ROGERS -- Rick Stocker has filed to run for the Ward 1 open seat on the City Council.
He decided to seek election because he wanted a chance to serve the city again. He worked for the city for 25 years before retiring in 2016.
Stocker moved to Rogers in 1963 and has seen the city grow from 7,600 to almost 66,000 residents. If elected, his focus would be on city development and the immediate needs from the recently passed bond issue.
"During my 25 years working for the city, I've seen the growth of Rogers and the steps being made to make this a great city of Arkansas. I want to continue that as a member of the city council," he said.
Stocker started work for the city in 1982 and served as the parks and recreation director in 2005. In 2010, the city split the department naming Stocker the recreation director. He was a part of forming seven sports leagues in Northwest Arkansas, including a 6 feet and under basketball league and a Sunday softball league, which allows residents working nights during the week a chance to participate.
Stocker said his time working with the city helped him understand how different departments work and would make him a great council member.
"As a long time city employee, I think I have a unique perspective on what the city does and how it works. I worked from the bottom up to recreation director and even helped craft state laws," he said. "I really want to continue being a part of the city's growth."
Shawn Wright, Mandy McDonald Brashear, and Clint Hopper filed to run for the seat being vacated by Buddy Wright.
Council terms last for four years and pay an annual salary of $9,511. The nonpartisan election will be held Nov. 6.
NW News on 08/18/2018