Friday, October 31, 2008

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Aubrey James Shepherd's fourth video short take supporting Lioneld Jordan for mayor

Aubrey James Shepherd's third video supporting Lioneld Jordan for mayor

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette editorial endorses Lioneld Jordan for mayor

For Lioneld Jordan

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Northwest Edition

Posted on Tuesday, October 28, 2008

URL: http://www.nwanews.com/adg/Editorial/241825

LIONELD JORDAN has a reputation for working hard. He’s the city alderman in Fayetteville who’s never missed a city council meeting in his nearly eight years in office. Alderman Jordan has brought the same dedication to the monthly meetings he’s held in his ward.
He’s also known for his thorough knowledge of city government, for his ability to understand complicated city business, and his just plain love of his hometown.
One of the candidates Lioneld Jordan is running against is the incumbent, Dan Coody. Mayor Coody is winding up his eighth year as mayor with a mixed record. He’s certainly done some good things for Fayetteville. Like establishing the current system of trails in the city. And he talks up environmental issues, even if he hasn’t always lived up to his own standards.
But the Coody administration has had some notable shortcomings, too. There’s the $ 60-million-plus cost overrun for the expansion of the city’s wastewater system. The project came in three years late and had to be bailed out with an increase in the city sales tax. Then there’s the stalled development the mayor backed on the site of the old Mountain Inn. Instead of a big hotel, the city got a big hole, which is now to become a big parking lot. That’ll be an improvement, but not much of one.
The mayor’s also presided over a takeover of the city’s Government Channel. The biggest result has been an end to its forums, where issues were discussed openly and fairly. A fear of fair and open discussion is not a good sign in a mayor, especially a mayor of a town as freespirited and open to argument as Fayetteville. What a shame.
Mayor Coody, maybe reflecting what he learned in the military, says a city’s chief executive is responsible for what happens during his administration. We agree. The wastewater project, the downtown hole in the ground, the canceling of issue forums... he must take responsibility for all of them along with the city’s accomplishments during his tenure.
As an alderman, Lioneld Jordan hasn’t always been right. But he’s consistently shown a willingness to dig into issues and take every side into account. As his supporters have noticed, when he disagrees with anybody, he tells them why. And his explanations tend to be well thought-out. (It’s hard to imagine him shutting down any public forums. )
His long service on important committees, such as the Street, Water-and-Sewer, and Equipment committees have given him a thorough understanding of how the city works. He does his homework. And he’s served as vice mayor, which would be good experience for the top job.
If it’s time for a change in Fayetteville, and it is, its name is Lioneld Jordan. That’s why we’re endorsing him today.

Copyright © 2001-2008 Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. All rights reserved. Contact: webmaster@nwanews.com

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Business man supports Lioneld Jordan for mayor

Give a friend the chance he deserves

I am writing today in complete support of Lioneld Jordan for mayor. I decided to support Lioneld and work for his campaign because he is the change we need in the mayor's office in Fayetteville. I am a management consultant with a business perspective. My job is to help companies avoid union organization and representation of their workforce. Lioneld is a union member who sees things from an employee's point of view, and he was a leader when his union fought to save and protect the jobs of physical plant workers at the University of Arkansas. You can't get much different than that. Yet during our time serving on the Fayetteville City Council together, Lioneld and I became great friends. That didn't just happen. We built a trusting relationship - one which has lasted beyond our years together on the City Council. Ironically, now Lioneld is in management at the UA, and I am his campaign manager. Lioneld can be trusted. He doesn't tell you one thing, then do another. What he tells you he will do, he does. He listens ! I have been able to persuade him on business issues because he realizes that people with opinions differing from his own have things to contribute to the conversation. He speaks with conviction and is able to influence those of us who are sometimes on the other side. It is the ability of elected officials to convince others; to understand and support their constituent's wishes and to explain to their constituents when they need to change their point of view which truly gives the elected official power and respect. Lioneld is factual, and doesn't make issues personal. Just because you happen to disagree with him (and Lord knows we have at times ), his respect for the other person and his ability to walk out with them together after deciding tough issues is something he has always demonstrated. In Fayetteville we have widely divergent opinions of what is best, and we need someone like Lioneld who will bring everyone to the table, work to find consensus, make a decision and then move us forward. I respect him so much. You'll hear some of his opponents say why he shouldn't be mayor, but I think Lioneld is one of the most caring people I know, truly interested in helping the city and all of the citizens. I hope you will support and vote for Lioneld Jordan as our next mayor. I know I will !
Don Marr
Fayetteville

