Where they stand: Walt Eilers
Over the last month or so we’ve gotten to know a little about each of the candidates running in the Fayetteville Mayoral election this November. We know what kind of music they like, where they like to eat, even whether or not they call the Hogs.
Now, it’s time to dig a little deeper into where these folks stand on what we all think are some of the issues facing Fayetteville today. Just like last time, after we’ve heard from everyone, we’ll provide a separate post for you guys to discuss the interviews. Until then, the comments are turned off.
Fayetteville Flyer: A lot has been made about the city’s budget in the media in recent months. Is Fayetteville in as much trouble financially as the papers and blogs would have us believe? If so, what would/could you do about it if elected?
Walt Eilers: What I would do: Look for creative solutions and seek community collaboration. Focus on cost savings and determine how we can provide quality services in the most cost-efficient means. That to me is the true meaning of sustainability. The Green Heart Initiative clearly shows we can find solutions to problems that don’t cost the taxpayers a dime. GHI is a simple commercial recycling pilot put together in a matter of weeks, and the only expense was the $788 I spent on promotional materials for the pilot’s fifty-two partners.
We must also work to promote Fayetteville as a destination to shop, eat, and enjoy live entertainment to take advantage of hospitality revenue and discretionary dollars. To do that, we have to focus on rebuilding our hospitality offerings. The Cosmopolitan’s ongoing renovations limit its use, and people typically don’t enjoy sleeping at the bottom of a muddy pit.
Also critical: new businesses. We must give the FEDC the teeth it needs. To do that, we need a site, a venture capital fund, and collaborative plan involving the Chamber, FEDC, and the University.
At the end of the day, Fayetteville, just like you and me, must live within its means. Our current revenue stream is predominately dependent on sales tax—an unpredictable revenue stream, particularly in a weak economy. We also depend upon residential property tax, and we’ve neglected to build a diversified business tax base to help build a sustainable income stream. In regards to expenses, the city spends eighty-two percent of its budget on payroll and we haven’t even adequately addressed the salary needs of our personnel in this budget. These factors create a significant challenge.
FF: There is a giant mud pit on the corner of College and Mountain. From reading the papers, it would seem as though we as a city are at the mercy of some developers who don’t seem to care about what the delays are doing to our downtown area. Are our hands really tied in situations like these? If not, what gives?
WE: As I mentioned above, hospitality is a critical part of our economic planning. Fayetteville has lost momentum to attract conventions and meetings because of a lack of rooms and available space. We’re losing these events to our neighbors to the north.
I believe the economy is what currently ties developers’ hands. Financing the construction is the key element. The Mayor and city must take an active role with the developers in helping them make the case for financing. What’s the alternative? We have to work to find developers willing to step up and finish the job.
FF: Speaking of development, we’re hearing a lot of arguments about whether Fayetteville should grow upwards or outwards. It seems that when tall buildings are proposed, some people freak out and others rejoice. What’s the best direction for Fayetteville, up or out?
WE: I look at the preferences expressed by Fayetteville residents in the three recent Citizen Surveys and the 2025 Plan. Residents want to discourage sprawl while encouraging infill to maximize the investment in city services (water, sewer, streets and public safety). Infill means density. Density can come in two forms: filling in unused space or building taller buildings.
Residents that I talk to while going door to door are reacting to the number of unsuccessful condominium projects (particularly the Legacy) that are changing the skyline without enhancing the quality of life or adding to the tax base.
FF: What do you think about public transportation in Fayetteville? Do we need it right now or is there even enough demand for such a thing in a city our size?
WE: Since I announced last November I’ve said that Fayetteville must address alternative transportation options. Public transportation is a critical economic element, but it must be coupled with rideshare programs and trails. To support public transportation, Fayetteville must pay its share of the costs. We must ensure that working residents have an affordable and convenient means to get to work, as well as shopping and entertainment destinations. Busses are our best immediate alternative transportation both in the downtown area and as express routes to key employment areas: Wal-Mart, Tyson, NWACC, and the UA.
In regards to rideshare, cycling, and other alternatives, my campaign has already met with representatives from Northwest Arkansas Commuting and the Bicycle Coalition of Northwest Arkansas. We’ve also talked with the businesses I named above about providing parking incentives and other benefits to employees who rideshare.
FF: Condos, condos, condos. Everybody wants to build condos in Fayetteville. Doesn’t that sound kinda weird to you? It does to us but then again, we’re not running for mayor. Are condos really that cool?
WE: Condominiums are an option that fits the goal of the 2025 Plan. Condos can provide density and infill, but they should provide a range of housing options from attainable to luxury housing. The market is dictating how many condo units are wanted. Condos, like apartments, are a lifestyle decision. Building a variety of them will ensure that the full range of housing needs is met.
