Three candidates have thrown their hats in the ring to serve as the next mayor of El Dorado, and they are gearing up for what is turning out to be a highly-charged election season.
With the Nov. 6 General Election just around the corner, mayoral contenders Bill Luther, Veronica Smith-Creer and Trang Lu are joining other candidates — local, state and nationwide — in making their final push to appeal to voters and convince them they are the best person for the job.
Luther, survived a three-way race and a runoff election during the preferential primary election in May to emerge as the Republican candidate on the mayoral ticket.
Challengers Veronica Smith-Creer (Democrat) and Lu (Independent) are vying for the chance to make history as the first woman and African American and Asian, respectively, to serve in the city’s top elected post.
Bill Luther
Hometown: I was born in Fayetteville.
Age: 64
Occupation: I recently retired from Entergy after 39 years as an engineer, rising to the level of engineering director and transitioning to supervisory positions in operations and outage management. Fourteen years ago, I became customer service manager for the El Dorado area.
Education: I graduated from the University of Arkansas with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering. In 2014 I was inducted into the Arkansas Academy of Electrical Engineering. I returned to the classroom to become a Licensed Advanced Emergency Medical Technician. I am a graduate of the University of Central Arkansas’ Community Development Institute and a graduate of LeadAR — the University of Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s rural leadership program — Class 14.
Family: My wife of 38 years is Barbara Vinson Luther (Barbie). Barbie and I have been members of the College Avenue Church of Christ since we moved to El Dorado 14 years ago.
Political Party: I have been a member of the Union County Republican Party since 2004.
Past political experience: This is my first time to run for public office. I served three years on the Union County Election Commission. In 2014 I was certified by the State Board of Election Commissioners as an Election Monitor.
Position being sought: Mayor of El Dorado
Position part-time or full-time: For me, I would devote my full time to the office.
What is the salary of the position? The position of mayor in the city’s 2018 budget reflects $22,712.05 allocated under Administration Department payroll, $22,644.05 under the Street Department payroll and $22,644.05 under the Sanitation, Non-Departmental, payroll for a total salary of $68,000.15.
Are there any legal requirements to hold the position? If so, how do you meet those requirements? To hold a municipal office of mayor in the state of Arkansas, one must be a qualified elector, have attained the age of 18 and a resident of the city. I have been a registered voter in Ward 2 since 2004.
What are the responsibilities of the position being sought and how would you tackle the job?
The mayor is the chief executive officer of the city. The Guidebook for Municipal Officials published by the Arkansas Municipal League states, “It is the mayor’s responsibility to keep the city government running properly. This includes enforcing city ordinances and making sure that the residents receive maximum benefits and services for the taxes that they pay.” My pledge to voters is to place “People Above Politics” and to work with everyone. I promised the sanitation truck driver that collects our trash every Tuesday morning that during my first week in office, is elected, I wanted to ride with him in order to gain an understanding of his challenges and listen to his suggestions for improvement.
What makes you the best person for the job?
I announced my candidacy for mayor because I believe my unique blend of public and private sector experience will serve the citizens of El Dorado well. We chose to call El Dorado home. We care about El Dorado thriving and being a community that people choose to live. A place where people want to raise their children and where the children want to return.
I have 39 years of utility management experience with Entergy. Entergy challenged me to become a Professional Community and Economic Developer (PCED). I obtained PCED certification in 2011 and I have served as a Class Director for the University of Central Arkansas Community Development Institute (CDI). CDI trains elected officials, community leaders and economic development professionals on
how to strengthen their local economies and build communities. I am also a graduate of LeadAR.
My career at Entergy also provided me with emergency management training and experience, which is one of the reasons I was chosen to lead a four-state System Outage Management Team. The team developed the company’s response process to major outages.
I am currently a Registered Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) in the State of Arkansas and certified by Department of Homeland Security and the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management at the Advanced Incident Command 400 Level for Command and General Staff. I have worked as a volunteer for a municipal fire department serving as a captain, training officer and EMT. I received the Vilonia Arkansas Fire Department’s “Firefighter of the Year Award” in 1998.
I have served and am serving on several boards, committees and councils in various capacities, including the United Way of Union County; executive committee of the El Dorado – Union County Chamber of Commerce; El Dorado Water and Sewer Commission; Union County Election Commission; Central Arkansas Metropolitan Planning Board (METROPLAN); HealthWorks Fitness Center advisory board; the Union County Single Parent Scholarship board and the Golden Triangle Economic Development Council; and College Avenue Church of Christ Mission and Gift Ministry’s committees.
In May 2014, the Arkansas State Board of Election Commissioners (SBEC) certified me as an Election Monitor and subsequently appointed me as a monitor for primary, runoff and general elections in 2014 and 2016.
I am also a lifetime member of the NRA.
My career as an engineer and customer service manager for Entergy has given me a keen understanding of what it takes to create new jobs, as well as to keep our existing businesses growing. My lifelong spiritual walk has taught me that we are called to help others. My service in numerous community organizations has shown me, firsthand, the needs and opportunities ahead for our city.
Do you plan on raising/spending money to promote your candidacy? If so, do you know how much?
Yes. The reality of campaigns is to share your message with voters. While we may consider El Dorado a small town, we have a population of almost 19,000 residents. In addition to small groups and one-on-one meetings, I plan to utilize the media with advertisements to deliver my message. As most people know, advertising costs money, lots of money. Fortunately, many of my friends and neighbors understand the need to publicize and they have contributed generously to ensure that we have the means to campaign successfully.
