Two of the five seats in Hillsboro’s municipal government will be contested in the April 4 election.
Mayor Buddy Russell, who is running for a third two-year term, has drawn a challenge from Douglas Browning Jr.
Ward 4 is an open seat after Joyce Twiggs, who had held the seat for 13 years, decided against running for another two-year term, Dennis K. Bradley and Kevin Payne are squaring off.
Bradley was elected mayor in April 2017, but resigned in February 2018 at the start of what was to be his impeachment hearing. He waged an unsuccessful campaign to unseat Twiggs two years ago.
The incumbents in the other aldermanic seats are unchallenged this spring: Ward 1’s Brenda L. King, who has represented Ward 1 continuously since 2001 after two previous terms in 1997 and 1999, will be sworn into a new term after the election. Ward 2’s Tim Polkinghorne did not draw a challenge for his fourth term, and Nancy K. Maxwell, who has been the Ward 3 alderwoman since 1995, likewise faces no opposition.
Browning, Bradley and Payne did not return Leader candidate questionnaires.
The mayor is paid $150 per month and aldermen are paid $75 per month.
RUSSELL, 71, is retired from the Missouri Pacific-Union Pacific Railroad. A 1970 graduate of Hillsboro High School, he attended Arkansas Tech and Jefferson College.
What experience do you have that might serve you in this position?
Russell: In addition to my four years as mayor, I have been a member of the Rotary Club, Hillsboro Community Civic Club, Hillsboro Food Pantry, Chamber of Commerce and Lions Club and have served on a number of committees. I grew up in the community at the Russell House. I give back and work all over town wherever I can.
What are the biggest problems facing the city and how would you address them?
Russell: Continued work on economic development, a new water tower, infrastructure, parks improvements, helping small businesses and bringing everybody together to work as one. I want to get people involved in their community. I want to work for safety for the kids in school and on our sidewalks.
If your city’s proposed tax on recreational marijuana sales is approved by voters in April, how would you like to see that money spent?
Russell: I would like to see the money go into the general revenue fund for police and streets.
Why should voters elect you to this position? List your goals.
Russell: I have heard the call for help and I know what our community needs are – to grow our basic needs, yet keep the small-town feel. We need to upgrade what we currently have in town – parks and streets. We need to bring us all together to communicate and I feel strongly about supporting our POWs and MIAs.