smith,” “We believe in Fort Smith” and “We’ve got your back!”

The about 15-minute event included several chants from the crowd directed toward the city offices.

Jeff Smith, one of the leaders of the hastily organized event, said the purpose was to counter some of the negative things that have happened in recent days — such as the altercation between a citizen and Fort Smith Mayor Sandy Sanders.

“We felt like Fort Smith needed a positive shot in the arm,” Smith said. “And, really, they (city staff) are not part of the decisions but sometimes get hit with that (negative feedback from decisions). … They work hard and we wanted to support them,” Smith explained.

Smith said they were hoping for 100 to attend, but is happy with the estimated 65 (rough estimate by The City Wire; however more people arrived near the end of the event) considering how little time was involved in planning and notification.

Smith also said that for too long now “those against everything” have dominated the discussion and garnered the attention because people who are busy working or active in other parts of the community don’t always have time to counter “the negativity.”

“But it’s time we do more and step up and help Fort Smith move in a more positive direction,” Smith said. “And we hope this today is part of an ongoing thing and is part of something that just gets bigger.”

Tracy Winchell, communications manager for the city of Fort Smith, said about 20 city employees were gathered near windows to enjoy the show. She said the employees were encouraged to be around the area, but were not told what was to happen.

“They were expecting something, but not this. … They loved it, and they appreciated it. They really did appreciate it,” Winchell said.

City Directors Philip Merry Jr. and Pam Weber were part of the pep rally crowd, and both said they hope the event is part of an ongoing process.

Also attending the event was Rob Coleman, owner and vice president of Fort Smith-based ERC Properties. He said it will take a more positive and cooperative attitude to move the city and region forward.

“I think it all starts with the right attitude. I believe with the right attitude, that we can all get there. … (T)hat the people living here, regardless of where they are in life, that they see their quality of life raised,” Coleman said.