Director Tyler to not seek re-election

Fort Smith Director Steve Tyler announced at Tuesday’s (March 27) Board of Directors Study Session that he would not seek reelection to a second, four-year term for Ward 1.

In a statement to The City Wire prior to the start of the session, Tyler said, “I have enjoyed serving the citizens, learned much about the workings of city government, made many friends throughout the region, and this decision has been a hard one for me to make.”

Tyler said he was looking “at other opportunities to pursue” and that “another four-year term would greatly restrict these possibilities.”

While he did not expand on what these opportunities were, he did state that he would finish the rest of his term. At the end of the session, Tyler formally announced the decision to the Board of Directors.

“It took me a long time to make this decision, because I really wanted to do it (run again). But it just didn’t line up,” Tyler said.

Former City Director Ken Pevehouse announced in January he would seek a return to the Ward 1 seat on the Board of Directors. Fort Smith Realtor Keith Lau recently announced his candidacy for the Ward 1 seat.

Elections will be held for Fort Smith’s four wards in 2012. Directors serve four-year terms. The city filing period is May 16 through June 5. If needed, a municipal primary will be held Aug. 14.

City Director Don Hutchings complimented Tyler, stating he had “served admirably” during his time as City Director. Hutchings preceded Tyler in the decision not to run when he announced on Jan. 27, 2012 that he would not seek a second term.

During the study session, the Board of Directors heard recommendations regarding the Community Development Advisory Committee’s decisions to award just under $1.1 million to the Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnership programs.

The Board will make a final decision at the April 3 meeting, where they are also expected to revisit the city’s insurance coverage for Property and Auto plans. On March 1, the City of Fort Smith re-upped with Travelers Insurance on a $732,597 premium plan ($409,749 Auto; $322,848 Property).

The city was recently approached with an alternate plan by the Municipal League that prompted Travelers to go back to the drawing board and return with an option that would save the city approximately $117,000 per year in premiums.

The Board is expected to decide on a $615,826 premium ($292,978 Auto; $322,848 Property) at the April 3 meeting, pending approval of moving Auto Liability Limits from $1 million to $100,000.