Meet the candidates: Justin Tennant

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.

Justin Tennant – Ward 3, Position 1

Visit: Flyer coverage | Website | Facebook

Opponent: Mr. Tennant is running unopposed in Ward 3.

Age: 39
Occupation: Global Services and Support Manager – HP (Hewlett-Packard)
Experience: Vice-Chair – Fayetteville Telecommunications Board, Chair – Internet/Technology Committee
Education: BA Journalism w/ emphasis on Advertising/Public Relations – University of Arkansas
Community Involvement: Board member – Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Member/Sunday School Teacher – Central United Methodist Church, Member – American Heart Association, Contributor/Season ticket holder – Walton Arts Center, Member – Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, Northwest Arkansas Young Professionals, Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce, Volunteer Coach, Watchdog Dad – Vandergriff Elementary

Fayetteville Flyer: Are you a music fan? If so, what have you been listening to lately?
Justin Tennant: I listen to a little of everything, but lately a lot of 80’s music and classic rock.

FF: How long have you lived in Fayetteville?
JT: I was born in Fayetteville. I went to elementary school in Lincoln and Gentry, but moved back to Fayetteville for middle school through Fayetteville High School. Most of my 39 years have been spent in Fayetteville.

FF: We know you’re a UA graduate, but are you a Razorback fan?
JT: As a matter of fact, as I am wearing a Razorback shirt right now. I bleed Razorback Red. GO HOGS!

FF: If you had to choose one place to take a newcomer to get a bite to eat around here, where would it be? Got a favorite local dish?
JT: Hugo’s is a favorite and I never need a menu to order. I just say “Derek’s special, honey mustard on the side, basket of fries and diet coke please!” To be fair, there are so many great restaurants in town that I would ask for their favorite kind of food and go from there. You couldn’t go wrong with many!

FF: We’ve heard people say Fayetteville is the best city on Earth. Agree or disagree?
JT: I have been to many cities all over the world. There is no other city that has the complete package that Fayetteville has. It truly is a great city in which to live and raise a family.

FF: As a member of the Telecommunications Board, you already have to sit in City Hall room 219 once per month. Are those chairs comfortable up there?
JT: Nice question. Surprisingly, they are comfortable!

* Look for Justin’s answers to the Round 2 questions next week.