This interview is part of a series of posts designed help us all learn a little bit about who’s running for city council in Fayetteville on November 2.
We sent two rounds of questions to all of the candidates and we’ll post one interview each weekday in the order that we received them beginning with Round 1.
Keep in mind that you’ll only be able to vote for the candidates who are running in your ward and that only two wards (Ward 2 and Ward 4) have contested seats.
In Ward 1, nobody filed to run against Adella Gray. In Ward 3, only Justin Tennant filed for the open seat.
For a ward map and more information on all the candidates, visit our 2010 City Council Election page.
Jeff Dickey – Ward 4, Position 1
Visit: Flyer coverage | Campaign website | Facebook page | MySpace | Twitter
Opponent: Rhonda Adams
Age: 43
Occupation: Registered Vascular & Cardiology Specialist – Heart Hospital Network of Northwest Medical Center.
Experience: Former Small Business owner/manager (Fiscal and Management experience), Former Cardiology Department Director, Former American Legion’s Boys State Attendee (Political Experience Camp), Former YMCA Coach, Former President of American Society of Echocardiography Chapter and the Northwest Arkansas Sonographer’s Society.
Education: University of Arkansas, Ohio State University (Cardiovascular Perfusion)
Community Involvement: American Heart Association (Member / Heartwalk Organizer), American Red Cross, American Diabetes Association (Ronald M. Dickey Memorial Scholarship Fund)
Fayetteville Flyer: Are you a music fan? If so, what have you been listening to lately?
Jeff Dickey: I consider myself well rounded and listen to all types of music (Jazz, Pop, Rock, Christian, Folk, and Instrumental)
FF: How long have you lived in Fayetteville?
JD: Cumulative, 10 years. My 18 year old daughter was born in the “old” Washington Regional Hospital.
FF: We know you attended the UA, but are you a Razorback fan?
JD: Woo-Pig-Sooie! Yes, I am diehard Razorback fan!
FF: Where would you take a newcomer to get a bite to eat in town? Any local favorites?
JD: Somewhere on Dickson Street. I dine at many of Fayetteville’s restaurants and support them all.
FF: We’ve heard people say Fayetteville is the best city on Earth. Agree or disagree?
JD: Fayetteville is beautiful and I believe it CAN be the best city of Earth.
FF: As a local cardiology specialist, can you set the record straight for us on something – do healthcare workers watch hospital TV shows?
JD: Healthcare workers do watch shows such as ER, Scrubs, and Grey’s Anatomy to name a few. Although, we often laugh at how things are often portrayed on TV shows and are different in real life situations.
* Look for Jeff’s answers to the Round 2 questions next week.
He drives a gas guzzling HUMMER that is covered with a campaign sign. If you want change in Fayetteville politics, here it is…………
Great for him. He can drive whatever the heck he wants. Don’t be hatin’!
Yep he can drive whatever the heck he wants….and we are free to consider it out of touch with Fayetteville. Seems like this guy would push his “Business Friendly” agenda and have our city resemble his gawd awful hummer. Color this Ward 4 voter skeptical at best.
http://tinyurl.com/2es9v82
Who cares what he drives. A lot of people in the city drive SUVS such as Tahoes, Expeditions, etc. They don’t get much better gas mileage than a Hummer. Hummer H2′s get 13.0 mpg. It shouldn’t be about his personal success. It should be about the issues at hand. I think Adams drive an SUV and a Lexus. Who cares what people drive and where they live. I applaud them for stepping forward and trying to make change. Fayetteville needs some change. I agree with Dickey that we have lost a lot of business in Fayetteville. What do you think that will do with our city projects? Our tax revenues have dropped by 2 million dollars in 2 years. That is a lot of money for a lot of projects.
I give him credit for the Hummer. It catches people eyes and advertises. Maybe it is time people open their eyes in Fayetteville. It doesnt matter what someone drives. We did vote in our Mayor for what he drives. I talked with someone who goes to the Tea Party meetings and she said Dickey is not a member of any tea party in this area. I believe his campaign manager is though. I like that he stands up for business and I want change in this city so I will vote for him. I am starting to see his signs up at a lot of businesses.
