Maumelle will have only one contested race in this November's election, for Ward 1, Pos. 1 on the City Council.
ArkansasNewsroom.com sent a questionnaire to each of the three candidates who have declared and will be running them weekly through September.
The order in which they will run, is the order in which they were submitted.
The Q&A has been lightly edited and formatted for publication.
First up is LJ Wesley, below.
What motivated you to run for City Council?
Having lived in Maumelle since 2006, I’ve found Maumelle to be a safe, family oriented community. I’ve always inquired of the city’s history and plans for the future. I’ve volunteered and served in a number of different capacities around the city and have built some great relationships. After conversations and prayer, I believe this is the season for me to offer my service to my neighbors and community.
>> Have you run for office before?
I’ve never run for public office before, however I’ve always had a willingness to serve in leadership. In high school, my run for leadership started when I ran for student government, having won as secretary and homecoming queen. Most recently, I have run for office and served as treasurer and vice president of my sorority.
>> What have you done in the community to be involved in Maumelle happenings?
I serve as chair of the Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce FLEX Group-where we encourage young entrepreneurs to engage in community involvement and business networking.
I’ve volunteered on the Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce 2024 Blackout the Boulevard planning committee.
I also serve with the Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce in planning the 2023 Christmas Parade and tree lighting.
I am the co-chair of both the Empowering our Families and Building Economic Wealth committees within my local graduate sorority chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
I am and always have been an active volunteer at our son's schools - from making copies for teachers to holding various positions on the Parent-Teacher Fellowship Board, including VP of the High School, Secretary, and Parent Engagement Chairperson.
>> We’re nine-ish weeks out, and what kind of campaign events have you done and what do you have planned?
Heading up to the election, I’ve been able to meet with the Mayor, Fire Chief, Police Chief, and Director of Public Works to educate myself on the important issues the city is facing.
I’ve met with the City Mayor to gain insight and understanding of his thoughts, plans and vision for the city. During this meeting, I learned a lot about Mr. [Caleb] Norris as a person. He took time to explain his vision for the city and several of the current projects the city has in the works.
I've also had the opportunity to have lunch with our Fire Chief, Mr. Beau Buford where he took the time to explain his role and challenges our fire department faces. Mr. Buford also took time to brag on his team and department. I was wowed by the growth and progress our fire department has made. But also incredibly proud
I’m currently in the Maumelle Citizen’s Police Academy. And I’ve been intrigued by the changes the department has made in less than twenty years. Currently under the leadership of our friend, Chief Cory Pickard, the police department has acquired body cams for every officer, maintained and sustained a healthy team of staff and officers.
I’ve also had the opportunity to speak with local developers on their plans for Maumelle to continue to expand and bring potential economic revenue to the city.
Just last week, I met with Mr. Mike Hogan, director of public works. Mike openly and candidly spoke about the staffing challenges his department faces. This brought great concern to me. I know several residents upset and frustrated with grounds care and sanitation services. After meeting with Mr. Hogan, I would encourage supporting our public works department with their staffing and budgeting needs and plan.
I have upcoming plans to meet with the directors of economic development and planning committee.
>> If elected, what are some priorities for you and your ward, and do you have plans to sponsor any legislation in your first few months in office?
The Fire Chief mentioned the low hanging fruit of sales tax producing properties just outside the City's boundaries. TOGETHER we discussed creating an annexation committee filled with City officials and Maumelle Partners like Holloway Engineering and the Chamber Director to ensure we are realizing our full potential.
I talked with the Public Works Director about possibly outsourcing recycling to Waste Management. Given their chronic staffing issues difficult options such as this one need to be deeply discussed and considered immediately.
Council Member Gronwald has discussed the need for an Economic Development Committee to help the City address its underperforming sales tax revenue. I agree with Mrs. Gronwald and look forward to supporting this initiative. I believe growth numbers are necessary for Maumelle to offer competitive opportunities and secure economic stability.
>> You’re running for Steve Mosley’s seat and did you agree or disagree with his approach to service on the city council?
I have attended and watched Council meetings for a while now. Council Member Mosley is to be commended for his passionate service on the Council. I admire his willingness to challenge the status quo on many issues and to ensure the public was well informed on every issue. It was clear that he worked hard and took the position seriously.
>> As you’ve been out on the campaign trail, what are some of the complaints or concerns you’ve heard from your ward?
I am just now starting to canvass but many residents are concerned about economic development. Not only do they want more retail options but the benefits from the sales tax revenue as well. Some are worried about traffic management on White Oak Crossing as this area continues to grow fast. I am excited to meet with the City Planner to learn of the City's plan to manage this traffic in the future.
>> Anything else you’d like to add?
As the granddaughter, daughter, niece and wife of pastors, I’ve grown to know that we are called to serve one another. As a registered nurse, I have been trained to care for others. As the mother of two boys, I’ve learned to place their needs before my own. And as the Maumelle Ward 1 Council Member, I will speak up and advocate for my neighbors.
