Where they stand: Sami Sutton

Over the last month or so we’ve gotten to know a little about each of the five 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 gentlemen stand on what we 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 on candidate interviews.

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?
Sami Sutton: I believe is it in financial trouble and that it could have been avoided. I want to halt everything for one year when I am elected. During this year, we would go through everything: the ordinances, the budgets, etc. This would help get the city organized again and it would save money. We could also have like banquets and things. I just hate raising taxes.

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?
SS: I think that the mayors hand is tied in it. He/she should have kept a closer eye on things and should have fined the developers more. I would not accept another project proposal from these developers until they finished the project.

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?
SS: Fayetteville is becoming land-locked, so we should definitely grow upwards. Plus, it would be better environmentally. People freak because it would destroy their view, but my question is: isn’t that why we have parks?? Everyone wants tons of parks, go to them for the view.

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?
SS: Public transportation is a big issue; we need it, we just don’t have the money for it. We need to get organized and start contracts with the other transportation services the city has, like: razorback transit, Ozark Regional Transit, etc. It all comes down to money really. There is enough demand, but we need mass transit to go cross county.

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?
SS: Condos are a bad idea. People who move here like the look of the city and usually have kids or are planning on kids, I know not everyone is like this. Condos are not affordable and have like no yard (if they have one at all). We are in an economic crisis and need affordable housing. Apartments aren’t affordable and condos are more than apartments. They make the city seem fancy but it’s just not reasonable.

FF: Fayetteville High School: Should it stay or should it go?
SS: I think Fayetteville High School should stay. I went there and the main problem I see is with parking, but that could be fixed with a parking deck or more mass transit. I was talking to a teacher a couple of weeks ago and they told me that the school has less students this year than the previous years. Plus, it has a great location; it’s a central as you can get.

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?
SS: The noise ordinance is one that needs to be revised. Dickson street is going to be loud, it has clubs and bars! This ordinance needs to be broken up into sections. This way Dickson street could have a higher one, and like the historic district could have a lower one. Break up Fayetteville into districts, and apply the ordinance to each district based on whats there. I hate that we are loosing all this live music venues, that’s what made out city: the arts. I feel that the city needs to come together with other companies and open a place that will be like the musical hall. The music hall show cased some amazing bands and helped give them there start. Plus, it was a place high school students could hang out.

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?
SS: I don’t think we are green enough. The recycling program needs work, it needs to be expanded. The trails will be nice when they are finished, but they aren’t. It will be good for us because we are being noticed. But it is also bad, because others are coming to look but are not staying. We want them to stay.

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?
SS: Honestly, I don’t know much about this. I have heard it is leaving and think that we could keep on going even without it. It is an amazing source for the arts, but Fayetteville could take it over. I think we probable went wrong with somethings that happened behind closed doors, and maybe some of the ordinances are the reason why.

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?
SS: I wouldn’t change the character of the city. It has it’s own charisma which is awesome. We have a farmer’s marked, a great college area (campus and Dickson street), an amazing school system, and, of course, totally awesome citizens!! It seems that we have everything, I want to keep this up. I have enjoyed talking to everyone about their ideas and views and want that to always happen, the openness of the citizens is great!!

FF: We can’t cover everything in just 10 questions. What is one thing you’re just biting your nails over that we missed?
SS: I think that within all the questions and forums everything has been covered. Anyone can e-mail me if they have any further questions from my website: samiformayor.com.