The Morning News of Northwest Arkansas

How We See It:

Hines Endorsed for Mayor of Rogers

Posted November 16, 2010

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS

In our view...one candidate stands out: Greg Hines. Hines, 34, is the youngest of the bunch; ironically, of all the candidates, he possesses by far the most experience relevant to the job. Having served on City Council for 12 years, Hines can discuss Rogers city business with more authority than any of his opponents...

We endorse Greg Hines for mayor of Rogers. Early voting in the runoff election begins today.

We supported Hines in the five-way general election because he knew what he was talking about when we asked detailed questions about Rogers and city government. He was at ease doing so. He not only knew the answers. He displayed a working familiarity with them that we found in none of the othercandidates.

The weeks of campaigning since have more than confirmed our view. His words in all sorts of circumstances have strongly reinforced that he's the most preparedcandidate. Hines almost won that five-way race without a runoff. Apparently, we're not the only ones who see him as the best choice in what was a crowded field of good options.

All mayor's races matter, but this one's vital. Mayor Steve Womack is going to Congress after 12 eventful and successful years at city hall. The winner of this race will serve a six-year term rather than the traditional four years. That's because when a city's population surpasses 50,000 (results of this year's U.S. Census are expected to show that Rogers has done that), the mayor must then be chosen during the same year as the presidential election. That will put off the next mayor's election by two years.

Hines, 34, is the youngest of the bunch. The fact he's learned the job and possesses - by a wide margin - the most experience relevant to the job is doubly impressive.

Plus, he's a good guy and a lifelong resident of Rogers.

He knows the people here.

He served on the City Council for 12 years. He served 10 years in law enforcement (first as a Bentonville police officer, then as a criminal investigator for the Benton County Sheriff's Office). He's most recently served as Benton County's public safety director. As such, he oversees four departments, more than 100 employees and a $10 million budget and doing it well.

This preparation stems from focus. Being mayor of Rogers has been his dream since Hines was a kid.

That's never been a secret. Hines' campaign promises consistency with Womack's policies and a promise to continue the progress. He has the most potential to be able to deliver on that promise.

Hines' opponent, Kurt Maddox, can't approach Hines' level of job knowledge and preparation. That, too, has become more obvious in the days since the general election. While it's true that Maddox has had business interests in Rogers for sometime, it is not insignificant to note that he had to move back to Rogers from Gravette to run in this election. Twelve weeks of campaigning can't make up for 12 years of preparation.

There's simply no comparison here.

We strongly endorse Greg Hines.

You may contact us for more information at greghines2010@gmail.com

NWAOnline.com

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

ROGERS — Editor's note: Greg Hines and Kurt Maddox, candidates for Rogers mayor, were asked to answer five questions on city issues. Their answers will be published today through Sunday. The answers have been edited for grammar and length. Early voting begins Tuesday. The polls will be open Nov. 23 for the runoff.

The Question

The City Council recently voted to separate the parks and recreation department into two entities. Mayor Steve Womack said the Recreation Department could eventually becoming self-supporting. How realistic do you think that is? Also, Womack said the move would improve the quality of parks. The parks director said he needs more manpower to meet that goal. Do you plan on authorizing additional employees?

Greg Hines

As a current member of the City Council, I supported this measure. I believe the residents of Rogers will be better served by this division of duties and focus. We now have the very best director in the programming side as well as the parks/facilities side. For years we have done more with less in Rogers, specifically in the parks and recreation area. While we want to continue the spirit of “doing more with less,” it is time for us to elevate our status by providing the very best facilities and programming in the region.

With the passage of Issue 2, we now know that a bond election is forthcoming. The roughly $25 million scheduled for parks will help us to revitalize Lake Atlanta, construct new sports fields, and finally provide a new centrally located city pool. While it is a tall order to suggest that the recreation side will be self-supporting in the near future, this division of departments clearly defines their goals and missions. By dividing and defining, the recreation side of the house should be well positioned to seek private dollars to endow their programs. These things will take time, but Rogers has a very successful history of creating and maintaining strong public-private relationships. It's notable that two-thirds of the recreation dollars spent in Rogers come from sources other than tax dollars.

