Fort Smith voters have a chance to hear directly from most of the mayoral field this evening. The debate will be held at the Village at Heritage Pavilion in Chaffee Crossing, located at 7209 Chad Colley Boulevard in Barling, and will be open to the public.
Schedule and format
The evening begins with a meet‑and‑greet session at 6 p.m., giving residents an informal opportunity to approach the candidates, ask brief questions, and learn about their backgrounds. At 7 p.m., the formal debate will start, moderated by Brett Rains of 40/29 News. The moderator will pose questions on key city issues such as public safety, economic development, infrastructure, and community services.
Who is on the ballot
The official ballot lists seven candidates: Nataylia Deer, Shayne McKinney, Yvette C. Powers, Daniel Williams, Sara Harrison, Christina Catsavis, and City Director Lee Kemp. All seven have filed the required paperwork and will appear on the November ballot.
Six of the candidates have confirmed they will attend the debate. Nataylia Deer has indicated she cannot be present tonight, but her campaign will share a written statement with voters.
What voters can expect
The debate will focus on the challenges and opportunities facing Fort Smith, including the need for continued downtown revitalization, improvements to the city’s water and sewer systems, and strategies to attract new businesses while preserving the community’s family‑friendly character. Candidates are also expected to discuss public‑school support, law‑enforcement resources, and ways to strengthen the city’s partnership with local churches and faith‑based organizations.
Because the event is open to the public, residents are encouraged to arrive early, bring questions, and participate in the civic process. The venue provides ample parking, and the organizers have arranged for a live stream on the 40/29 website for those unable to attend in person.
How to stay informed
Voters can review each candidate’s platform on the city’s election website or by visiting the campaign websites linked on the Fort Smith municipal page. The Arkansas Secretary of State’s office also maintains a list of all certified candidates and their filing documents.
For those who need to verify their voter registration status or locate their polling place, the Arkansas Voter Portal offers a quick lookup tool. Residents can also call the Fort Smith Election Commission at (479) 555‑1234 for assistance.
Why the debate matters
Mayoral debates give citizens a direct window into how each candidate plans to lead the city’s growth while upholding the values of faith, family, and individual liberty that many Fort Smith families hold dear. Attending the debate or watching the live stream helps voters make an informed choice when they head to the polls in November.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
