Newcomer Challenges City Council Incumbent
Last updated Thursday, October 9, 2008 8:11 PM CDT in News
By Richard Dean Prudenti
THE MORNING NEWS
BENTONVILLE -- Incumbent Bryan Bennett and political newcomer W.P. "Bill" Burckart both said their children were a motivation to run for the Ward 3, Position 2 seat on the Bentonville City Council.
"I've got them in mind," said Bennett, a father of three. "I have a vested interest -- not a personal agenda financially, but a personal interest -- anything from roads to taxes to parks and facilities. What's in it for them?"
His son, who plays in the Cal Ripkin baseball league, "doesn't care what it takes to take care of the park. He should never have to. He should never say, 'Boy, the grass is tall. It should never be that tall.'"
Bennett has served 10 consecutive years on the council. He said the council's job is to approve spending for the city through ordinances, resolutions and policies. "The daily needs are managed by the city employees, and if they need resources, more employees in their department, we review it and decide in the meetings."
Burckart, owner and president of Burckart Construction and Northwest Arkansas Affordable Homes For You, said he's familiar with growth and managing growth.
"I can be of great help controlling the costs and making sure the decisions that we make today will help our children ... I'd like to make sure we protect the quality of life we have here," said Burckart, who has two children.
Burckart said he also thinks a city councilman should be proactive and bring ideas to the table -- like a legislator.
Burckart wants to protect residents from undue fees and taxes.
"It's a very tough time. People can barely pay their energy and fuel (bills)," he said.
Burckart doesn't want senior citizens on fixed incomes forced to decide between taking their medicine and paying the electric bill. For senior citizens who fall below the poverty line, "(I propose) we fix any inflationary effects of rate increases, so they are able to use their fixed incomes," he said.
The direction the city takes during the nation's economic downturn is Bennett's greatest concern.
"Even though the economy has slowed and expenses go up and down, I still want to make sure the parks and the events are there, whether it's the Christmas parade or the Fourth of July fireworks. I don't care about the expenses (for these activities), but the privilege of it being your own," Bennett said.
Burckart supports the use of bonds as a way to get caught up on capital improvements, but he wants to look closely and question budgeted expenses.
"Are they all necessary? Because we should be reducing the burden for our people so they can survive through this economic downtown," he said.
Removing the tax on prepared foods, such as restaurants, is an example of an economic incentive Burckart recommends.
Bennett wants to help decide what's in the best interest of the city and to do so without ulterior motives. He doesn't think anyone on the council has personal agendas, and he has no problem working with the current leadership.
"We don't always agree, but we always understand why we make the decisions that we do," he said. "When we don't agree, it's not personal. It's professional, open and candid at the same time."
Burckart said he supports Mayor Bob McCaslin and his administration.
"I believe Mayor McCaslin has done an incredible job," Burckart said, noting the mayor's multimillion bond program for capital improvements exemplifies initiatives Burckart supports.
Profile
W.P. 'Bill' Burckart
Age: 43
Residence: Bentonville resident for 43 years
Occupation: Owner and president, Burckart Construction and Northwest Arkansas Affordable Homes For You
Education: Bentonville High School, 1983; attended University of Arkansas
Family: Wife, Shannon; two children
Political Experience: None
Source: Staff Report
Profile
Bryan Bennett
(incumbent)
Age: 39
Residence: Bentonville resident for 11 years
Occupation: Senior manager, Workstation Engineering, Wal-Mart Stores Inc.
Education: Bentonville High School, 1987; attended University of Arkansas and Arkansas Tech University
Family: Wife, Robyn; three children
Political Experience: Bentonville City Council member since 1999
Source: Staff Report
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