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Writ large: Firefighters, police officers endorse Lioneld Jordan for mayor of Fayetteville

Please click on image to ENLARGE photo of Police and Firefighter banner endorsing Lioneld Jordan for mayor of Fayetteville, Arkansas, on October 25, 2008.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

University of Arkansas group representing faculty and staff employees has endorsed Lioneld Jordan for mayor of Fayetteville

University workers’ union endorses Jordan for mayor’s seat
Special to the Times
Posted on Thursday, October 23, 2008
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/nwat/News/70353/
The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Local 965, representing faculty and staff employees at the University of Arkansas since 1962, endorsed Lioneld Jordan for mayor of Fayetteville in the Nov. 4 general election.

After reviewing the records of candidates and the responses to its candidate questionnaires, for the first time in the group’s 46-year history, it was unable to reach a unanimous decision on endorsements for City Council candidates: Don Conner, Brenda Thiel, Mark Kinion, Matthew Petty, Craig Honchell, Sarah Lewis and Bernard Sulliban.

Copyright © 2001-2008 Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. All rights reserved. Contact: webmaster@nwanews.com

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Editorial points out similarity of today and in fall 2000.

Please click on image to ENLARGE photo of public-safety worker supporting Lioneld Jordan for Mayor and Craig Honchell for Ward 4 alderman.


Geroge Arnold today (Tuesday) in ADG

"In the Fayetteville mayoral race, things are starting to look like it’s 2000 all over again. Back then, Fayetteville had a two-term mayor running for a third term and being challenged by a large field of opponents. The opponents included a couple with colorful names. The incumbent mayor wound up on the defensive about his record. Then, one of his challengers landed a key endorsement from the firefighters’ union. He got the mayor into a runoff and went on to beat the incumbent. The incumbent in 2000 was Fred Hanna; the eventual winner of the race was Dan Coody. This year, Dan Coody is the two-term incumbent trying for a third win. He’s being challenged on his record by, among others, Adam Fire Cat, the waiter with the unusual name. And by Lioneld Jordan, an alderman since 2001 who’s been mounting a strong challenge to the incumbent. Lately, Lioneld Jordan has picked up the endorsement of the firemen’s union, the police association and the Sierra Club. It’s too soon to say that history will repeat itself, but events sure are falling into place for a repeat of the way things turned out eight years ago. —––––– • –––––—George Arnold is opinion editor of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette’s northwest edition.

Monday, October 20, 2008

It'll be great when Lioneld is mayor

It’ll be great when Lioneld is mayor

If you support trails and parks, economic and environmental sustainability, livable wages, affordable housing, open-door government and accountability, then Lioneld Jordan is your candidate for mayor. Lioneld has consistently voted to support our trails and parks. He is a team builder, open-minded and eager to learn from others. Giving credit where due, Lioneld draws together a variety of people who enjoy working cooperatively. Every month for the past eight years he has invited constituents from all over the city to Room 111 in City Hall for Ward 4 meetings. He informs us about city projects and listens to our feedback. As chair of the street committee he has the Street Department report monthly on their budget and project progress. These reports are given in front of TV cameras. Despite his full-time job at the University of Arkansas, Lioneld has never missed a City Council or Ward 4 meeting. He regularly puts in 30-plus hours a week as our alderman. It will be a great day when Lioneld Jordan is Fayetteville’s full-time mayor and able to devote his entire workweek to the city. His straightforward manner is refreshing and inspiring. His love of public service is contagious. You will see innovative economic ideas put into action as a wide variety of citizens get engaged in moving Fayetteville forward because of Mayor Jordan’s open-arm approach to city government. Lioneld brings out the best in people and he will bring out the best in our city. Vote for Fayetteville. Vote for Lioneld Jordan.
Louise Mann / Fayetteville

Students a true part of the city

Mayoral candidate Jordan speaks about UA, Dickson Street

By: Miles Bryant

Posted: 10/20/08

Lioneld Jordan has lived in Fayetteville for more than 30 years, been on the City Council seven and a half years, been vice mayor four years, fought for equal pay for women faculty at the UA, fought for the proper observance of Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, fought for a polling booth for the students and is "ready for the next level," he said.

"I truly know the campus better than any of the candidates," Jordan said. "I'm part of this campus, and this campus is part of me. It's been wonderful to be a part of this family."

Jordan's tenure at the UA has led to his affection for the students and a desire to include them into the city.