So, George and Too Legit…what do you guys drive? I drive a Toyota truck. It doesnt get great gas mileage either. Besides, who really cares what a person drives. You must be jealous if that is all you see. It may not even be his.
I credit Dickey for driving AMERICAN! You dont get much more American than a Hummer. I will vote for him. Lisa
Love it…All-American HUMMER! It has American Flag and all! I am glad we have some Patriotism left in this country!
Dickey stood up for Dickson Street businesses tonight at City Council meeting when they talked about paid parking. He made very valid points to the city council about the impact of local revenue dollars staying in Fayetteville vs. people eating at big chain restaurants. This guy stood up for Dickson Street and he is against paid parking. Adams didnt say a word nor spoke. Kudos for Dickey.
@Lisa K – You don’t get much more American than a Hummer? Looks like they went bankrupt even after trying to sell the brand to the Chinese. Unfortunately that does sound very American.
http://www.ksla.com/Global/story.asp?S=12533107
I’m not really worried about what he drives as much as his response to the music question.
At least Rhonda Adams gave a genuine response and not just a list that looked like a cursory glance around a Hastings.
Although Rhonda’s restaurant response was a little creepy and reminded me of Peggy Hill.
Bring on Round 2!
(You were right, Todd. You do learn a lot from these questions.)
@Boggy – “Looks like they went bankrupt even after trying to sell the brand to the Chinese. Unfortunately that does sound very American” Dead on analysys! Love it!
My hope is that whomever is elected will truly have the best for Fayetteville at heart. Whether they name the music they like by bands or by genre. :/
Lisa – My exact sentiments.
Boggy Creek – it’s people like you that the reason China’s economy is ready to takeover America’s economy as Number 1. Hummer was retired brand just as Oldsmobile. It was never sold to China. I guess you would say the same thing about Oldsmobile too? Maybe the same thing about the businesses that have gone under in Fayetteville too? Be careful to point fingers in this economy as you might be the next victim of the economy. Hummers, Prius…everyone has a different car, different house. Let’s just get someone in City Council with a new face and someone who brings a different mindset!
@Neil – But, I didn’t say that Hummer was sold to the Chinese, hence the “even after trying” portion of the second sentence. Follow that link and read the last sentence.
And I’m going to go out on a limb here and assume that none of the failed Fayetteville businesses were ever attempted to be sold to the Chinese. Not to say that the Chinese (any Asian peoples, really) wouldn’t love some of Gullett’s spicy pickles.
And come on, everyone, calm down. I wouldn’t vote for anyone based on their choice of music, food, or vehicle, nor do I hope or assume that any of you would.
However, I do think that these questions offer you a more expanded view of the person, while I suspect that the answers to Round Two’s questions will be more of the pronouncements and promises variety.
Boggy Creek — Now, you are talking a little more sensible. Really, no need to bash people for what they drive. Give Dickey credit… his Hummer is decked out with the American Flag. Very patriotic. I agree that second round of questions will show us insight to these candidates.
Pre-election city council smack talk board. I love this freakin’ town!
Not nearly enough info to make an informed decision yet. But let it be known that I am a fickle, occasionally irrational, bastard of a voter. I still haven’t set foot inside of Kohl’s.
And putting an American flag on you Hummer doesn’t make you patriotic or vote-deserving. I mean I wouldn’t vote for this guy…. http://tinyurl.com/34hr7oc
I know Jeff Dickey and he lived here throughout the mid 80′s, early 90′s (his daughter was born in the old Washington Regional and baptized at United Methodist on Dickson Street) and he has been back here another 4 years. I know he has lived in Ward 4 for 2 years as he lives nearby.
Jeff, you have my vote along with my husbands! Thank you for running and standing up to the current leadership within the city. They are all becoming unpopular quickly –Shelly
Jeff Dickey — if you are on here, can you tell us what exactly you do? Some of us dont know exactly what it is you do in the hospital.
