Fort Smith voters will soon decide the future of their city government and public‑safety compensation as candidates for the two at‑large seats on the Board of Directors present their positions. The debates, held for Position 5 and Position 6, focused on a proposed change from the current city‑administrator model to a mayor‑council system and on how to fund competitive firefighter salaries.
Position 5: Government structure
Incumbent Director Lavon Morton argued that a strong mayor could move city business forward, but he cautioned that any change must preserve residents’ easy access to city services. “As a city director in the current form of government, I have direct access to any employee in the city,” Morton said, noting that he has used that access over six years to address practical problems such as leaks and drainage issues.
Challenger Krystal Cadelli supports moving to a mayor‑council system, stating that the existing arrangement is not working and that voters should ultimately decide the best path forward. Quinton Cunningham described the proposed shift as a “complete and total reset,” while warning that electing the wrong officials could repeat past mistakes.
Position 6: Firefighter compensation
Firefighter retention emerged as a central theme in the Position 6 debate. Candidate Casey Millspaugh warned that Fort Smith is losing firefighters to neighboring communities in Northwest Arkansas where salaries can be about $20,000 higher. “We need to pay our people properly,” Millspaugh emphasized.
Brian Trembly echoed the need for higher wages to stay competitive, and Carl Nevin proposed funding a 14 % raise for firefighters through the city’s general fund. All three candidates agreed that competitive compensation is essential to maintaining a safe community.
Ballot measures and next steps
Voters will see the names of the Position 5 and Position 6 candidates on the November ballot. In addition, a city‑wide referendum will ask residents whether to adopt a mayor‑council form of government. The outcome will shape how Fort Smith makes decisions, allocates resources, and delivers services to its citizens.
Local officials encourage residents to attend upcoming forums, review candidate statements, and consider how each proposal aligns with the community’s values of strong families, faith, and individual liberty. The debates underscore the importance of informed participation in shaping the city’s future.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