"One thing I'm going to offer the students, even though we didn't get the polling booth - I'm going to offer them a town hall meeting at least once a year on this campus," he said. "They'll know where the city's at, and they'll be part of the city. My whole campaign has been about the people and pulling people together.

"I think sometimes the student body feels that they're not really part of the city, but they are part of the city. I'm going to bridge that gap because I know the UA, and I know the city. We've got to pull everything together."

One of the things Jordan would like to see is a committee of students that would advise the city with students' needs.

"I find it's paramount to have that line of communication," he said.

Jordan said he thinks the city needs to partner the UA and Ozark Regional Transit in their efforts for public transportation.

In his view of public transportation, Jordan sees a box lined with kiosks around the city of Fayetteville, with Sam's Club in the center. He crosses the box with boulevards that have 10 feet of green space and six-foot sidewalks. He calls this "the box" and wants to hook a trail system onto the box so people can ride their bikes to the kiosks and board the buses. He also would like to run a light rail system along the railroad tracks Fayetteville has.

"I'm very interested in light rail," he said. "Light rail, with one motor, will haul 15,000 riders. A boulevard road will haul 5,000."

Jordan also said he thinks Razorback Transit deserves more money from the city.

"We're giving Razorback Transit, I think, $50,000 a year," he said. "I think we need to give them around $100,000 and really partner with them."

With 38 percent of Fayetteville's population making less than $30,000 a year, Jordan has a plan to shift the middle class. He'd like to train people, through the governor's workforce plan, in green collar jobs and then recruit green companies to come to the city of Fayetteville.

"It elevates the blue-collar workers to a new standard of living, which creates a new middle class in this city, which then creates a disposable income they'll spend back into the community," Jordan said.

For the city park system, Jordan would like to section one-third of city parks into three sections: one section with trees, one section with Arkansas natural grasses and one section with a shared community garden.

"Anybody that wants to can get a piece of this garden," he said. "Either they maintain it or they lose it. They can take a section of this and grow their own food. It creates community."

Jordan also would like to see the new parks planted with a "sustainable" grass that grows five to six inches tall and only requires cutting once a month.

"If we start to sod the new parks in this grass, how much more do we save on gas just mowing once a month instead of once a week?" Jordan asked. "We create a sustainable park."

When it comes to businesses, Jordan's primary concern is keeping local businesses in Fayetteville.

"We've got to keep the local businesses that we have here solid and then recruit the new businesses," he said.

Jordan's most heartfelt answers come from questions about Dickson Street.

"I have not supported large hotels downtown, especially on Dickson Street," he said. "When I was here, Dickson Street was the most unique place in this whole town. It was a melting pot of different cultures and diversity, and different ideas, and free-flowing thought and entertainment.

"I think it defines this city. There's no place like Dickson Street to me, and I'm going to keep it unique; I'm going to keep it like it is."
© Copyright 2008 The Traveler

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Margaret Hunt says Jordan best choice possible

Lioneld Jordan is the best choice possible.
My family has been involved in the life of this city for more than 100 years, beginning with grandparents who arrived in a wagon from the plains of Kansas following the dust bowls. I was born and raised here, married my high-school sweetheart, and returned after college to raise a family and pursue vocational opportunities.
We have witnessed much growth and change in our city and have enthusiastically supported most of it. We returned to Fayetteville to retire and care for elderly parents in 1998 and supported a change in the office of mayor in 2000.
We supported Lioneld Jordan for alderman in the ward where we were living at the time on the advice of a friend. It was great advice!
Fayetteville has made some great advances in the past eight years, as well as some colossal blunders (think budget over runs ) under the leadership of our present mayor. But should we think that no one else can "keep a good thing going"except this mayor? I think not.
I do not want to settle for mediocrity. I choose instead to push beyond that and work for "excellence in all things for Fayetteville," but with integrity and fiscal responsibility.
I grew up during the end of the Great Depression and learned firsthand how to live within our means.
I was taught to treat all people in my life with courtesy and respect.
I was taught to work hard and to enjoy my work.
I was taught to respect my elders.
I was taught to accept responsibility for all my actions and not to blame others.
These are the qualities we expect in the leader of our city.
We find these qualities in Lioneld Jordan.
Lioneld was elected to the city council the same year our current mayor was elected and has been in the legislative branch of our city government with responsibility for voting on issues that have produced all the wonderful improvements that the mayor is claiming as his products.
Lioneld has chaired major committees and hammered out proposals that were forwarded to the council for their vote.
The mayor is responsible for doing the work after the council has legislated.
The job of governing the city is the responsibility of the mayor AND eight aldermen - not one man claiming honors.
In these economically challenging times, I want a mayor who will be fiscally responsible, who will treat all citizens with respect, who will accept responsibility for his actions, who loves Fayetteville, who has endless energy for the work, and who will promote Fayetteville and not himself.
Please vote for Lioneld Jordan for mayor of Fayetteville on Nov. 4. Thank you.
Margaret J. Hunt
Fayetteville
EARLY voting begins tomorrow!

