Robert Williams
Todd Gill
Robert Williams is one of seven candidates to file for the soon-to-be vacant Ward 4, Position 1 seat.
Williams, 45, is a project manager with Milestone Construction in Springdale. He moved to Farmington in 1985 where he graduated from Farmington High School. He has since lived in Fayetteville and Springdale, and has been a resident of Ward 4 for about 18 months.
He said he has been disappointed with City Council decisions to borrow from the city’s reserve for planned expenditures, particularly employee raises.
“I don’t have a problem with raises, we just need to find a way to pay for them without using the reserve,” he said.
Williams faces Ray Boudreaux, Craig Honchell, D’Andre Jones, John La Tour and Phillip McKnight in the Nov. 4 general election.
Current Position 1 Alderwoman Rhonda Adams plans to serve out her term before moving to Tampa, Fla. with her husband, Charles, who recently accepted a position as dean of the Honors College at the University of South Florida.
Voter registration runs through Oct. 6. Early voting begins Oct. 20.
Profile: Robert Williams
Position sought: Ward 4, Position 1
Age: 45
Residency: Moved to Northwest Arkansas in 1985; Ward 4 resident for about 18 months
Employment: Project manager, Milestone Construction Company
Education: Graduate, Farmington High School
Political Experience: None
3 Questions for Robert
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?
There was a story in the newspaper that reported Rhonda Adams was not going to seek re-election. After reading that, I decided it was a perfect opportunity for me to serve the community where I live.
Is there anything in particular that drove you to reside in Ward 4? How would you describe that part of town?
I had sold my home in Springdale and was looking for a place to rent until I was ready to buy another home. After looking at a lot of properties that were disappointing, I was lucky and was offered the home I live in now. It is on a quiet cul-de-sac with great neighbors. The west side of Fayetteville is a great place to live, especially the Wedington corridor. It continues to grow and attract new businesses.
Are there any recent citywide or Ward 4 council decisions you agree or disagree with?
I was not pleased with how the council funded the recent employee raises. The raises are permanent expense, a surplus is not guaranteed. I don’t have a problem with raises, we just need to find a way to pay for them without using the reserve.