In your months of campaigning and visiting with El Dorado residents, what have you learned most about the wants and needs of the community? What has been the most surprising thing you have heard from residents?: Number one answer: Public Safety. Residents want to know they are safe, which means a trained and experienced police force, fire department and EMTs.
Secondly, I heard you (voters) say that you want the Department of Public Works Department to be both responsive and effective. The people of El Dorado want their streets repaired, trash picked up and their water and sewer to work properly.
Third, I’m amazed at the number of people that insist on a higher level of quality of life improvements. You’ve said you want the city to continue improving sidewalks, walking trails, biking paths and other amenities that provide a better quality of life.
There is a common desire that extends past every socio-economic group in El Dorado that we must work together to solve the problems and grow our city, and I believe that to be true.
Veronica Smith-Creer
Hometown: El Dorado, AR
Age: 48 years old
Occupation: Co-owner of BC Carpet Cleaning
Education: 1988 Graduate of El Dorado High School and Associate of Arts in Education, South Arkansas Community College
Family: Bobby D. Creer, Sr., husband of 22 years; two sons, Bobby, Jr., and Jeremy Ryan; a daughter, VaShaylia Brianne; two grandchildren, Jhavon Isaiah and Skylar Brielle.
Political Party: Democrat
Past Political Experience: I have been politically active as a voter for over 30 years. More than 12 of those years have been in service as an Outreach Coordinator and consultant on the state, county and local levels for individual candidates and the party as a whole. I have considered it my duty as a community leader to educate others concerning the importance of the political process, the candidates and issues that require our vote and support.
Position being sought: Mayor
Position part-time or full-time: Full time
What is the salary of the position? $68,000
Are there any legal requirements to hold the position? If so, how do you meet those requirements?
Must be a legal resident of El Dorado, and I am a legal resident.
What are the responsibilities of the position being sought and how would you tackle the job? The duties of the mayor include being responsible for hiring and firing staff. The mayor may have veto power and is responsible for implementing legislation passed by the council. The mayor is also responsible for ceremonial duties, recognizes that the major power belongs to the city council and works harmoniously with the council.
The mayor is a representative of the city, thus a servant to the people.
What makes you the best person for the job? I have the experience of being a community servant through my service on numerous boards in a variety of offices and capacities. I understand the art of leadership through teamwork. I bring a wealth of knowledge from different aspects of city government, community involvement and people skills. The position of mayor requires the ability to work well with city officials and the community as a whole. I will make sure the position is held by someone who represents the citizens of this city with integrity, humility and grace.
Do you plan on raising/spending money to promote your candidacy? If so, do you know how much?
I have raised money through donations to purchase materials for advertising and promoting my message.
In your months of campaigning and visiting with El Dorado residents, what have you learned most about the wants and needs of the community? What has been the most surprising thing you have heard from residents?
Through not only the time I’ve spent campaigning, but also through the years of working in the community, the citizens of this city want a mayor who will deal with them honestly and respectfully. They want their issues to heard, respected and addressed. There is a common request for better street maintenance and community beautification as it pertains to the city’s assistance with housing issues and the upkeep of underprivileged neighborhoods.
I have been surprised by the fact that everyone really wants the same thing in every neighborhood. They want good streets, clean neighborhoods and a city that is thriving. Making sure we work together is everyone’s job and making sure I am the mayor, the one who will work with everyone, is the job of the voters.
Trang Lu
Hometown: California
Age: 43
Occupation: Accountant
Political Party: None / Independent
Past political experience: Yes
Position being sought: Mayor of El Dorado.
Position part-time or full-time: Full-Time
What is the salary of the position? I am not sure. I think it ranges from $60,000 - $65,000 yearly.
Are there any legal requirements to hold the position? If so, how do you meet those requirements? I meet all requirements for this job.
What are the responsibilities of the position being sought and how would you tackle the job?
This job is to serve the public, help to renovate the city and solve all the problems the public may have with a kind heart and quick action.
I used to work for the government and private sectors and in the immigration field. I have had the chance to meet all kinds of people and races, and I wish to help and care for them more. And I really love this peaceful town.
What makes you the best person for the job? I love the townspeople, as they love me a lot. I have experience working with issues involving the public. I used to drive around town and talk to townspeople about their concerns, such as old houses needing maintenance but no funds available. Teens need jobs after high-school graduation. They are encouraged to go out of the town to find good- paying jobs and to not get stuck in their own box for low-paying jobs.
I have addressed some local issues with Mayor (Frank) Hash, including overgrown trees impeding the visibility of stop signs at Washington Middle School dorm and covering utility poles; stop signs need to be painted and resized for visitors and teens who are new to driving; curbs need to be repaired; muddy roads need to be fixed and streetlights added for senior citizens and citizens who work late at night and during rainy days.
Do you plan on raising/spending money to promote your candidacy? If so, do you know how much?
I have not raised money for any campaign. I have used my own salary to help out the town and those who are less fortunate.
In your months of campaigning and visiting with El Dorado residents, what have you learned most about the wants and needs of the community? What has been the most surprising thing you have heard from residents?
1.Our community needs JOBS, JOBS and MORE JOBS. We need to attract more manufacturing companies to town.
The city needs to offer a good incentive package for living, studying, and a SAFE, GREEN ENVIRONMENT TO ATTRACT MORE JOBS TO TOWN.
A city fund to invest in the kids. We need more good programs for kids, including learning other languages, music, sports, work skills, etc.
The criminal element, such as gangs, needs to be cleaned up
A low-cost program to help poor families with home repairs or razing houses that have been condemned.