Nancy Allen says Lioneld Jordan is Fayetteville's best bet

Lioneld Jordan is Fayetteville's best bet.
As you evaluate the candidates for mayor of Fayetteville, please consider:
Who has never missed a single meeting in his eight years on the City Council? Lioneld Jordan.
Who serves as vice mayor and actually ran the 2008 budget meetings when the mayor was out of the country? Lioneld Jordan.
Who will reduce wasteful expenses and present a balanced budget? Lioneld Jordan.
Who chairs the street committee? Lioneld Jordan.
Who has had a ward meeting each month, has been on the council to keep his constituents informed and to hear their concerns? Lioneld Jordan.
Who always takes time to listen? Lioneld Jordan.
Who is a man who cares about all the citizens ? Lioneld Jordan.
Who will see to it that our poor and elderly are not forgotten? Lioneld Jordan.
Who has an excellent voting record for parks, trails and green space? Lioneld Jordan. Who has championed the Fayetteville Public Library? Lioneld Jordan.
Who will have, and implement, an economic development plan to recruit green jobs that pay a living wage? Lioneld Jordan.
Who will work for an affordable housing that is not set apart to become tomorrow's slums? Lioneld Jordan.
Who is a proven supporter of the arts? Lioneld Jordan.
Who does the right and ethical thing even if it is less popular? Lioneld Jordan.
Who is accountable and does not pass the buck? Lioneld Jordan.
Who has experience you can trust? Lioneld Jordan.
When I think of Lioneld Jordan, the first thought that comes to mind is "passion for Fayetteville." He lives and breathes our beloved city. Please join me in voting for my friend Lioneld Jordan for mayor on Nov. 4. One can vote early starting October 20.
Nancy Allen
Ward 2 Alderman
Fayetteville

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Fayetteville police and firefighters urging people to vote for Lioneld Jordan for mayor

Please click on image to ENLARGE Firefighters and Police officers' endorsement of Lioneld Jordan for mayor.

Jordan effective leader

Lioneld's honesty gets my vote
http://www.nwanews.com/nwat/Editorial/70153
With the mayoral debates rerunning on television, it seems the sewer plant just won't go away. Critics of the mayor continue to complain about a $ 60 million overrun and three-year delay in project completion, and the mayor continues to blame someone else and events beyond his control.
In blaming the delay on the consultant initially hired to manage the project and the overrun on rapidly increasing construction costs early in the project, the mayor glosses over the fact that it was his administration's failure to properly monitor the consultant's performance that led to the delay, which in turn caused the project to slip into a period of rapidly rising construction costs.
Contrast this with the refreshing candor of Lioneld Jordan's public statement about the hole in the ground on College Avenue: "I made a mistake when I voted for that. I won't make that mistake again."
I come from a corporate culture where a man is not judged by whether he makes mistakes, but by how he behaves after he makes them. Lioneld would do well in that culture, just as I know he will do well as our next mayor. Please remember when you go to the polls: Lioneld Jordan - Experience You Can Trust ! 
William A. Moeller
Fayetteville

Friday, October 17, 2008

Letters supporting Lioneld in the Arkansas Traveler campus newspaper

Posted: 10/17/08

Jordan is committed to city, students

My state legislative district includes the university and much of Fayetteville Ward 4, so I have had many occasions to work with alderman Lioneld Jordan on issues of common concern to our constituents.

He always responds quickly to all questions and acts immediately to address any problem. Lioneld cares deeply about the interests of his constituents - including UA students - and has demonstrated a commitment to be a problem-solver, cutting through red tape and getting it done.

I appreciate Lioneld's effectiveness in lobbying the legislature for progressive legislation to benefit students, faculty, staff and all the residents of our city.

He advocated support for legislation to reduce the sales tax on groceries, establish need-based college scholarships, provide funding for workforce training, address workplace health and safety issues, regulate nonconsensual towing of private vehicles, and expand technology-based professional development opportunities. ??

Lioneld also supported legislation I sponsored to protect citizens' rights to participate in government and a bill to strengthen the Freedom of Information Act, reflecting his strong commitment to open government in Fayetteville.

