McGill announces for District 78 seat

by The City Wire staff ([email protected]) 239 views 

Add retired Fort Smith business owner George McGill to the growing list of candidates seeking election or re-election to legislative seats in the Fort Smith region.

McGill announced Wednesday (Sept. 14) his Democratic candidacy for Arkansas House of Representatives District 78 (See district map below.). The district covers most of the north side of Fort Smith. The district has no incumbent. Rep. Tracy Pennartz, D-Fort Smith, is term limited.

McGill managed the McGill Insurance Agency for more than 20 years. He is a member of the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce board of directors, vice president of the Bost Foundation Board, member of the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club Board, member of the Fort Smith Historical Society Board and a member of the Fort Smith Heritage Foundation.

“I truly understand that the quality of life I can expect from the city I live in is determined, to a great extent, by what I contribute to it. I believe our work should consist of more than just a daily job, but taking time to serve others using our gifts and talents to help build a better community,” McGill noted in the statement. “Going back to the days of my father Rev. Louis McGill and mother, Elizabeth, my family has given more than 100 years of service to the people of Fort Smith. My desire is to continue that legacy of service as a state representative of Fort Smith.”

The complete statement from George McGill’s campaign.
Former Fort Smith businessman and well-known community volunteer George McGill has officially announced his Democratic candidacy for the Arkansas House of Representatives (District 78).

McGill is a retired small business owner, having managed the McGill Insurance Agency, Inc. for more than 20 years. He is a current member of the Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce Board, Vice President of the Bost Foundation Board, member of the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club Board, member of the Fort Smith Historical Society Board and a member of the Fort Smith Heritage Foundation.

“I truly understand that the quality of life I can expect from the city I live in is determined, to a great extent, by what I contribute to it. I believe our work should consist of more than just a daily job, but taking time to serve others using our gifts and talents to help build a better community,” said McGill. “Going back to the days of my father Rev. Louis McGill and mother, Elizabeth, my family has given more than 100 years of service to the people of Fort Smith. My desire is to continue that legacy of service as a state representative of Fort Smith.”

He has also served as a Past Chairman of the Fort Smith Planning Commission as well as the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board. He was a commissioner for the Arkansas Prevailing Wage Commission and an integral member of the Fort Smith River Front Task Force, responsible with creating plans for the popular river front pavilions of Harry E. Kelly Park.

McGill has been honored in the past with the Outstanding Community Service Award from the College of Business, University of Arkansas-Fayetteville, the Fort Smith Spirit of Frontier Award, the Outstanding Community Service Award from the Lincoln Alumni Association and the Outstanding Community Service Award from the Roy Gordon Youth Foundation.

He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Masters in Business
from the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville. McGill also served in the United States Army.

His volunteer activity is well known throughout the community and McGill has
served as a founding member of the Bass Reeves Legacy Initiative, a longstanding football coach for the Stephens Boys & Girls Club, an advisor to the Elizabeth McGill Drop-In Center, and is a founding member of the Fort Smith Round Table Civic Club.

“I’m very proud and excited to announce my candidacy for State Representative, District 78. I can assure my neighbors in Fort Smith that I will continue to serve with energy and enthusiasm. My work on state boards and commissions as well as my service on local boards and committees has given me a strong foundation to accomplish the work before me as a State Representative. Serving would be a privilege that I would not take for granted,” said McGill.