Two candidates seeking Rogers’ mayor role | Live updates

The Rogers Mayoral Election Heats Up: A Closer Look at the Candidates

In the heart of Northwest Arkansas, the city of Rogers is gearing up for a crucial mayoral election. The ballot features two strong contenders vying for the top seat: incumbent Mayor Greg Hines and challenger Chris Latimer. Let’s delve into the backgrounds, visions, and promises of these two candidates.

### Mayor Greg Hines

Greg Hines has been the mayor of Rogers since 2011, a tenure marked by significant growth and development. Before becoming mayor, Hines served on the city council for twelve years and also worked as a police officer and director of public safety for Benton County. His lifelong residence in Rogers gives him a deep understanding of the community.

Hines still has several goals he aims to achieve during his final bid for mayor. He hopes to introduce a new bond issue, extending a one-cent capital improvement tax. This initiative is partly driven by the incomplete projects from the 2018 bond, which were hampered by rising labor and material costs. Additionally, Hines wants to set clear guidelines for how the city’s reserves of about million are spent, ensuring strategic allocation rather than just going for extravagant expenses.

The city’s recent tornado damage, which caused an estimated million worth of destruction just to city facilities, is also on Hines’ agenda. He plans to help restore these infrastructures and ensure that the city’s finances are well-managed.

### Chris Latimer

Chris Latimer, a real estate agent and Benton County Justice of the Peace, has also thrown his hat into the ring. Latimer is driven by a desire to make Rogers safer. He has highlighted increased gang-related activity in the city and pointed out that Rogers was not included in a recent safe city ranking.

Latimer believes that crime and infrastructure issues require new leadership in Rogers. “You don’t have a prosperous city if you have an elevated crime rate,” he emphasizes. He vows to prioritize public safety and ensure that Rogers remains a thriving, safe environment.

### The Candidate Forum

Recently, both candidates participated in a mayoral candidate forum at Rogers High School. While Hines emphasized his commitment to completing the city’s outstanding projects and ensuring prudent financial management, Latimer focused on addressing safety concerns and revitalizing community initiatives. The forum provided an opportunity for residents to hear directly from both candidates and understand their visions for Rogers’ future.

The outcome of this election will be decided on November 5, 2024, and will undoubtedly shape the direction of Rogers for years to come. As the city continues to grow and face new challenges, its residents are eager to see which candidate will best lead them forward. The stage is set for an exciting and crucial election in Rogers, Arkansas.

Key Issues:

  • **Financial Management:** Both candidates have distinct approaches to managing the city’s finances. Hines advocates for strategic reserve allocation, while Latimer suggests a more proactive role in addressing immediate safety concerns.
  • **Infrastructure Development:** Hines aims to complete outstanding projects from the 2018 bond and address recent tornado damage, whereas Latimer focuses on revitalizing community initiatives.
  • **Public Safety:** Latimer’s primary concern is making Rogers safer by addressing gang activity and ensuring the city is included in safety rankings.
  • **Long-Term Planning:** Both candidates are keen on long-term planning, with Hines focusing on succession planning and Latimer emphasizing the need for new leadership in addressing ongoing issues.

Emotions are running high as residents of Rogers weigh their options. Will it be a return to familiar leadership or a fresh start with new priorities? The choice is theirs to make.

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