When not working together as elected public servants, Lioneld and I also work for the university, where he has been on the staff for 26 years. We share a love of the university and are dedicated to its success.

Lioneld is a supervisor with Facilities Management and is responsible for those core academic facilities on our campus - Old Main, Mullins Library and others in the oldest part of our campus. He consistently brings projects in on time and under budget.

Please join me in voting for my friend Lioneld Jordan for mayor.

Rep. Lindsley Smith
Research assistant professor
Communication


Jordan is passionate about Fayetteville

As a friend and coworker of Lioneld Jordan for the past 26 years, I know Lioneld to be an honest and trustworthy man of passion, conviction and seemingly endless energy and enthusiasm for all of Fayetteville.

I'll definitely be voting for Lioneld Jordan for mayor on Nov. 4, and I hope you will, too!

Larry West
Carpenter
Facilities Management

William Flanagan letter in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette supports Lioneld Jordan for mayor



Candidate will serve all

I first met Lioneld Jordan at a union meeting on the University of Arkansas Fayetteville campus, where he played an important role in revitalizing the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees chapter. What struck me about Lioneld as a union leader and later as a city council member was the way he listened to the concerns and ideas of his constituents and then planned and worked to answer those concerns and to make those ideas reality.

He is a leader who pays close attention to the details while seeing the big picture. As a union leader, he understood that making the university a better place for the workers would make it a better place for students, faculty and all staff. He took that same approach to his position on the city council. He listened and responded to his constituents while keeping the needs of the whole city in mind. Lioneld also shares two of my priorities for Fayetteville's future. He is dedicated to developing a green economy for our area to sustain our environment and make Fayetteville livable for all. As an artist, I particularly appreciate his support for a cultural arts district and a vibrant arts life in our city. I am confident that he will follow through on these priorities because here's what I know about Lioneld: He's an honest, trustworthy man who loves Fayetteville and has worked to make this city prosper. His door is open to all. He has served Fayetteville well on the city council and will be a mayor for all the people.
WILLIAM FLANAGAN / Fayetteville

Mayoral candidates debate at the University of Arkansas, according to student-run newspaper

Mayoral race visits UA campus
By: James Baker
Posted: 10/17/08
The mayoral forum Wednesday in the Arkansas Union showed universal agreement among the four candidates present on the necessity for student involvement in the local community and environmental development.
However, tensions between candidate Lionel Jordan and incumbent Dan Coody continued to simmer.
With candidates Steve Clark and Walt Eilers wedged between them, Jordan and Coody sparred over Jordan's proposal to bring town hall meetings to Fayetteville to let students and residents become involved in city governance.
Students "are just as much a part of this town as anyone else," Jordan said. "People want to be informed and are tired of surprises."
Jordan also referred to the city's wastewater treatment project that ran $60 million over budget and was completed three years later than previously scheduled.
"Who wants to go to a meeting where nothing gets accomplished?" Coody said.
Coody, running for a third term, responded to Jordan's reference to the surprise of an extra $60 million spent on the treatment center project by mentioning Jordan's position on the city water and sewer committee, to which Jordan replied, "The buck stops with you."
Coody countered by saying the "buck stops with all of us in leadership positions."
All candidates emphasized the importance of the relationship between the city and UA students, both civically and economically, in the Associated Student Government-sponsored forum.
"We're not homogenized," Steve Clark said. "We all don't think alike, and that's a good thing."
Clark, a distinguished alumnus of the UA School of Law, said several short-term solutions should be implemented in the next term of office while others are planned out, including the addition of broadband to the city and covers for the multiple bus stop benches that currently lay bare.
"We can do that now," he said.
Clark also said that lack of preparation is responsible for the city not taking full advantage of its economic opportunities, and the next mayor needs to either "take action, or get out of the way."
Students "are the largest economic consumers in town," said Eilers, who supports putting a student representative into City Council and also mentioned the case for broadband throughout the city, including buses.
When asked what qualified him for the position, Eilers joked, "When you've been in business 42 years ... I've earned my white hair."
Eilers encouraged students to get out into the local community and volunteer, and he also said the "city of Fayetteville needs to care about the UA."
Coody emphasized the importance of bettering the town for the future, as many students "will want to come back and raise their families" in Fayetteville.
Jordan, who has worked in UA Facilities Management for 26 years, said communication between city government and small businesses must be "one on one, face to face."
Candidate and UA student Sami Sutton was unable to participate in the debate because she didn't hear about it until it was too late, and candidate Adam Fire Cat didn't show up.
© Copyright 2008 The Traveler