Certainly as the parks system grows with the completion of new ball fields and facilities, we will likely need additional employees. We want to strive to be the best while holding fast the old Parks Department motto: “Do more with less.” The enhancement of our parks and recreation is not only a quality of life initiative, it also has a positive economic element. When we host youth and adult tournaments, local businesses benefit.

You may contact us for more information at greghines2010@gmail.com

The Rogers Fraternal Order of Police Endorses Greg Hines for Mayor

"What a tremendous honor to be endorsed by this group of fine men and women of the Rogers Police force who serve and protect our great city. As a former street cop and investigator, I am especially grateful for their support," Greg Hines

Arkansas Right to Life Endorses Greg Hines for Mayor

The Arkansas Right to Life Political Action Committee (ARTL PAC), seeks to elect candidates to public office that respect the sanctity of human life.

You may contact us for more information at greghines2010@gmail.com

Greg Hines: In Service to Rogers

Greg Hines is the only candidate in the race who has worked hand-in-hand with Mayor Steve Womack to make Rogers the great place to live it is today.

Rogers City Council

As a member of the Rogers City Council for over ten years, Greg has worked closely with Mayor Steve Womack and city department heads taking care of our needs. Greg currently serves as chair of the Community Environment and Welfare Committee and is a leading member of both the Public Safety and the Transportation Committees.

Director of Public Safety

As Benton County’s Director of Public Safety, Greg oversees multiple departments including the Road Department, Veterans Affairs, Juvenile Detention Center and the Community Service Program. Greg manages over 100 county employees and a budget of over 10 million dollars— each year Greg has returned tax payer money to the county treasury.

Law Enforcement Officer

Greg served 10 years as a law enforcement officer and investigator, fighting crime on our streets and leading two capital murder investigations. Greg was awarded the Investigator of the Year honor from the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, the STEP Award for Outstanding DWI enforcement as a uniformed patrol officer and many service commendations.

Community Service

• Vice President of the Helen Walton Children’s Enrichment Center Board of Directors
• Rogers Animal Shelter Advisory Board
• Rogers Noon Rotary
• Ozark Regional Transit Board
• Long time member of the Rogers/Lowell Chamber of Commerce
• United Way
• As an active member of his church Greg has served on the Board of Trustees and currently serves on the Staff Parish Relations Committee at Central United Methodist Church.

You may also contact us for more information at greghines2010@gmail.com

Releases Impressive and Diverse Campaign Committee

ROGERS, ARKANSAS - Riding a wave of momentum from his July 10 announcement for Mayor, life long Rogers resident Greg Hines announced today that he has raised over $22,000 since his campaign began. Additionally, Hines released his campaign committee members today demonstrating the depth and breadth of support Greg has received since announcing his candidacy less than a month ago.

The amount of support that I have received over the past 27 days has been truly humbling. I am so thankful,” Hines said Friday. “I got in this race as the candidate that will represent all of Rogers. I look forward to a spirited campaign full of ideas about how to continue the prosperity.

Former Mayor John Sampier said, “Greg cares deeply about our city, its people and its future. His commitment to open government that is accountable to the people, focus on attracting new good paying jobs to Rogers and desire to improve our quality of life, make Greg hands-down the best candidate for the job.”

The campaign’s committee members for the upcoming election are:

Jim Tull, Chairman	Brad Bridgers	Bob Goodwin
Lisa Hines	Guy Cable	Matt Kendall
Blake Hopper	Brian Jackson	Sean Keith
Don Kendall	Sarah Kendall	Jim Lingle
Patti Mocivnik	John Sampier	Susan Kendall
Patsy Simmons	Aaron Jackson	Joe Spivey
Suzanne Spivey	Charlie Simmons	Buddy Wright

“It’s exciting to have a true cross-section of the community supporting me as I work to be Rogers’ next mayor,” Hines noted. “I look forward to speaking with as many of Rogers’ residents as I can personally during this race and my administration, and I will pledge to consult the citizens of Rogers regularly both during the campaign and in the Office of the Mayor.”

You may also contact us for more information at greghines2010@gmail.com