Maumelle candidate profiles: LJ Wesley
Maumelle candidate profiles: LJ Wesley
Maumelle candidate profiles: LJ Wesley
Maumelle will have only one contested race in this November's election, for Ward 1, Pos. 1 on the City Council.
ArkansasNewsroom.com sent a questionnaire to each of the three candidates who have declared and will be running them weekly through September.
The order in which they will run, is the order in which they were submitted.
The Q&A has been lightly edited and formatted for publication.
First up is LJ Wesley, below.
What motivated you to run for City Council?
Having lived in Maumelle since 2006, I’ve found Maumelle to be a safe, family oriented community. I’ve always inquired of the city’s history and plans for the future. I’ve volunteered and served in a number of different capacities around the city and have built some great relationships. After conversations and prayer, I believe this is the season for me to offer my service to my neighbors and community.
>> Have you run for office before?
I’ve never run for public office before, however I’ve always had a willingness to serve in leadership. In high school, my run for leadership started when I ran for student government, having won as secretary and homecoming queen. Most recently, I have run for office and served as treasurer and vice president of my sorority.
>> What have you done in the community to be involved in Maumelle happenings?
I serve as chair of the Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce FLEX Group-where we encourage young entrepreneurs to engage in community involvement and business networking.
I’ve volunteered on the Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce 2024 Blackout the Boulevard planning committee.
I also serve with the Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce in planning the 2023 Christmas Parade and tree lighting.
I am the co-chair of both the Empowering our Families and Building Economic Wealth committees within my local graduate sorority chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
I am and always have been an active volunteer at our son's schools - from making copies for teachers to holding various positions on the Parent-Teacher Fellowship Board, including VP of the High School, Secretary, and Parent Engagement Chairperson.
>> We’re nine-ish weeks out, and what kind of campaign events have you done and what do you have planned?
Heading up to the election, I’ve been able to meet with the Mayor, Fire Chief, Police Chief, and Director of Public Works to educate myself on the important issues the city is facing.
I’ve met with the City Mayor to gain insight and understanding of his thoughts, plans and vision for the city. During this meeting, I learned a lot about Mr. [Caleb] Norris as a person. He took time to explain his vision for the city and several of the current projects the city has in the works.
I've also had the opportunity to have lunch with our Fire Chief, Mr. Beau Buford where he took the time to explain his role and challenges our fire department faces. Mr. Buford also took time to brag on his team and department. I was wowed by the growth and progress our fire department has made. But also incredibly proud
I’m currently in the Maumelle Citizen’s Police Academy. And I’ve been intrigued by the changes the department has made in less than twenty years. Currently under the leadership of our friend, Chief Cory Pickard, the police department has acquired body cams for every officer, maintained and sustained a healthy team of staff and officers.
I’ve also had the opportunity to speak with local developers on their plans for Maumelle to continue to expand and bring potential economic revenue to the city.
Just last week, I met with Mr. Mike Hogan, director of public works. Mike openly and candidly spoke about the staffing challenges his department faces. This brought great concern to me. I know several residents upset and frustrated with grounds care and sanitation services. After meeting with Mr. Hogan, I would encourage supporting our public works department with their staffing and budgeting needs and plan.
I have upcoming plans to meet with the directors of economic development and planning committee.
>> If elected, what are some priorities for you and your ward, and do you have plans to sponsor any legislation in your first few months in office?
The Fire Chief mentioned the low hanging fruit of sales tax producing properties just outside the City's boundaries. TOGETHER we discussed creating an annexation committee filled with City officials and Maumelle Partners like Holloway Engineering and the Chamber Director to ensure we are realizing our full potential.
I talked with the Public Works Director about possibly outsourcing recycling to Waste Management. Given their chronic staffing issues difficult options such as this one need to be deeply discussed and considered immediately.
Council Member Gronwald has discussed the need for an Economic Development Committee to help the City address its underperforming sales tax revenue. I agree with Mrs. Gronwald and look forward to supporting this initiative. I believe growth numbers are necessary for Maumelle to offer competitive opportunities and secure economic stability.
>> You’re running for Steve Mosley’s seat and did you agree or disagree with his approach to service on the city council?
I have attended and watched Council meetings for a while now. Council Member Mosley is to be commended for his passionate service on the Council. I admire his willingness to challenge the status quo on many issues and to ensure the public was well informed on every issue. It was clear that he worked hard and took the position seriously.
>> As you’ve been out on the campaign trail, what are some of the complaints or concerns you’ve heard from your ward?
I am just now starting to canvass but many residents are concerned about economic development. Not only do they want more retail options but the benefits from the sales tax revenue as well. Some are worried about traffic management on White Oak Crossing as this area continues to grow fast. I am excited to meet with the City Planner to learn of the City's plan to manage this traffic in the future.
>> Anything else you’d like to add?
As the granddaughter, daughter, niece and wife of pastors, I’ve grown to know that we are called to serve one another. As a registered nurse, I have been trained to care for others. As the mother of two boys, I’ve learned to place their needs before my own. And as the Maumelle Ward 1 Council Member, I will speak up and advocate for my neighbors.
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