@Johnny
I am a Registered Vascular & Cardiology Specialist working in Cardiology medicine at The Heart Hospital of Northwest Medical Center. My job details are as follows: Evaluate heart valves replacements during Open Heart Surgery, perform Cardiac Stress tests to evaluate for Coronary Heart Disease, and perform Trans-thoracic Echocardiograms of the heart on Adults and Children to evaluate for CHF, Valve disease, Vegetations, Septal defects, and Cardiac Tamponade just to name a few. I assist with performing of TEE’s (Transesophageal Echocardiograms) during heart surgery and Cardioversions (“Shock” the heart out of heart arrythmias). My job is highly technically independant and much of Cardiac Valve Surgery and the way a patient is surgically/medically treated, is very dependant on my expertise and findings. I split 24 hour on-call time with my partner throughout the year as there are only two of us who perform in this capacity. My typical work week is generally Wednesday, Thursdays, and Fridays with being on call those days and every other weekend. Mondays and Tuesday are my days off in which will allow me to spend time on city issues, agendas, and meetings. Working in medicine, molds you into being a humanitarian. I have patients that are a wide variety of cultural and ethnic background as well as they come from many walks of life. All of my patients are treated with the same respect, dignity, and compassion. I will have the same respect, dignity, and compassion for all my constituents in Ward 4 and within the City of Fayetteville.
Sincerely,
Jeff Dickey
To all those who support me, I thank you. To those whom are not believers in my campaign…you have the right and freedom to express your feelings. All I can hope, is that you give me the chance to make you a believer. I pledge to you that the only agenda I have is making Fayetteville a better place for ALL people. Having compassion and respect for each and every one of you, I will listen to your issues or concerns at any time. They will not be taken lightly, I assure you. Jeff Dickey
Today, I have some important news to announce. Earlier today, I accepted Jim Laubler’s resignation as my campaign manager. Jim has done a great job in this campaign and is a great political activist, but there was a clash in roles in political nature. There were some stances we just did not agree upon and Aldermans should work for all of the citizens. My personality is very neutral and that of being understanding to all sides to the issues. As Alderman, you have to be able to listen to the issue and do what is right for the citizens of Fayetteville. There should be impartiality. This should not reflect negatively upon Jim Laubler, whom has served his country and fought for the freedom we have today. Jim will continue to be a friend and I am sure we will see Jim at many city meetings giving voice to his stance. Sincerely, Jeff Dickey
Jeff, seriously-your Hummer is obnoxious and it speaks volumes toward the blatant disregard for environmental sustainability that Fayetteville is trying to accomplish. The first rule is to be the change you wish to see-and what you are portraying represents a step backwards for many of the progressives in this city.
Hummers aren’t obnoxious, people who hate on them are. If you don’t like the Hummer series don’t buy one, but quit acting all high and mighty toward people who do buy them.
Dr Dickey, would you see me as a patient? I don’t have health insurance.
@Michael – Hummers aren’t obnoxious, the oil Dickey buys from the Middle East to fill up his.
Hummers are unamerican. Putting a flag on one is like receiving a medal for willful ignorance.
How are they un-American? The whole existence of the US is predicated on thumbing our nose to the rest of the world and letting people do what they want whether it makes sense or not.
@Michael – I’m gonna go out on a limb here and guess you’re a member of the Tea Party. Call it a hunch.
Like it or not, when people run for public office they open themselves up to public scrutiny of any part of their lives that an individual voter finds relevant. Ain’t democracy a bitch? I think it’s obnoxious and apparently I’m not the only one.
@shannon stated it perfectly.
@George – I do agree with some points of the tea party, but if I were to chose a party affiliation it would likely be with the Libertarians.
What I find obnoxious are decades old clunkers leaking oil and spewing smoke from the tailpipe covered in tree hugger bumper stickers. Those pieces of crap are worse for the environment than a H1.
But feel free to vote based on the car someone drives or whether they ride a bike everywhere (and other superficial observations) and not their ideas for bettering the city.
Michael –
Yes, sanctimonious tree-huggers who drive old or otherwise non fuel-efficient cars are obnoxious. So are Hummers. But fortunately, the Hummer brand died this year. Perhaps it was a smug overdose, exacerbated by the 2008/2009 collapse of free-market fundamentalism.
