Good to seek second term on Fort Smith Board

Fort Smith City Director Andre Good said Wednesday (April 4) he will seek a second term as the director for Ward 2. No other candidate has announced for the post.

“I am pleased to announce my intention to seek re-election as Fort Smith City Director for Ward 2. I continue to believe that the best years are ahead for Fort Smith, and, with your support, I want to help shape our growth and transformation,” Good said in a statement. “I look forward to serving and collaborating with my fellow Directors to ensure, in the late Mayor Ray Baker's words, that ‘Life's worth living in Fort Smith, Arkansas.’”

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.

To date, City Directors Don Hutchings (Ward 3) and Steve Tyler (Ward 1) have announced they will not seek a new term on the Board. Fort Smith Director George Catsavis will seek a full term on the board. He was elected to a two-year term in 2010 to succeed the retiring Bill Maddox.

Following are the list of incumbents and candidates in the Ward races.
WARD 1
Keith Lau
Kenneth Pevehouse

WARD 2
Fort Smith City Director Andre Good

WARD 3
Salvatore Salamone

WARD 4
Fort Smith City Director George Catsavis
John Cooley

GOOD GOVERNANCE
Good said a highlight of his first term was his work to meet the needs of his constituents who had problems or questions related to city government.

“I was able to, working with the city staff, to get a majority of the issues resolved. That to me, is the best feeling, the best reward I’ve had. … That’s really the thing that keeps me going,” Good said.

He also said making potentially unpopular decisions — like voting to implement a 1% prepared food tax —  were highlights of his first term because “those decisions were not about protecting my position on the board,” but making the right long-term decision for the city.

Good said if elected to a second term, he hopes to use his experience to do more for the north side of Fort Smith.

“I need to focus more on the north side. There are a lot of opportunities here, like developing the river front … and working with the folks on the softball fields and the soccer fields,” Good explained.

STATEMENT FROM DIRECTOR ANDRE GOOD
I am pleased to announce my intention to seek re-election as Fort Smith City Director for Ward 2. I continue to believe that the best years are ahead for Fort Smith, and, with your support, I want to help shape our growth and transformation. I look forward to serving and collaborating with my fellow Directors to ensure, in the late Mayor Ray Baker's words, that "Life's worth living in Fort Smith, Arkansas."

For me, good city governance begins with inclusion–making every citizen of our city feel valued and earning every citizen's trust. Serving and representing the interests of Ward Two is important. Serving the city as a whole is even more important. With sound leadership, the possibilities are unlimited. Together, we can move our city to new heights.

While I seek the support of Ward Two residents in the upcoming election, I also ask all Fort Smithians for their vote of confidence. Help me elevate our city. Work with me for a brighter future. Join me in this quest to make life even more worth living in Fort Smith.