Mike Emery
Courtesy
Mike Emery is so far the only resident to step forward with plans to replace departing Ward 4 Alderwoman Rhonda Adams, entering the City Council race in the Nov. 4 general election.
Emery, 45, spent 10 years in the U.S. Air Force before studying broadcast journalism and political science at the University of Oklahoma. He is a staff member at the Washington County Animal Shelter and a former newscast director for KNWA/KFTA in Fayetteville.
It will be Emery’s second Ward 4 bid for City Council in Fayetteville. He ran in the 2012 race for the Position 2 seat, but lost a runoff election to Alan Long by 123 votes. The two were part of a five-person race for the seat, which included candidates William Chesser, J.P. Peters, and Terry Black Coberly.
Emery said he has spent six of his seven years in Fayetteville as a Ward 4 resident living west of Interstate 49.
“The current and future growth along Wedington and the I-49 corridor is tremendous,” said Emery. “I want to see west Fayetteville become as community oriented as other parts of the city.”
Emery said there is a great deal of compassion, inclusion, and understanding in Fayetteville.
“These qualities provide a great deal of potential for a forward thinking city,” he said. “It would be a mistake if we, as a community, let that potential go to waste.”
As of Tuesday, no one else had announced they would run in Ward 4.
There are three other Position 1 seats up for grabs this fall, including positions held by Adella Gray (Ward 1), Mark Kinion (Ward 2) and Justin Tennant (Ward 3). The city attorney position, held by Kit Williams, is also up for election.
Gray, Kinion and Tennant announced last week they’ll run again. Williams has said he’ll seek re-election.
Ward 4 Alderwoman Rhonda Adams will not run again. Her husband, Charles, has accepted a position at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Fla., where the couple will soon move.
The filing period for City Council candidates begins July 25.
Profile: Mike Emery
Position sought: Ward 4, Position 1
Age: 45
Residency: Moved to Fayetteville in 2007
Employment: Admin and media relations, Washington County Animal Shelter
Education: Studied broadcast journalism and political science at the University of Oklahoma; Took classes during a 10-year enlistment in the United States Air Force.
Political Experience: Vice-chair of the Fayetteville Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, member of the Fayetteville Environmental Action Committee
3 Questions for Mike
We send each candidate three questions after receiving their announcement. We post their answers here once they respond.
What made you decide to seek election to the council? Is it something you’ve been considering for a while?
I decided to run this time after being approached by a number of people and groups expressing interest in me running. I have always had a desire to serve my community and my country. This is a great platform in which to do so.
Is there anything in particular that drove you to reside in Ward 4? How would you describe that part of town?
I have lived in Ward 4 west of I-49 for over six years. It’s a wonderful part of the city to live in. The current and future growth along Wedington and the I-49 corridor is tremendous. I want to see west Fayetteville become as community oriented as other parts of the city.
Are there any recent citywide or Ward 4 council decisions you agree or disagree with?
There are no recent citywide decisions that I have had issue with. I was a vocal supporter of the recent rezoning at the corner of Mount Comfort and Shiloh to allow a business at that location. That area is under served currently with amenities of that sort.
News release: Mike Emery
Mike Emery has announced his intention to run for Fayetteville alderman, Ward 4, position 1.
Emery, who is a member of the Washington County Animal Shelter staff, is a decorated combat veteran of the United States Air Force. He attended the University of Oklahoma after completing a decade of military service that included deployment to Desert Storm and Bosnia support operations. Emery currently serves as Vice-Chair of the Fayetteville Housing Authority Board of Commissioners and a member-at-large of the Fayetteville Environmental Action Committee.
“Fayetteville is a unique city with an outstanding quality of life. I want to see Fayetteville move forward while keeping the charm that has caused so many people to call this city home. There is a great deal of compassion, inclusion, and understanding here. These qualities provide a great deal of potential for a forward thinking city such as Fayetteville. It would be a mistake if we, as a community, let that potential go to waste.”
“The prosperity, welfare, and happiness of the citizens of Fayetteville will be a priority for me. Safe neighborhoods, community involvement, and green initiatives are keys to a successful city. I look forward to serving the needs of Fayetteville’s 4th Ward.” Says Emery