Also: libertarians are hilarious — http://www.theonion.com/articles/libertarian-reluctantly-calls-fire-department,4651/
Michael Wrote:
“The whole existence of the US is predicated on thumbing our nose to the rest of the world and letting people do what they want whether it makes sense or not”
@Michael: As someone who claims to support the ideas of Libertarianism-you should realize, in the words of Charles Kingsley that “there are two freedoms-the false, where a man is free to do what he like’s; and the true, where he is free to do what he ought” Your skewered understandings on the precepts of our country’s existence and the requirements demanded for sustained freedom are whats superficial- and by the way-voters aren’t acting “high and mighty” when they observe the expressions of decision making by candidates running for elected office. We just put more stock into what someone does-rather than what he says. Lastly, making obnoxious comparisons using decades old “clunkers” to validate your reasoning ignores the differences in economic, regulatory and geopolitical climates- now go back to watching Glenn Beck.
Jeff Dickey says his personality is neutral but no one is going to forget he hired Jim Laubler in the first place. Letting him “resign” is clearly just a political calculation.
@Shannon, Marry me.
Seriously. A hummer is obnoxious. Nothing yells “I’m unengaged with what’s going on, and I don’t really care what you think” like a hummer. These vehicles are incredibly polluting and indulgent ego-badges.
Please note, I’m not saying you shouldn’t have nice stuff. By all means, get a nice car, a BMW, a Chevy truck, whatever. The difference with the hummer is that: 1) it is the worst of environmental offenders, and it has no practical use like a truck. 2) It is a mark of bravado and often bought simply as a physical marker to tell people–most of all those who are concerned about the environment–that you’re simply not concerned about the environment and ostensibly a host of issues related issues.
In a city like Fayetteville–that is green and forward thinking–this is unacceptable. Leave Fayetteville to the visionaries. Arkansas has enough Searcy’s already.
Please, FF, ask Dickey about Sustainability–REAL questions that test his knowledge. Ask him about the science of climate change. Make him research what a greenhouse gas is. It’s basic knowledge that I would expect he has no clue about. Maybe you can even ask him about peer reviewed scientific literature as it pertains to climate change, and what distinguishes the scientific method from blind punditry. (He’ll probably say something along the lines of, “I recognize that people have differing views of climate change….” blah blah as most of the uninitiated do.)
/rant
Amen, jcentennial. How a person lives DOES indicate what their values are.
jcentennial wrote:
“Seriously. A hummer is obnoxious. Nothing yells “I’m unengaged with what’s going on, and I don’t really care what you think” like a hummer. These vehicles are incredibly polluting and indulgent ego-badges.”
I think if you do a little research you will see that animal agriculture is one of our largest polluters and causes of global warming. But I would be willing to bet you eat meat and feel very comfortable doing so while you criticize someone else for the car they drive. Too funny!
Too funny –
Yeah, right on. I mean, everybody knows you’re not allowed to criticize someone for driving a gigantic, obnoxious gas-guzzler unless you’re an off-the-grid vegan who doesn’t use deodorant or have any pets or shares in a mutual fund and whose vehicle runs entirely on distilled self-righteousness.
Hummer H2 is made by American General. It is 100% American as is the American Flag that is proudly displayed upon it. Believe me folks, I respect your right to not like a Hummer, but in the end it is just a vehicle. I have owned a 40mpg Honda before as well. Ironically, the Hummer H2 has the same engine as the Cadillac Escalade and some of the GM trucks. It doesn’t pollute anymore than many of the SUV’s out there. My opponent drives a German SUV made in Germany. Does it really make a difference what people drive or the kind of house people live in? It is funny that my opponent and I just talked together at the Chamber meeting and both of us agree that what difference does a vehicle really make. At least it is American made and believe me, most if not all the military soldiers who have proudly served think it is great. They love the patriotism displayed on it!
