Four Fort Smith directors sworn in for new terms

With only minor issues of zone variances and right-of-way changes, the first meeting of 2009 for the Fort Smith Board of Directors was “boring,” according to Fort Smith Mayor Ray Baker.

However, four directors were sworn in for four-year terms on the board: Steve Tyler, Ward 1; Andre Good, Ward 2, Don Hutchings, Ward 3; and Bill Maddox, Ward 4.

Circuit Judge Harry A. Foltz handled the swearing-in duties.

Mayor Baker did report that he continues to be concerned about “some very serious things” going wrong in the regional health care sector. Without elaborating, Baker said the problems are serious and that members of the community need to know about them. (The City Wire plans to delve deeper into the Mayor’s comments.)

The Mayor was also informed that AT&T is now offering “video service” in Fort Smith. According to Assistant City Administrator Ray Gosack, the video service is similar to cable television in that customers can select packages of stations and shows. Gosack said the AT&T service will give Fort Smithians a second “hard-wired” option for television service.

The board also approved Andre Good to fill the city board slot on the Fort Smith Advertising & Promotion Commission. Gary Campbell, at at-large city director, was voted assistant mayor (formerly known as vice-mayor; and no, we didn’t ask, “Why?” Maybe they just wanted to take the “vice” out of the position.).

Circuit Judge Harry Foltz (left) swears in Steve Tyler as the Ward 1 city director. Awaiting their turns are (from right to left) Andre Good, Don Hutchings and Bill Maddox.
 

The Mayor Ray Baker introduces Judge Foltz prior to the swearing in.
 

Assistant City Administrator Ray Gosack visits with Peggy Weidman prior to the start of the meeting.
 

City Directors Andre Good (left) and Kevin Settle (right) visit with Lisa Clay, a facilitator with the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith.
 

Stan Snodgrass (right) and Baridi Nkokheli (pronounced, Bah-read-e No-Ko-Kaylee), city of Fort Smith employees.