Fayetteville City Council Runoff: Final Pitches and Key Issues
Mayoral Runoff: Lioneld Jordan vs. Molly Rawn
The city of Fayetteville is gearing up for its runoff election on December 3, with the mayor’s seat set to be decided by voters between incumbent Mayor Lioneld Jordan and challenger Molly Rawn. The runoff comes after the general election, where Jordan secured nearly 47% of the vote, Rawn garnered 37%, and the remaining votes were split among Tom Terminella and Adam Fire Cat.
Mayor Jordan, who has been leading Fayetteville since 2009, is touting his extensive experience and progressive track record. He emphasizes his ability to meet the high expectations of residents through his nearly 16 years in office. Jordan points to ongoing initiatives such as climate action and the redevelopment of College and School avenues as key accomplishments under his administration. He assures voters that they will have a reliable and dependable mayor for the next four years if he is re-elected.
City Council Runoff: Monique Jones vs. Todd Hertzberg
Another significant runoff is taking place for a city council seat, where Monique Jones is facing off against Todd Hertzberg. Monique Jones earned 3,691 votes, while Todd Hertzberg received 3,674 votes in the general election, with Brandon Spicher trailing behind. Jones highlights her proven track record of effective advocacy and community engagement, including her work with the church’s food pantry and bringing people together to create positive change.
Key Contenders in City Council Runoffs
– Ward 2, Position 2: Marge Wolf vs. Carissa Cummings vs. Colin Cope
– Incumbent Marge Wolf garnered 48% of the vote, with Carissa Cummings securing 31%, and Colin Cope standing at 21%. Marge Wolf has a long history in local government, having served on the City Council since 2010 and previously on the Benton County Quorum Court.
– Ward 3, Position 2: Hayes Minor vs. Alicia Hayes vs. Jessica Edmond vs. Mandel Samuels
– This race is also headed to a runoff between Hayes Minor and Alicia Hayes, who secured 35% and 31% of the votes respectively, while Jessica Edmond received 23%, and Mandel Samuels trailed with 10%. Alicia Hayes brings diverse experience from media and business, and both candidates are aiming to leverage their expertise for community growth.
Final Pitches and Voter Expectations
Both Mayoral candidates are making their final pitches to voters ahead of the runoff. Mayor Jordan emphasizes his continuity and ability to maintain progress, ensuring that voters are informed of what they can expect from another four years under his leadership. On the other hand, challenger Molly Rawn is focusing on her fresh perspective, leveraging her experience in nonprofit leadership and civic organizations. She believes that her diverse background will bring a new approach to addressing community needs.
As voters in Fayetteville head to the polls on December 3, the city is eagerly watching the outcomes of these runoffs, ready to shape its future with informed decisions. The candidates are pouring their hearts into their final political campaigns, each trying to win the hearts and minds of voters and secure their seats in local government. The energy is palpable as Fayetteville navigates this critical moment in its governance history.
