Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009

4 race for 3 council spots in Conway

Three incumbents hope to hold onto their Conway City Council seats as a political newcomer challenges them in the upcoming election.

Incumbents Randy Alford, Irby Koon and Jean Timbes are seeking another term on the City Council while challenger William Goldfinch IV hopes to find some political footing in his second run at a council seat.

"I want people to remember that the City Council position is all about making ourselves available to the citizens of Conway. We're here to listen and to learn from the citizens of Conway and to represent them," Goldfinch said. "We can never stop growing as a community, but we must balance our city resources with our expansion. Stretching our essential city services too thin could jeopardize the quality of life for our citizens."

The incumbents agree the quality of life for residents is important while maintaining a balanced budget, but also funding new projects and programs.

Alford said he is proud of incentives developed while he's been on the council to attract businesses such as Frank Theatres and projects such as Rebuild Conway, which uses city funds to clear lots, tear down condemned buildings and add infrastructure in targeted neighborhoods.

"When I came into office, some departments were getting too much of the budget pie and by balancing it out. We have cut costs. We reduced the reserve balance, which gave the city additional funds and helped us to build a new city shop complex for about $6 million," Alford said. "I have a lot of knowledge, experience, dedication, energy and a strong commitment to the town. I am interested in solving everyday problems as well as doing big projects and believe that if you don't know the solution to any problem, it is simply because the idea has not occurred to you yet. In other words, almost any problem can be solved."

The cooperative spirit on the council to complete projects such as the city's recently opened public works complex, a third phase of additions to the city's riverwalk and expansions in other service departments such as police, fire, streets and beautification are some of Koon's greatest accomplishments while in office, he said.

"All in all we have managed to match population growth with growth in service to our citizens," Koon said. "I want people to understand that I run for these terms of office because I was raised to appreciate the value of service to all the citizens and because I am truly proud that I am giving of my time and effort to serve the needs of people in a town I love."

Timbes said she hopes to continue to improve Conway with projects such as more recreation, landscaping to attract visitors and grow the tourism market in this river town.

"I am a strong conservative voice who will speak for what is right," Timbes said. "If re-elected, I will be careful to watch our spending, careful to preserve our historical values, and I will be available to citizens who need to speak with me. I believe Conway deserves honest leaders who have high morals and integrity, and I have the maturity and experience to deal with the tough issues that our council must face."