BENTONVILLE -- Political newcomer Robert Carr Jr. will challenge incumbent Tim Robinson for the Ward 1, Position 1 City Council seat this fall.
Carr, 62, is a native of Catoosa, Okla., and has lived in Bentonville since 1974.
"I would like to make a little bit of difference," he said on why he's running for council. "I would just like to keep a lot of what we have, but at the same time, I would like to keep progressing."
He works for his family business, Carr Plumbing Kitchens and Baths.
Robinson, 34, is a senior director in merchandising at Walmart and co-owner of the Phat Tire Bike Shop company.
Robinson was first elected when he defeated incumbent Roger Thomas in 2014 and was re-elected without opposition in 2016.
He's been involved with parks and planning initiatives, including his request to add $75,000 to the Parks and Recreation Department budget for trail maintenance.
"I want to continue to be involved in making this a great place to live and work," he said.
Carr said he remembered what the downtown square was like when it was "absolutely nothing" and enjoys what it's become.
He'd like to help address increasing housing costs and improve infrastructure if elected.
A lot of planning regarding Walmart's new headquarters will take place over the next two years, Robinson said, adding he can play a unique role being on the council, as a Walmart employee and bike shop owner.
"I can connect the right people to make good decisions on how that's going to impact our city," he said.
Robinson has lived in Bentonville since 1997 expect for four years at college.
He also serves on the Animal Shelter Task Force and Public Arts Advisory Board. He previously served on the Lake Bella Vista Task Force and is a past president of Downtown Bentonville Inc.
The city adopted new ward boundaries in 2017 that will take effect Jan. 1. Candidates must live in the ward they're seeking election based on the new boundaries. Ward 1 will encompass the city's northwest, everything east of North Walton Boulevard and north of East Central Avenue.
City Council members are paid $711 a month. The nonpartisan election will be held Nov. 6.
NW News on 08/16/2018