Terry Black Coberly
Courtesy photo
Former Bentonville Mayor Terry Black Coberly is now the fourth person to announce plans to replace departing Ward 4 Alderwoman Sarah Lewis, entering the Fayetteville City Council race in the Nov. 6 general election.
Coberly, who served as Bentonville’s chief executive from 1995 through 2006, said her ability to hit the ground running will provide a smooth transition if elected to the council.
“Public service is my sincerest passion, and I have dedicated my life to it, having served over 20 years in municipal government,” said Coberly. “I believe my 12 years as a mayor of one of the fastest growing cities in Arkansas, nine years as city clerk and 18 years teaching our high school and middle school children symbolize my genuine commitment to service.”
As former president of the Arkansas Municipal League, Coberly said she gained a wide perspective and understanding of municipal issues while collaborating with mayors and city officials from across Arkansas’ 500 cities.
“My vision for Fayetteville is not to change who we are, but to continue to promote the longstanding traditions we have come to uphold like being recognized by Forbes and U. S. News as one of the best places for college sports, business, careers, outdoor-lovers, and a place to retire,” she said.
Coberly will join Alan Long and Mike Emery in the race for the Ward 4, Position 2 seat.
Lewis said last month she will not seek a second, four-year term.
The filing period for City Council and other municipal candidates begins July 27.
Profile
Name: Terry Black Coberly
Age: 63
Residency: Fayetteville since 2010
Employment: Springdale Public Schools
Education: Masters degree and Bachelor in Education, University of Arkansas
Political Experience: 12 years as Mayor of Bentonville, nine years as City Clerk, served as President of the Arkansas Municipal League, current chairman of the Arkansas Natural Resources and Cultural Council
Questions
What made you decide to seek election to the council? Is it something you’ve been considering for a while?
Public service is my passion, and this specific role presents the opportunity to serve my community in an area where I have the most experience.
Is there anything in particular that drove you to reside in Ward 4? How would you describe that part of town?
I am a fifth generation native of Northwest Arkansas. My husband, Jody and I moved to Fayetteville in 2010 after renovating our historic home adjacent to the University of Arkansas campus.
Are there any recent citywide or Ward 4 council decisions you agree or disagree with?
Parking issues and an overlay district are two subjects that are worthy of attention, as well as public transit.
Finally, an adult with a long history of public service and the experience to get something done by working effectively with the other members of the City Council.
Most of our CARRIER POLITICIANS are part of the problem. Public service was meant to be representative of the people. It’s time for the politicians to be limited and encouraged to be available to answer questions from their piers.
This one scares me. I do not like AGENDA driven politicians. I prefer statesmen who try to confine the job within its boundaries. I believe she said she lost her last election when I was around her at one time. Why?
couldn’t have been your english skills
Whew, I was starting to get worried about this race. Glad to see Terry is in. I have a lot of confidence in her leadership and decision-making abilities.
I don’t know Ms. Coberly, but her extensive background in municipal government would appear to be a tremendous asset. This will force the other candidates to really do their homework.
This picture does not look like 63 year old
I wonder how old the picture is just wondering ?
I was thinking the same thing. She’s hiding her looks. To study a persons face is to learn a little bit about them. And, she has moved just to be a career politician. When will there be debates? Everything is so quiet this year.
I’ve met her once at a council meeting. Kind of a flowery dresser.
I’m not sure why Ms. Coberly is running. I would have liked to see her more involved in neighborhood issues . Where has she been when our neighborhoods have been dealing with important issues? Personally I want someone that knows our neighborhoods and Ward 4. Political expertise is not a must ….relating to, understanding ward issues, and NOT being a politician is important.
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(Finally, an adult with a long history of public service and the experience to get something done by working effectively with the other members of the City Council)
Just what we need let’s try to load the council with more members who will vote the way the Mayor wants them to vote not the way the constituents who elected them want them to vote. We have one alderperson in ward four like this and it is NOT Sarah Lewis.
I agree. There is very little DIVERSITY on the council. They chant it but don’t like anybody to rock their boat.
Please explain. It seems to me the current council is quite diverse as is our City. I always enjoy the broad discussion on items and even when there is disagreement the dialog seems very respectful. Many times I don’t really have a lot of information so the dialog is helpful (feral cats for instance). The only lack of diversity is race which is a situation that could only be remedied if persons of diverse racial backgrounds ran for office. I was thinking as I watched the Council last Tuesday how fortunate were to get insight from exceptionally engaged citizens as well as a broad perspective of ideas and discussion from our council. Let’s look at diversity…. ages from early 20′s to late 60′s maybe even 70′s. Gays and straights. Family base of all types, single, young family with children, newlyweds, empty nesters, academic professionals, retired corporate business executives, young business professionals, entrepreneurs, students, academics, property owner/managers…. very broad across all business types in our community. Long time citizens with a great deal of community history as well as newer younger citizens with fresh ideas. Suburban dwellers, urban dwellers, historic district dwellers, downtowners, uptowners, east siders, north siders, west enders, southsiders, renters, home-owners. Liberals, Moderates and Conservatives. Greenies, beanies, and whatever the opposite would be. High brow, middle class and bohemian. Committee meetings are also very informative and it is evident our City Council members are truly engaged with the City Administrative staff showing well informed insight and mutual respect. You can see this activity on our Government Channel which I enjoy.
Yes, our City Council is diverse and respectful of the diverse opinions. I am proud of the way they are working together and I hope as the fall elections conclude our new Aldermen/Alderwomen will continue this spirit of cooperation.
I went to this past City Council meeting and was impressed with how kind both the Mayor and several of the aldermen were to a particular older lady when she became upset while speaking on the feral cat issue.
It was just nice. Politics aside, they seem to be a good group that really do care.
Jamie…be careful on here. After my comment I had vile things said about me by a person identifying themselves as Kathy tall. It’s so easy to say vile things hiding behind a false name. Too bad makes Ms. Coberly look bad. However I agree with you.
Notice, Ms. Coberly doesn’t answer the three rather simple Flyer questions in a way that gives any real sense of her values, her vision for Ward4, or where she stands on the issues of parking, public transit and an overlay district. Worthy of attention? These responses together with a photo that doesn’t match her stated age leaves one wondering who this person really is and why in the world she didn’t seize the opportunity to meet the voters in a more genuine, direct way. If this is an indication how she relates to constituents, it doesn’t seem to bode well.
AGREE!!
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This picture was taken in July 2012 when I was 63. I am now 64. We moved to Fayetteville to restore our historic home. If I can serve the City of Fayetteville, I will be honored. I support expanded public transit, user -friendly parking, Town and Gown, green initatives, no kill concepts, connecting western Ward 4 to trail system, and promoting Fayetteville. All five candidates for this position have participated in forums or meet and greets every night this week. Any will make a good representative.