Fort Smith Ward 3 candidates talk budgets, jobs

Fort Smith Ward 3 Director candidates Matt Garner and Mike Lorenz are setting different priorities for after the Nov. 6 general election.

Garner believes he can “help the city save money and cut waste in addition to planning for the future,” while Lorenz will focus on “removing barriers to development and expansion of existing businesses.”

Lorenz admits the Fort Smith Board of Directors is “very limited on what it can do to create jobs,” but believes it can “create a friendly environment for businesses.”

“Fort Smith should have a basic incentive package outlined that is customizable for each project, but to build that directors and city staff need to understand the issues that have been stumbling blocks to job creation in the past,” Lorenz said.

For Garner, it’s about getting “our fiscal house in order.”

“We have many funding issues, ranging from the Convention Center to an underfunded Police pension to sewer and road improvements. I think the board would benefit from having a financial person such as myself review, analyze and make recommendations regarding the city budget,” Garner said.

The statements above are part of a political questionnaire Garner and Lorenz submitted to The City Wire, discussing top priorities for the post-November board, trust and respect issues between city directors and the people of Fort Smith, and the board’s role in improving the Fort Smith economy. Full and unedited responses are below.

• Matt Garner
If elected to serve on the Fort Smith Board of Directors in November, what will be your top priority?

If I am elected to serve on the Fort Smith Board of Directors, my first goal would be to help get our fiscal house in order. We have many funding issues, ranging from the Convention Center to an underfunded Police pension to sewer and road improvements. I think the board would benefit from having a financial person such as myself; review, analyze and make recommendations regarding the City budget. Fort Smith has a $200 million+ budget, yet we do not have one accountant on the board. With my position in Internal Audit/Compliance at Baldor Electric, I bring unique qualifications that will help the City save money and cut waste in addition to planning for the future.

Some believe there are trust and respect issues between the Board of Directors and the citizens of Fort Smith. What are your thoughts on this, and how can you improve the relationship?

Trust is something that is hard to gain and easy to lose. We are in a unique economic and political climate. The nation as a whole is frustrated with how government operates. Citizens are demanding better leadership, transparency, and fiscal responsibility. I think as a City Director you have to listen to the citizens, you have to be open and honest, have the best interests of your ward as well as the city in mind, and you have to make sure the citizens understand “why” you voted and understand that their voice is important and it does matter. After all, this is a position where you are serving the public, and their needs and desires have to be addressed.

In your opinion, what can the Board do to improve economic conditions and create jobs in the city of Fort Smith?

The economy is struggling in many areas of the nation, including Arkansas. The state has around a 7% unemployment rate according to the Department of Labor. The river valley has struggled with the loss of Whirlpool, and the possibility of the 188th losing their mission. First, we have to cut the red tape that has been put up at the city. I have had business owners tell me they have literally given up opening businesses in Fort Smith, because of stiff regulations on things such as shrub height. Second, we have to make sure we are inviting and open to new businesses, and new members of our city. Finally, we have to work together with the regional coalitions that have been established between NWA & the Fort Smith area. The board has to work together and ensure our region grows as a whole. We have many benefits to offer as a regional power. We have I40, rail, the river, the I49 project, Chaffee Crossing, The University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, etc. We have to capitalize on these great things, and turn them into growth for our city.

• Mike Lorenz
If elected to serve on the Fort Smith Board of Directors in November, what will be your top priority?

My top priority as a director will be removing barriers to development and expansion of existing businesses. The Board is very limited on what it can do to create jobs, but it can help the city be proactive in creating a friendly environment for businesses. When economic developers evaluate a market, they look for incentives and a cooperative attitude from a city as well as land or existing facilities. One way the Board can be proactive is to communicate regularly with City staff members, the City Planning Commission, the Chamber of Commerce, Fort Smith Regional Economic Development Alliance, Western Arkansas Planning and Development, AR Economic Development Commissioners and other agencies to be aware of prospective developments. Fort Smith should have a basic incentive package outlined that is customizable for each project, but to build that directors and city staff need to understand the issues that have been stumbling blocks to job creation in the past. Then they can (within reason) take action to modify ordinances and codes or take other productive actions.

Some believe there are trust and respect issues between the Board of Directors and the citizens of Fort Smith. What are your thoughts on this, and how can you improve the relationship?

For the new Board, it will be imperative to communicate clearly with citizens about the pros and cons of issues and explain the deciding motives for its decisions. Once the Board has held discussion at Study Sessions and regular business meetings and then voted on a matter, it must follow through as voted and support its’ decision. It takes time to build trust and the new Board will have to earn citizen trust and respect through consistent action. Engaging citizens and educating them through citizen forums and public meetings will create transparency that demonstrates Directors are earnestly trying to make a positive impact on the future of the City.

In your opinion, what can the Board do to improve economic conditions and create jobs in the city of Fort Smith?

As a former business owner, I understand what it takes to build a business and provide long-term jobs for people. From a city director's perspective, that will influence my decisions related to zoning, development, the UDO code, street and sewer improvements and other decisions that impact the daily operation of businesses large and small. As a City Planning Commissioner for the past five years and president of the Fianna Hills Property Owners Association, I have participated in lot of discussions on these subjects. Directors need to be involved with the organizations mentioned in my response to Question #1 on a regular basis to become familiar with the challenges we face. The Board should also continue to refine the UDO—it should not be a static documents. As we learn of issues related to the UDO that may be prohibiting development, we can act to make appropriate changes.