Cardenas to run for Fort Smith Board post

Fort Smith’s Ward 3 City Director position is not without a candidate.

Alex Cardenas, a small business owner and native of east Oklahoma, has announced he will seek what will be an open seat in the November election.

Salvatore Salamone, a vice president-taxes for Golden Living, announced Feb. 1 he was running for the Ward 3 position now held by Director Don Hutchings. Hutchings, a pastor at Evangel Temple, is not seeking re-election to a second, four-year term.

However, Salamone on Monday (April 23) reversed course and said he would not run in the Ward 3 job.

“Having been involved in the small business development, and owning a few small local business myself here in Fort Smith. I have long worked for a positive change in this community. I now feel that is time for me to seek election. I want to bring new ideas and jobs into our community,” Cardenas said in the statement.

Cardenas works with B2Wireless in Fort Smith.

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.

Following are the list of incumbents and candidates who have announced for the Ward races.
WARD 1
Liz Berry-Armstrong
Keith Lau
Ken Pevehouse

WARD 2
Fort Smith City Director Andre Good

WARD 3
Alex Cardenas

WARD 4
Fort Smith City Director George Catsavis
John Cooley

STATEMENT FROM ALEX CARDENAS
I am pleased to announce my intention to seek election for Fort Smith City Director for Ward 3.
 
Having been involved in the small business development, and owning a few small local business myself here in Fort Smith. I have long worked for a positive change in this community. I now feel that is time for me to seek election. I want to bring new ideas and jobs into our community.
 
As you know I have always been very concern about the unemployment issue and I believe there is a workable solution available that will enhance the employment the city desperately needs. Working together is the key!
 
In order to serve the people of Fort Smith I compromise myself to dedicate time and my endeavor. I will apply the experience I acquire in the arm forces where I serve as a Sargent in the United States Marine.
 
Let’s show that we care by working together. Take the chance to vote for a better business plan!