Innarested Observer – so tell me, how do you think my opponent lives with a German SUV? Actually, her SUV was bought new recently at over $40,000 and cost more than my used Hummer. Does it really say anything? No, it doesnt. In the end both my opponent and myself purchased a vehicle we enjoy driving. Would I drive a Prius? Sure I would. Cars are cars, nothing more and nothing less. It doesnt say anything has to how I would vote on city council. By the way, I have a mountain bike and love the trails. Did you know that I used to cycle (bicycle) professionally for many years racking up 300-400 miles a week on pure pedal power. Did you know that I use energy saving light bulbs and often drive a motorcycle which gets 45-50 mpg? That I recycle my soda cans? So, tell me… what does that say about me? I value you and I both have the freedom to express our views. I respect your view, but in the end a vehicle really does not have much to do with a campaign.
Jeff Dickey, your claim that the Hummer is 100% American shows us just how ignorant you are.
Tell us which part of America the fuel you buy comes from. The fact that you don’t even think of these ramifications (or worse, that you find them irrelevant) tells us a lot about the depth of thought you will apply to your decisions on the Council.
@ Michael- so is “What I find obnoxious are decades old clunkers leaking oil and spewing smoke from the tailpipe covered in tree hugger bumper stickers. Those pieces of crap are worse for the environment than a H1″ your typical view on lower income people? I remember when the only vehicle I could afford was the old clunker that I hoped would get me to my minimum wage job everyday. To think that being environmentally conscious equals being able to afford a vehicle that fits that image is unfair.
Driving a Hummer in Fayetteville does not reflect the concern for the environment that a candidate for office in town should be showing. It is just a dumb mistake that will be hard to overcome in this election.
“I respect your view, but in the end a vehicle really does not have much to do with a campaign.”
Uh, your face and campaign slogan are plastered on the side of it.
Jeff Said:
“Did you know that I use energy saving light bulbs and often drive a motorcycle which gets 45-50 mpg? That I recycle my soda cans? So, tell me… what does that say about me? I value you and I both have the freedom to express our views. I respect your view, but in the end a vehicle really does not have much to do with a campaign?. At least it is American made and believe me, most if not all the military soldiers who have proudly served think it is great. They love the patriotism displayed on it!”
For one, it says your ideas of environmental responsibility are shallow-Also, I am a veteran who’s ideas of patriotism were expressed by serving my country, so please don’t ever evoke “my proud service” to substantiate the FALSE sense of patriotism in your delusional and counterproductive attempts to derive such an appeal. Also, the mere fact that you can’t equivocate this sort of decision making as it pertains to the necessity for rational, yet visionary ideas in policy making required for a leadership position in a city such as fayetteville- is reason enough not to elect you into this office.
“It is funny that my opponent and I just talked together at the Chamber meeting and both of us agree that what difference does a vehicle really make.”
Yeah, thats hilarious. A Hummer owner and an import SUV owner agree that vehicles don’t really make a difference. Get a clue!
Right, but let’s all condemn and smirk at a tree hugger who can only afford an old beater.
Was the Hummer built in the Russian, South African or one of the U.S. plants? Chances are the majority of the vehicle was made overseas even if it was assembled in the United States.
The more ‘American’ thing to do is pay attention to the gas mileage so we stop giving money to Middle Eastern terrorists. Our service members deserve more than lip service to patriotism.
Besides, I’ve driven a Hummer and they’re a piece of rolling junk. The Tahoe is a much more usable vehicle. So is the American made Mercedes SUV and Subaru.
robertocampana said:
“Too funny –
Yeah, right on. I mean, everybody knows you’re not allowed to criticize someone for driving a gigantic, obnoxious gas-guzzler unless you’re an off-the-grid vegan who doesn’t use deodorant or have any pets or shares in a mutual fund and whose vehicle runs entirely on distilled self-righteousness.”
Stereotyping just a little aren’t we??? Actually, I’m none of those things. My point is that people are picking one small thing like the type of vehicle he drives to try to say he is anti environment when what they are doing is much worse. I guess you could say Al Gore is anti environment since he drives an suv. Plus, I wonder how much fuel it costs for all the overseas plane trips Rhonda and her husband takes each year?
