Springdale City Council candidates lay out priorities ahead of Nov. 4 election

Several candidates seeking seats on the Springdale City Council used recorded statements to summarize their records and priorities ahead of the Nov. 4 municipal election.

Jeff Anderson, running for reelection in District 1 and serving as the council president, said he has focused on constituent outreach and regional grant writing. "I have ensured Springdale has gotten its fair share from state and federal levels, including millions in direct grants for projects such as the more than $5 million we were awarded for the Northland Boulevard road project," Anderson said, noting work with the regional OKI board. He also cited drafting the city's first nuisance property ordinance and updates to building and zoning codes as actions tied to improving property maintenance and encouraging responsible development.

Dan Jacobs, the District 2 incumbent and council vice president, said the city must press forward on the stalled mall redevelopment. "If the current developer can't follow through on their vision, the city will help open the door for a more suitable and practical project for the site," Jacobs said. He also highlighted recent zoning changes that relaxed pet limits and allowed residents to keep bees, and called for greater attention to rental-property issues and maintenance of parks, roads and sidewalks.

Tom Hall, a District 3 candidate and retired law-enforcement officer who has served on the planning commission and board of zoning appeals, emphasized public safety, strong schools and proactive action on the mall site. Hall described a background in planning and local associations and urged voters to support his experience.

Ria Jennifer Heratica, a District 3 candidate and U.S. Army National Guard veteran, said her priorities include supporting small businesses, returning community events such as a farmers market, expanding park programming and improving meeting access by live streaming and posting meetings on social media to boost participation.

Amy Thompson, running in District 4 and a longtime small-business owner, framed her campaign around four pillars: bringing a fresh perspective, attracting businesses to vacant storefronts, empowering voters through clearer registration and outreach, and improving city communications through online tools and resident surveys.

Tom Vanover, the District 4 incumbent, outlined longtime ties to Heritage Hill and pointed to recent projects and service procurements during his tenure, including the opening of an Aldi, redevelopment activity in housing, and city purchases such as a new ambulance and an aerial ladder truck. Vanover said experienced leadership is necessary to preserve services residents rely on.

The recorded remarks focused on similar themes—economic development, the future of the city’s mall site, zoning and code updates, public-safety priorities and increasing public access to meetings. Several candidates asked for voters' support on Nov. 4; no formal motions, votes or policy decisions were recorded in these statements.

Campaign contact details and some web or email addresses were spoken and transcribed in the recordings but include garbled sections; reporters and voters should consult campaign materials directly for correct contact information.