__________________________________________________

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Ward Four meetings led by Jordan always highlight major issues

Ward 4 meeting highlights city budget

Lioneld Jordan and Shirley Lucas hold their Ward 4 meeting on the last Monday every month at City Hall. They're always timely - usually covering the next council agenda or some new plans or development in the ward. Lioneld always gives us a monthly update on the city's Street Improvement Project. So it wasn't surprising that the September meeting turned out to be a short course in political science and city finance, sort of a Participatory City Government 101. It's also a working model of the quarterly town hall meetings that Lioneld will be committed to when elected mayor. As an impromptu leadoff, our three candidates for the Ward 4 Council seat - Lewis, Honchell and Sulliban - introduced themselves and their platforms for five minutes each. All showed themselves to be worthy choices for our next alderman. Then the meeting was turned over to Paul Becker, Fayetteville's Finance Director, who gave an update on the city's budgeting process. His presentation proved to be a rich learning experience for everyone. Mr. Becker treated us to an expert and fast-paced analysis of our city budget, punctuated by comments from Shirley and Lioneld and audience questions - all in less than 45 minutes. He shared a half-dozen easily read cardboard charts that he described as "old fashioned," but they painted a graphic picture of the major portions of our city budget, detailing sources and distribution of the funds. He fielded our questions directly and clearly - even from those of us who know little about the complexities of the city's budgeting process. Characteristically, the general tone of the meeting was like a family or neighborhood get-together, with Lucas and Jordan supplying additional information on budget items that most affected our ward - including some straight talk about the options for balancing the 2009 budget. Although we've had Ward 4 budget discussions annually, I believe that Becker's was the first we've applauded. Maybe that's because we have some especially difficult needs to be resolved and our U. S economy is suffering. We urged Becker to put his charts on the city's Web site for the community. And later, we posted the meeting videos online and requested replays of the complete Ward 4 meeting on CAT. An edited version also is showing on the Government Channel. You'll see the kind of accountability that we've learned to depend on in Ward 4 for the past eight years. Lioneld has promised to hold similar quarterly meetings that will be rotated among the wards when he's elected mayor, another reason we'll be voting for him in November. It's the kind of experience and sharing that we've learned to trust. Join us at the Oct. 27 Ward 4 meeting. In these lean times, we especially appreciate the careful stewardship that Lioneld and Shirley give us for our tax dollars. It's another reason to vote for Lioneld Jordan - experience you can trust.
Jim Bemis / Fayetteville

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Monday, October 13, 2008

Woodlee supports Jordan in Arkansas Traveler letter section

Experience matters in mayoral candidates

Why would we want Lioneld Jordan for mayor? I suppose if integrity, trustworthiness, accountability and, of course, more service and relevant experience than all the rest of the candidates combined didn't matter, maybe we wouldn't.

But as I see it, these are the very attributes that will take Fayetteville to the next level.

For me, the choice is quite obvious. We need Lioneld Jordan as our next mayor. Please remember to vote your choice Nov. 4.

Randall Woodlee
Fayetteville, Ark.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Early voting starts October 20, 2008

Early voting:

County Clerk’s office beginning October 20, 2008. Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. M – F, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. the Monday before the election.

Springdale Rodeo Center beginning October 20, 2008. Hours 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. M-F and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. This site will not be open the Monday before the election.
Monday, October 12, Fayetteville mayoral candidate Lioneld Jordan to be a
guest on “On the Air with Richard S. Drake.”

Jordan, currently a Fayetteville alderman, will discuss budget issues,
transportation, low-income housing, attracting industry to Fayetteville,
and working class matters, among other issues facing voters.

Show days and times:

Monday, October 12 - 7pm
Tuesday, October 13 - noon
Saturday, October 18 - 6pm

C.A.T. is shown on Channel 18 of the Cox channel line-up in Fayetteville.

Artist William Flanagan supports Lioneld Jordan for mayor

Lioneld listens - and gets things done

I first met Lioneld Jordan at a union meeting on the University of Arkansas campus, where he played an important role in revitalizing the AFSCME chapter. What struck me about Lioneld as a union leader and later as a city council member was the way he listened to the concerns and ideas of his constituents and then planned and worked to answer those concerns and to make those ideas reality. He is a leader who pays close attention to the details while seeing the big picture. As union leader, he understood that making the university a better place for the workers would make it a better place for students, faculty and all staff. He took that same approach to his position on the city council. He listened and responded to his constituents while keeping the needs of the whole city in mind. Lioneld also shares two of my priorities for Fayetteville's future. He is dedicated to developing a green economy for our area to sustain our environment and make Fayetteville livable for all. As an artist, I particularly appreciate his support for a Cultural Arts District and a vibrant arts life in our city. I am confident he will follow through on these priorities, because here's what I know about Lioneld Jordan: He's an honest, trustworthy man who loves Fayetteville and has worked to make this city prosper. His door is open to all. He has served Fayetteville well on the city council and will be a mayor for all the people.
William Flanagan
Fayetteville