Because there are two Jerrys on this thread I am changing my name to Jerry Dude. Prince of the Planet seemed a bit much.
robertocampana said:
“Too funny –
Yeah, right on. I mean, everybody knows you’re not allowed to criticize someone for driving a gigantic, obnoxious gas-guzzler unless you’re an off-the-grid vegan who doesn’t use deodorant or have any pets or shares in a mutual fund and whose vehicle runs entirely on distilled self-righteousness.”
Oh, I see. You were describing Bill Clinton. Bill stated: “I live on beans, legumes, vegetables, fruits. I drink a protein supplement every morning. No dairy. I drink almond milk mixed in with fruit and a protein powder, so I get the protein for the day when I start the day out.
It changed my whole metabolism and I lost 24 pounds. I got back to basically what I weighed in high school. But I did it for a different reason, I mean I wanted to lose a little weight but I never dreamed this would happen.”
http://calorielab.com/news/2010/09/25/bill-clintons-vegan-weight-loss-secret-and-his-4-heart-disease-reversal-gurus/
Jeff Dickey–
Oh, all right– I can’t resist.
Another question for Dr. Dickey:
If you were a urologist, would you have prescribed that Hummer for yourself?
Damn, just read the claim about most if not all military soldiers liking the Hummer. That’s quite an assumption to make. In my unit every soldier thinks the civilian hummer is a piece of junk, a joke.
Jerry Dude has spoken
I guess my question about a Hummer (the vehicle) is… why? What rationale makes someone choose that as opposed to any other vehicle? A Hummer get about the worst fuel efficiency of any vehicle on the market. For that reason alone I question the choice. Not saying this applies to you, but most people I see in Hummers seem to buy them for reasons of ego. If you’re a serious off-roader (Tread lightly!) there are many choices that are less environmentally damaging. If you need the space, even other gas-suckers like a Suburban get better fuel economy, generally carry smaller price tags and have much more passenger space.
I’d bet that you got that tax deduction on your Hummer, didn’t you?
I had an SUV I loved, and came to the conclusion that I had to put my money where my mouth is and downsize. I now drive an old Ford that gets 30 mpg. It’s cramped and visually uncool, but I am living my values. Perhaps you are living yours, too.
I think Hummer drivers like the idea that they’re safe cuz they drive the biggest pieces of metal on the road. The problem is the menace they present to the rest of us in smaller efficient cars. Hummer drivers seems to be saying if you’re in an wreck with me, you and your kids are the ones going bye-bye, peon.
Obnoxious or not, at least Jeff Dickey is responding to people here. Participation on threads such as these provides better insight into the actuality of the candidate than is usually available, and that should make you an even better-informed voter.
@TooFunny
What do they say about making assumptions?
I’m pretty aware of what causes global warming. I’ve studied it.
I’m not a vegetarian, but I’m a “rare meat eater.” Nine out of ten of my meals are vegetarian, but when the situation arises, I will eat meat. I choose my diet because of its impact on the environment–not necessarily because of my empathy for the farmed animals (though I do understand that rationale).
[...] Opponent: Rhonda Adams Round 1: Meet the candidates: Jeff Dickey [...]
@ David Franks
Thank you David. This is what makes America so great and a campaign so great. It is great to hear what people have to say on these comment boards. It is what improves a campaign and also lets me know what citizens really want for this city in terms of growth, sustainability, and projects.
Jeff Dickey
http://www.votedickey.com
Last night Jeff had no response, even after thinking about it, regarding what the city could/should do regarding landlords that poorly manage their rental properties (apartments and homes). This is a HUGE issue in Ward 4, especially those within a couple of miles from the University.
His response: “I haven’t even thought about that issue.”
Honest answer. He later blamed being scattered about his answers to many questions on a flu shot. OK, I’ll give him that. But he did not even have a clue what the issues are regarding our many rental problems shows he only knows his street in the Ward.
Jeff, take some time and think about what those “rental issues” are…there are many, and they affect the quality of life AND the real (not perceived) value of our property. You might ask someone that has lived in our Ward for a while.
