Campbell not seeking Fort Smith board re-election

Fort Smith City Director Gary Campbell said Tuesday (June 1) he will not seek re-election to the city board’s Position 5 at-large seat, leaving the race for the seat to Juan Martinez and Pam Weber.

Campbell, near the end of his fourth, four-year term on the city board, was defeated by Rep. Stephanie Malone, R-Fort Smith, in the GOP primary (May 18) for the Arkansas House District 64 seat. Campbell previously served six years on the Planning Commission, including two years as chairman.

He will continue to volunteer, with a focus on economic development.

“Without jobs and quality of life amenities, our children and grand children will continue to receive a good education here and move elsewhere to live. We need to work toward becoming a ‘talent magnet’ for the best and brightest people with jobs to match their skills,” Campbell said in a statement.

Campbell is completing his term as president of the Arkansas Municipal League, the first Fort Smithian to serve as AML president in 48 years. He also serves on the board of the Arkansas Science & Technology Authority, the board of the National League of Cities, is a member of Accelerate Arkansas’ executive committee, and in 2008 served on the Task Force for the 21st Century Economy which published several state-wide economic development recommendations.

The following are the candidates who have filed a statement of candidacy for municipal positions. The municipal filing period ends today (June 1) at Noon.

Position 4:
George Catsavis
Patrick Jacobs
Marshall Sharpe

Position 5:
Juan Martinez
Pam Weber

Position 6:
Eric Arthur
City Director Kevin Settle

Position 7:
Philip Merry Jr.

Mayor:
Fort Smith Mayor Ray Baker
Sandy Sanders