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Susan Young tells why, like her mother decades ago, she supports a 'man of the people'

Jordan Represents All People

One day back in the early 1970s, perhaps awash from the knowledge I was gaining in Mrs. Parnell's Civics class at Ramay Junior High, I came home from school and asked my mother who her favorite president was. Mama thought about this for a minute before she answered, "Franklin D. Roosevelt. He was a man for all the people." Mama was a child of the Great Depression. Her opinion of FDR was borne of life's experiences. The conviction in her voice still resounds in my mind today.

Recently I attended the Fayetteville mayoral debate sponsored by the Fayetteville Council of Neighborhoods, and I heard Lioneld Jordan say, "Theodore Roosevelt gave you the Square Deal, Franklin D. Roosevelt gave you the New Deal, and I'm going to give you the Real Deal." At that moment, I was reminded of Mama's praise of FDR as "a man for all the people." I believe Lioneld Jordan is also "a man for all the people." Like Mama's opinion of FDR, my opinion of Lioneld is borne of life's experiences. As Ward 4 alderman and vice mayor of Fayetteville, I have seen Lioneld talk openly, honestly and respectfully with people from all walks of life. I have seen him stand firm for what he believes in. I have seen him humbly admit when he is wrong. I have grown to admire him for his common sense ideas and plain-spoken solutions, for his tireless efforts to make Fayetteville the best it can be, and for his genuine love for our city and its people.

With the same strength of conviction that Mama had for FDR, I am proud to support Lioneld Jordan for mayor of Fayetteville. Lioneld Jordan is a man for all the people.

Susan Young

Lioneld Jordan elated, humbled by learning he has received Sierra Club's endorsement in Fayetteville's mayoral race

Please click on images to ENLARGE view of Lioneld Jordan after learning that the Sierra Club has endorsed his candidacy for mayor of Fayetteville, Arkansas.


The button on his shirt tells the story. Lioneld is serious about environmental concerns as he looks across Martin Luther King Boulevard to a small but environmentally sensitive area in south Fayetteville.

Ozark Headwaters Group of the Sierra Club endorses local candidates

Sent: Wed 10/08/08 11:48 AM

SIERRA CLUB ENDORSES JORDAN FOR MAYOR OF FAYETTEVILLE;

THIEL, KINION AND LEWIS FOR CITY COUNCIL
The Sierra Club's Ozark Headwaters Group announced Thursday the club's endorsements for Fayetteville races in the November 2008 elections. The endorsements are based on (1) candidates' public records; (2) their responses to a series of detailed questions about environ mental issues; (3) their presentations at the candidates’ forum held at the U of A School of Law on Sept. 25; and (4) our assessment of the candidates’ likely effectiveness as public servants with attention to environmental values.

The endorsements are:

Mayor of Fayetteville: Lioneld Jordan

Fayetteville Ward 1, Pos. 2: Brenda Thiel

City Council: Ward 2, Pos. 2: Mark Kinion

Ward 4, Pos. 2: Sarah Lewis

"It’s a testament to the citizens of Fayetteville and their commitment to the environment that we have a choice among strong environmental candidates in every race this year," said Molly Rawn, the group's chair. "While Dan Coody, for example, has often done a good job over the years, Lioneld Jordan’s outstanding track record as alderman, his excellent values and his staunch trustworthiness make him our clear choice for mayor.”
The Sierra Club is the only environmental advocacy organi zation in Arkansas that makes political endorsements. The club, now more than a century old, has over 1.3 million members and supporters nationwide, of whom more than 300 members are Fayetteville voters.
FOR FURTHER INFO CONTACT: Rob Leflar

Tel. 443-5121 or 575-2709, E-mail

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Professor Steve Smith says Lioneld Jordan is the right choice for mayor of Fayetteville

http://media.www.thetraveleronline.com/media/storage/paper688/news/2008/10/08/Opinion/Letters.To.The.Editor-3475050.shtml

Support staff member for city mayor

I am delighted that UA students are politically active this year, and I appreciate the Traveler's coverage of those who have become candidates for City Council, mayor and Congress.