@ Outoftouch
My apologies. I was running fever from the flu shot and not feeling well. I do believe there are rental issues within the city and this needs to be address with a “Maintenance Ordinance” similar to Ft Smith. This ordinance would require landlords to keep properties clean as well as become energy efficient. Many rentals are not energy efficient and often renters pay more in utilities than rent. We have to find a happy balance. I am all for projects that help maintain property values and keeping the overall make-up of neighborhoods nice. Jeff Dickey
That’s minor. You missed the boat. The giant issue is over-occupied rental of single family homes (many students, but certainly not all). This results in parking nightmares, loss of single family homes, and excessive noise/parties from too many unrelated folks in a home. Our ordinances prohibit overoccupany but are not enforced.
What do you think of a rental registry that puts accountability on landlords and allows rental inspection?
@OutOfToucj I saw Mr. Dickey on television speaking against the city’s business registry as clear evidence of the city being “unfriendly” to business and driving business north to Rogers, where he recently lived, no matter that Rogers, Lowell, and Springdale also have “unfriendly” business licenses. I would think he would also be opposed to a rental registry that held landlords accountable or allowed inspections, since those consumer protections would be unfriendly to the landlord rental property business. Perhaps I am mistaken, though, because he has advocated above an ordinance that would force rental property business owners to make mandatory energy efficiency improvements.
We ought to demand that all of the candidates engage us here. Why aren’t they all here answering our questions? Why do we let them get by by answering only what the Flyer guys want? (No offense Flyer dudes luvyabunches)
It’s too bad even though Jeff is willing to talk to us here that he still would suck to be elected. MY opinion.
OutOfToucj
Mr Dooley
I would be in favor for looking at rental property ordinances that are fair and balanced. When passing any ordinances of this nature, we have to be careful as not to infringe upon the rights of all citizens.
Superbad
I am still here posting, however I am unable to address why other candidates choose not to post. If you were at the Chamber of Commerce meeting, I was my normal self and engaged. My apologies to the citizens and Council of Neighborhoods for not feeling well this past Thursday evening. I did make attend and participate even with a fever. This is what is so great about America and campaigning…you get to hear many different views as well as learn new things.
How dedicated of you to attend a forum while under the weather.
But it still doesn’t explain why you knew absolutely nothing of a basic issue in your ward.
@Superbad –
I am very familiar with MOST of the issues within the Ward 4. My opponent said it best when she said that there is a tremendous amount of information to know and that she truly did not know a lot about city budgets and operations but that she will continues to learn. I do not pretend to have all the answers nor know every single issue, but like my opponent I am still learning as well. It was my opponent and I that made the choice to run, so the voters will vote on November 2 which one of us will be elected. For those of you so eager to judge and make personal attacks on here, I would challenge you to run on the next election. We need more involvement from the public within this city and not just comments on this board. Get involved and run!
I have chosen to be active on this board so that voters may make an informed choice on stances. The personal attacks on this board are not necessary and often have a reverse effect on voters reading. I would encourage everyone here to bring out issues and see where we stand on issues. Please engage my opponent on where she stands on issues. Get her involved on this board as well, so all of us can make informed choices of who will best serve this city.
@Jerry
Some facts for clarification…the Hummer H2 was only manufactured at Mishawaka, Indiana USA. You might be confused with the H3. The H2 Hummer was built by AM General who is the military contractor for Humvees. The H2 was built by AM General for GM. The H3 on the hand, was built by GM at various plants. Both vehicles, as well as the brand, were retired in 2009. You may see more info at:
http://www.amgeneral.com/vehicles/hummer/h2-assembly-plant.php
Way to go Jeff!
The NWA Metro Board of Realtors interviewed my opponent and I on housing and neighborhood issues. Zoning, property values, impact fees, rights of homeowners and landowners, and visions for Fayetteville were just a few of the topics. After interviewing my opponent and I, the panel decided I was best suited for representing homeowners on City Council and financially supported by campaign with ARPAC funds. It should be noted that Mark Kinion also won their support with his views.
