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.
Adam Fire Cat – Ward 2, Position 1
Visit: Flyer coverage | Website
Opponent: Mark Kinion
Age: 35
Occupation: Busser, Karaoke Jockey
Experience: No prior office held. Former Mayoral Candidate.
Education: Former U of A student majoring in law.
Community Involvement: Running a variety of petitions to oppose various ordinances, assisting in drug addict outreach efforts.
Fayetteville Flyer: What have you been listening to lately?
Adam Fire Cat: The Gorillaz Plastic Beach album (which I didn’t like at first, but have since warmed up to), Moloko, Lords of Acid, Spinrad (an Arkansan favorite of mine), and all things Roxette (Marie Fredriksson is the hottest woman alive).
FF: How long have you lived in Fayetteville?
AFC: I was brought here when my family moved initially in ’92 from Clarksville, Tennessee, and did half of my high school in each city. In ’95, I moved back to Clarksville briefly before enlisting in the Army Reserves. I returned to Fayetteville when I completed basic training and AIT. A couple of years later, I moved to Spokane, Washington for a brief stint. After all is said and done, I consider myself having been a more permanent resident since 1997.
FF: We know from a previous interview with you that you’re not much of a Razorback fan, but do you like any other sports?
AFC: I personally enjoy blading at our skate park. I’m not sure if that qualifies as a sport outside of the X-Games, but I enjoy taking a dive into some concrete. Fun times, that. Other sports… Badminton! I love the badminton. I think the Wombats are going to take the championship this year. Go Wombats!
FF: What’s your favorite restaurant in town? Got a favorite local dish?
AFC: An odd favorite in the local are of mine usually goes unnoticed, and that’s a Thai food restaurant called the Thai Dinner on College Ave, close by Township. The family whom runs the eatery are quite nice if not overly so. As a favorite dish however, my kudos go to Common Grounds for their Black Bean Dip Pizza. Good stuff, that.
FF: We’ve heard people say Fayetteville is the best city on Earth. Agree or disagree?
AFC: You must understand that I’m well travelled within the continental US. When we talk about a party atmosphere, I have to say Portland, Oregon has the best one I’ve seen in the states. If we speak in terms of scenery, the Grand Canyon is awe inspiring as well as nowhere near our city. And if were talking a world view, anyone been to the Great Wall of China? Our landmarks are nice, but not quite world recognized. I mean, people don’t come from across the globe to visit the Eiffel Tower in Fayetteville, nor a leaning anything to speak of. Best is really perceptional I suppose, but since you’re asking my personal opinion… not really. We are, however, very fortunate. This city does offer a lot to its citizens as well as its visitors, and for that we should be grateful. No city is perfect, but I do enjoy it here, warts and all.
FF: As a karaoke DJ, you probably hear a lot of the same songs. Are there any you simply can’t stand anymore and wish would just vanish?
AFC: Gods yes… I remember before I began working there (You Know?? Uno!!) that I used to actually like some of these songs. Nowadays, anytime I hear them, it’s like I’m being punched in the soul.
From ten to one, here’s Fire Cat’s most hated and cliché karaoke song to date:
10. Margaritaville – Jimmy Buffett
9. You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling – The Righteous Brothers or Elvis (either version is equally terrible)
8. Total Eclipse Of The Heart – Bonnie Tyler
7. You Never Even Called Me By My Name – David Allan Coe
6. Me And Bobby McGee – Janis Joplin
5. Friends In Low Places – Garth Brooks
4. Love Shack – B-52s
3. Folsom Prison Blues – Johnny Cash
2. Family Tradition – Hank Williams Jr.
And finally, the worst bloody clichéd song in karaoke history to this day goes to a band that does in fact sing many other excellent songs that tend to go unnoticed and unsung where I work…
1. Don’t Stop Believing – Journey
I’ve come to HATE that damnable song…
* Look for Adam’s answers to the Round 2 questions next week.