Vice Mayor and Alderman Lioneld Jordan, a 26-year member of the university staff, has an outstanding voting record and history of public service.

Lioneld is a zone supervisor with Facilities Management, and he has been an outstanding advocate for our students and staff.

When 32 staff workers were threatened with losing their jobs, Lioneld stepped up to lead the fight and involved local legislators to reverse the decision. When the Associated Student Government proposed establishing an early voting site on campus, Lioneld contacted the election commission and threw his support behind that effort.

In hundreds of ways, he has been there advocating for the best interests of our university community, including successfully lobbying the state legislature on behalf of UA employees.

Lioneld has been a guest speaker in my classes and a guest on "Book Notes," a program on Community Access Television.

As a member of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, he has been active in organizing the monthly food drive for Seven Hills Homeless Shelter, the Christmas toy drive for children and the Curb the Clutter program that collects trash along Razorback Road.

Lioneld has been recognized with the Outstanding Community Service Award from the UA Staff Senate; nominated for the Peace Hero Award by OMNI; twice recognized as the outstanding local government leader by Sierra Club; received the Torchbearer Award for Exemplary Community Service from Alpha Phi Alpha; and he is one of only 75 employees to have received the UA Diversity Certificate.

I am proud to call Lioneld my friend, and I hope you will join me in supporting him for mayor.

Stephen Smith
Professor
Communication

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

NOBODY has suggested turning the Government Channel into a community-access station. Read the policy document created by the Telecom policy committee

Policy document prepared during a series of meetings in July, August and September 2008 by the Telecom Board's policy committee
The Morning News

Local News for Northwest Arkansas
Televised Forums Spark Debate
By Skip Descant
The Morning News
FAYETTEVILLE - It's still not clear if issue and candidate forums will make their way to the Fayetteville Government Channel's prime time.
But after months of study, the topic is expected to be hotly debated at tonight's Fayetteville City Council meeting. The item was briskly yanked from last week's council consent agenda session, when practically every council member pushed the issue to open debate.
Moderated public forums involving candidates and ballot issues would be recorded and broadcast by the government channel, according to the proposed new policy. The moderator must be a nonpartisan group such as the League of Women Voters, "and will be overseen by a public forum committee, responsible for considering the issue representation with regard to participants, content and format."
Nancy Allen, a council member from Ward 2 who is not seeking re-election, raised the question of having the government channel record and broadcast a Ward 2 candidate forum. The request came from a citizen group, Allen said.
The request was denied because the group did not fall under the umbrella of city government. Allen asked last week how this topic differed from some of the more innocuous programming she's seen on the channel.
In the past, Allen has requested that issue forums about the future of Fayetteville High School or the Walton Arts Center be broadcast. Those requests were denied by the city because the discussion was not directly related to the workings of the city.
"How does that differ from showing animals in need of adoption?" Allen said. "Anyone could make an argument that walking around looking at flowers, shaking hands, that's not 'government.'"
Without directly naming him, Allen was referencing news conferences and other events called by Fayetteville Mayor Dan Coody, who has received much criticism alleging he's used the government channel as his own personal publicity agency.
"I see much more reason to debate those issues - Fayetteville High School and Walton Arts Center - than to show video of the mayor walking around the square," wrote Allen in an e-mail. "That borders on propaganda in my view."
Susan Thomas, public information officer for the city, and one of the architects of the proposed policy, has maintained that the channel can only be used by government and for government-related programming.
Thomas said a Fayetteville Council of Neighborhoods mayoral debate aired because the council is comprised of city-appointed members, meets at city hall and has city staff assigned to the group, therefore, it operates under the umbrella of the city.
"Any other organization, they don't get city staff, and they're not covered on a regular basis," Thomas told the council.
Citizen groups like the one Allen mentioned would be better served by Community Access Television, say officials. Allen admitted she had not contacted CAT.
The mayor has said repeatedly that the city council has the discretion to create the government channel in nearly any image it wishes. It only needs to write the appropriate policy and carry it out.
"If you want to turn the government channel into a community access television station, then just do that," Coody told the board last week.
Policy document prepared during a series of meetings in July, August and September 2008 by the Telecom Board's policy committee
MEETING INFORMATION

Fayetteville City Council

When: 6 p.m. today

Where: Room 219, City Hall, 113 W. Mountain St.

Also on the agenda: Urban Design Associates, the Pittsburgh design firm responsible for the conceptual plan for SouthPass, will give a presentation.

Saturday, October 4, 2008