Susan Harman is facing Caitlin Branaman in the race for Ward 1, Position 2, on the Eureka Springs City Council. Branaman did not get back to the Independent with her reasons for running.
Nearly four years ago Harman, her husband and two sons moved from Fort Worth, Texas, to Eureka Springs to own and operate 5 Ojo Inn Bed & Brreakfast.
Harman is on the Planning Commission and is chair of the City Advertising and Promotion Commission (CAPC). If elected she promises to fulfill the responsibilities of an alderman as it relates to: 1) budgetary oversight and approval 2) promoting the health, safety and welfare of the public, and 3) legislate effectively and consistently according to state law.
Harman said she would bring fiscal responsibility to the table.
“My ten plus years in banking and investment advisory services provides a background of financial discipline,” Harman said. “It is my belief that every city council member serves as a custodian of taxpayer funds and should only spend on those things that will truly benefit the city, rather than appropriate funds based on the ‘squeaky wheel’ philosophy. I have experience in managing budgets and funds rather than experience just spending them.”
Harman worked internationally with hotels, resorts and inns for about 10 years. She said her background in digital marketing has allowed her to grow her business, as well as contribute positively to the CAPC.
“Hands on experience in marketing, advertising and tourism matters in a town that depends heavily on tourist dollars,” Harman said. “I often hear that we need to forget tourism and concentrate on those who live here first. It is my belief that until we can diversify our local industry, tourism and the taxes it generates is the very vehicle that creates the opportunities and conveniences, like local medical services, hospital, grocery stores, public transportation, et cetera, that enhance our lives and makes living in Eureka Springs enjoyable and possible.”
She said she would like to create an economic development line in the budget, as providing city funding would allow Eureka Springs to compete regionally for businesses looking to create, expand and employ local citizens.
“A city is only successful when laws and ordinances are followed and enforced,” Harman said. “If elected, I promise to follow and understand all laws and ordinances on the books. If given the opportunity to create or approve ordinances, I again promise to vote in the best interest of Eureka Springs and its citizens and ensure consistency and fairness in the enforcement so as not to create an environment of legal jeopardy under which the city currently operates due to inconsistent enforcement and frequent ‘variances.’
“I vow to hold leadership accountable when addressing issues created by misinterpreted laws or when city employees are allowed to not perform their agreed upon job duties. Taxpayer dollars should never be spent on legal expenses when systems and procedures are ignored.”