Three people have filed for District 3 on the Hot Springs Board of Directors, but incumbent Becca Clark won't be among those who file ahead of the Aug. 14 deadline.
The two-term incumbent told the board Tuesday night that she won't stand for reelection in November. She has represented District 3, which includes the Quapaw and Ouachita areas and Albert Pike corridor, since January 2013.
"It's been a very long process to come to this decision," she said. "It's been an immense honor to serve the city and quite a bit of fun, most of the time. My obligations have increased significantly in the past year due to the expansion of my businesses and taking care of my father's declining health, who has Alzheimer's. This seems like an appropriate time to make the transition.
"I want to bring along the next generation into leadership. We all benefit from the vibrant energy and the fresh perspective younger people have in abundance. It's time to pass the baton. It's been a true joy to serve with all of you."
James Kendall filed for District 3 on the opening day of the filing period last month. Marcia Dobbs-Smith and Michael Seth Louton filed the following week.
Dobbs-Smith has owned Grand Lagniappe Shoppe, a women's clothing store on West Grand Avenue, for 30 years. She also owns Mountain Valley Apartments with her husband, Steven, according to the statement of financial interest she filed. Her application for nomination listed her service on numerous boards and commissions.
"As a lifelong volunteer I recognize the right time to give back to our community by serving in city government," she put on the application. "I believe that citizen involvement is paramount. I believe those involved should be accessible."
Louton is the assistant manager in charge of online sales at Pak Plaza Pawn Shop.
"I was born here and see how far Hot Springs has come but know the city needs to make changes in District 3," he put on his application.
He listed an understanding of government contracts and speaking Chinese on the skills and qualifications section.
Renee Westfall filed for District 6 last week, certifying her bid for the seat representing east Hot Springs that Randy Fale has held since January 2013. Fale told the board earlier this summer that he won't seek a third term. He defeated Westfall in 2016.
Westfall is an account executive for a local radio station, according to the statement of financial interest she filed.
"It is my hope to contribute to the continued growth and development of our community, maintaining opportunities for all residents of the city," she wrote on her application for nomination.
She listed involvement in numerous boards and organizations addressing homelessness, health and planning on the skills and qualifications section.
No applicants have filed for District 1, the third board seat up for election, according to information provided by the city clerk's office. Erin Holliday, who was appointed to the District 1 seat last year, announced her candidacy in May but had yet to file as of Friday.
Registered voters residing for at least 30 days in the district they seek to represent and who are 21 or older are eligible to file. Those interested in running can get an election packet by contacting the city clerk's office at 321-6805. The filing period closes Aug. 14.
Petitions for nomination are required to include the signatures of 50 registered city voters. Candidates are encouraged to collect 75-to-100 signatures in the event some are disqualified during the certification process. They are also required to file statements of financial interest.
City director is an unpaid position with duties that include approving the city's more than $100 million budget, setting its policies and approving contracts of $60,000 or more.