Benton Mayor Mattingly endorses Terry Benham to succeed him

Benton’s incumbent mayor, David Mattingly, endorsed Terry Benham in the race to succeed him. Benham is one of three candidates vying for the Benton mayoral post.

Mattingly, a two-term mayor, has led efforts to establish the Benton Event Center, the Hurricane Creek Village and Shoppes at Benton retail developments, and Riverside Park, which includes a new Boys & Girls Club, new Senior Adult Center, new ballfields, and the River Center.

“Nancy and I are proud to endorse Terry Benham to be Benton’s next mayor. We have known Terry for 40 years and have seen his transition from being an eleven-year-old competitive athlete, whom I had the pleasure to coach, to becoming a successful businessman and entrepreneur. Additionally, we feel he is the most qualified candidate to be our new Mayor, as demonstrated by his leadership skills as a Managing Partner, of his company for nine years,” Mattingly said.

“He has been a community leader as well, leading numerous successful initiatives, the passage of which helped ensure the city’s strong economic development and growth,” he added.

“Until he became our Mayor, I always called him Coach,” said Benham. “He was my little league baseball and Future Panthers Football coach and we maintained a relationship throughout the years. I, along with many others, encouraged him to run for Mayor eight years ago because we knew we needed a strong leader to change our path. I’m grateful to him for his service to our city, and grateful to Mrs. Mattingly for sharing her husband’s time for our benefit.”

Benham is a partner in Impact Management Group, a governmental affairs, lobbying and consulting firm. Last week, he outlined an economic plan if elected mayor.

There are two other candidates in the race: Jerry Ponder and Tom Farmer.