FF: Fayetteville High School: Should it stay or should it go?
WE: As a former high school English teacher and teacher representative with experience in high school construction and decision-making, I don’t believe the decision that simple. Quality education is a critical element of our sustainable economy. The facility needs must be addressed, but let’s remember that our world-class schools here in Fayetteville are successful because of the students, teachers, curriculum, and staff. A fancy building gets you nothing if you don’t have the right people.
To properly address the situation, we must look at our long term goals to determine whether we’d be do better with one or two high schools. Some communities have built mega-high schools only to find difficulty in supporting their utility demands in a weak economy. We need to study this more closely.
The larger economic consideration is whether Fayetteville residents support the school bond issue. That will determine what we can do. Recent experience shows a lack of support for additional taxation.
FF: Our music scene has gone from incredibly awesome to horribly embarrassing in the past 5 years or so. Some folks would disagree but most would second us in a heartbeat. From the closings of JR’s Lightbulb Club and The Dart Room to the end of a decade-long run that the Music Hall put forth, it seems like live music venues are dropping like flies. Now we’re even hearing that the police are cracking down on the noise on Dickson Street. Is there something that can be done or are we just experiencing some bad luck?
WE: We’re back to hospitality. Music venues are historically a significant part of Fayetteville’s cultural leadership. In regards to the noise ordinance and its enforcement, a balance of interests must be found.
About three weeks ago, two shows–one at Club Froggy’s and the other at Jose’s (and both in the shadow of the Legacy Building)–were each fined $500 for playing too loudly on a Friday night. Certainly those living nearby have an expectation of peace; however, choosing to live near an entertainment district means accepting that you’ll occasionally hear some live entertainment. If elected, I’d reexamine Fayetteville’s noise ordinance and its enforcement. Then I would convene a town meeting asking all parties to consider relaxed regulations on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, between 10:00 PM and 2:00 AM. I’d ask that we also evaluate the possibility of closing a section of Dickson during those hours to ensure the safety of visitors. We might also consider encouraging street vendors and performers during these hours. In doing all of the above, it’s critical that all stakeholders have the opportunity to be heard.
FF: The fact that Fayetteville is being called “The Green Valley” was news to some of us. How is living in a sustainability capital good for us as citizens or are we currently focusing too much on being a Green model?
WE: The Green Valley concept is an adaptation of the Silicon Valley experience and legacy. Businesses and industries engaged in the sustainable economy would naturally be attracted to the Wal-Mart sphere of influence given the retailer’s recent sustainability initiatives. Aligning our economic development with green companies would encourage growth and application of the UA’s technology research. Such alignment is compatible with our local lifestyle and quality of life expectation.
FF: Many folks seem to think the Walton Arts Center is leaving town. Others say at worst we’ll be sharing it with Benton County. Where did we go wrong or is this all just a bunch of hooey?
WE: The Walton Arts Center board and staff are exploring their alternatives. The center was launched as a partnership of the city and University. The city must partner with the WAC to ensure that our community provides the support the center needs. We must also encourage the University to take a firm stand in the fight to keep the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville by demonstrating that the WAC is an integral part of UA academic and cultural programming. I talked with the UA Executive Council about this when I met with them a few months ago. (I was the first mayoral candidate ever to do so. No sitting mayor had ever met with them, either. No mayoral candidate or mayor had ever ridden with the police, fire, or sanitation personnel, either, until I did so. I think it’s a sign of a troubling disconnect between our leadership and critical services.)
FF: There is no doubt that Fayetteville is in much better shape than it was 8 years ago. Is there anything that has been established that you wouldn’t dare change about our city?
WE: Whether we’re in better shape than we were eight years ago depends on who you ask. While the city has done some good things, the administration has generated an environment in which there is a lack of trust. Our planning process has become politicized. Businesses, developers and bankers have lost interest in building our economy. Our police force is understaffed and has not seen a pay increase. We have terrific new trails that are not fully lighted, maintained, or policed. Crime is increasing. We do not have the tools to attract business or industry to broaden our tax base. We are positioned as a sustainable city but have no commercial recycling program for our businesses, hospitality or apartment and condominium complexes. We have more guaranteed expenses and no guaranteed income.
FF: This one goes to 11) We can’t cover everything in just 10 questions. What is one thing you’re just biting your nails over that we missed?
WE: I think you missed the issue of trust. The current administration has trust issues with developers, businesses, the Chamber, the Council, police and fire personnel, city employees, and residents. This trust must be restored, and it begins by establishing an open, honest working atmosphere where people are encouraged to share their views and aren’t punished when their views don’t align with that of city leadership. A collaborative working environment must be restored.