Jeff, if elected, how much time per week will you spend on internet forums bickering with people? Rough estimate? I bet you like twitter to so go ahead and give us an estimate on that…
Rabble Rabble
@ Confused
Fortunately, I have free time. My schedule is flexible and allows me to interact with citizens on the forums and in public with their concerns and issues. I have Mondays and Tuesday off to work on agendas and city issues. I also have weekends to work on issues. Yes, I use Twitter and Facebook. It is important to hear what citizens are concerned about with our city. I do not get involved in negative attacks or bickering, but merely display my views and/or stances on certain issues. I would estimate I spend approximately 10-15 mins a day on Twitter, maybe 30 mins a day on Facebook, and approximately 1 hour a day on forums or reading public views on any given subject. I hope I answered your question. Thank you.
Mr. Dickey, I appreciate you discussing your views on the forums. The mere fact that you are on this board in discussions show that you care about this city. The office of Alderman doesnt pay and is not a glamourous job, so it takes dedication. For that matter, it takes a dedicated individual to run for any office. It is nice to see opposed races rather than unopposed races in Fayetteville. I see a lot of bashing on here from different people, but obviously they didnt run for election. It is easy to sit back and bash different people for their views. It takes a lot more to stand up and run for office, which I certainly can respect of both candidates for Ward 4.
@ Kyle
I cannot agree with you more on your statement.
Jeff noted that the NWA Metro Board of Realtors panel decided he “was best suited for representing homeowners on City Council and financially supported by campaign with ARPAC funds.”
Many of the realtors are the very owners that our neighborhoods in Ward 4 are fighting AGAINST as a result of their property “management” in open conflict with established codes!
Thus, I very much doubt Jeff could end up supporting a rental registry system which would allow property inspections for occupancy and other code compliance issues now. That group funding him will certainly be fighting all efforts to bring themselves into compliance.
I wouldn’t be too proud of that endorsement. I fully supported Jeff’s fiscal conservative addition to the council. However, this endorsment will effectively put him in their pocket and continue to turn neighborhoods from family to rental areas.
PS: While I am not sure engaging in dialogue with us anonymous posters is a smart idea, it does show intestinal fortitude.
@Out of Touch
The Ward 4 seat belongs to the citizens and it will be represented to such. The NWA Metro Board of Realtors may have supported and financially backed my campaign, but make no mistake, my vote will represent the best interests of the citizens and homeowners. I am all for specific code complainces that keep our neighborhoods beautiful and I also believe the city has a responsibility in keeping the overall “make-up” of a any neighborhood consistent with certain standards. I assure you my vote will be consistent with what is best for Ward 4 and Fayetteville, and not that of any political donor. You are correct when you state that I would bring “Fiscal Conservatism” to City Council in Ward 4. I am for Parks, Trails, Ecology… but we first have to increase our revenue and become responsible for tax payer money. Secondly, we have to address our “Core Services” before anything else. We can do many wonderful projects in this city if we all come together. Jeff
LOL. What a comment forum here? We need to analyze Mr. Dickey and not knit pick every detail of his life, expecting perfection. You must weigh both candidates, their flaws as well as positive initiatives for the city. Who really cares about a Hummer, when a Hummer-driving politician can give you a helping hand? Some folks on here are just abusing the web to attack, but need to find more info about the policies to have a more substantial discussion. I appreciate your attentiveness, Mr. Dickey to these social media outlets to reach the public. It shows you are concerned, dedicated, and actively engaged in the views of city residents, on or offline. I will review your policies to determine my full endorsement. Overall, I appreciate any activism to help Fayetteville become a better place, regardless the affiliation. I hope some of these web commentators step up their criticism and become active as well. There is so much to do, try volunteering, join a social club, start a non-profit, or attend city council meetings.
Social Media Director
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FayToday.com
FayResident–
Thanks for visiting. Not to start a rivalry or anything, but why would the regulars of this site want to divide their attention between Fayetteville, Arkansas and Fayetteville, North Carolina? Clearly we have concerns of our own, and this Fayetteville, being a bottomless gulag for hippies of every era, is concerned with Hummers. (Read more about Fayetteville, Arkansas. Among numerous useful sources, you can pretty well trust the Wikipedia article now that references to Mr. Dickey’s campaign have been removed.)
You do make good general points; some of them are already considerations within the workings of this milieu. Yet perhaps we could take further steps to comport ourselves so as to never sully the connotations of any utterance of the magical name “Fayetteville”.