The November election offers Eureka Springs voters with two candidates for City Council Ward 1 Seat 2; incumbent Susan Harman and LauraJo Smole.
Smole said she has a vision of Eureka Springs attracting young families as well as retirees to live. To help this become reality, Smole has established a plan that includes working with Public Works on sidewalks, bicycle lanes, and pocket parks in residential areas. It also includes increasing ADA compliance in city buildings and parks, and hiring a social services professional to work with emergency services within the city.
Smole also wants to “simplify the interface between city departments and residents and property owners.” Her plan includes developing a Master Plan for the 21st century—Smole says the city’s current plan is about 30 years old and needs redefining so it accurately reflects “how we will live, work, and play in Eureka Springs in the future.”
“The Plan can be a good tool to attract and develop non-tourism businesses to augment our successful tourism industry,” she said. “It appears that the current council does the minimal work it must and is not engaged in improving our neighborhoods and community.
“How the council handled establishment of Entertainment Districts created a lot of friction between businesses and residents of the city. The initial ordinance was presented as a final document—neither the council nor citizens or business owners had advance notice that this item was to be presented and voted on at a single meeting.”
Smole criticized council for not holding a public forum for the E.D., for not considering public input on the E.D. boundaries, and for excluding necessary information about the E.D. such as who is responsible for payment of additional security, waste management and liability.
“The confusion and anger that came from this ordinance has resulted in a citizen initiative now on the November ballot,” she said, adding that she supports repeal of the permanent E.D. ballot item.
“This year demonstrated that Eureka Springs can flourish without weekly festivals, events and/or parades. Therefore, I support the repeal of a permanent entertainment district at the polls in November. Further, I would like to have community involvement before any temporary zones are established to build acceptance and support.”
Incumbent muses about successes and disappointments
Harman said she ran for city council two years ago, “because I was tired of seeing council fight amongst themselves and felt the only way to change that environment was to get involved—I still feel this way and hope I can continue to contribute in a positive way.”
Looking over the last two years of serving on the council Harman said she is proud to have voted in favor of the working relationship with Entegrity Energy Partners LLC, which brings a comprehensive solar energy savings package to Eureka Springs.
However, Harman said she was disappointed in February when Carroll Boone Water District notified the city of a water rate increase.
“The increase that the city council passed was above what was needed. I voted “No,” as I felt the city should not be placing extra expense on our citizens just because they can.”
When asked asked about the permanent entertainment district and how she will be personally voting, Harman replied, “Voting is a personal and private decision that each citizen has—so I feel this question is inappropriate to ask.
“With that said, I was in favor of giving the entertainment district a try, as much compromise took place based on the original plan via public comments and input. Unfortunately, the ‘try’ was never given a chance, so placing the entertainment district on the ballot will allow every citizen the opportunity to vote how they feel.
“Hopefully, given Yay or Nay, the city will have a clear direction on moving forward with or without an entertainment district.”
Harman is one of two aldermen who also serves on the City Advertising and Promotion Commission.