Letters to the Editor

Wozniak run for mayor is concerning

Mayor Wozniak? Oh, woe!

It was with great concern that I read Alderman Jim Wozniak's announcement that he planned to run for mayor of Bella Vista.

I have had only one experience with Mr. Wozniak, concerning the council's ill-conceived plan to allow construction of an auto body repair shop on Forest Hills Boulevard. You might remember that the council voted to lower the property's zoning classification from C-2 to C-3 and issue a conditional-use permit so a C-4 business could operate near C-2 businesses.

I phoned every council member to express my opposition. Although almost all the members favored the zoning change, all treated me with respect. All, that is, except Alderman Wozniak. He talked over me and would not let me finish my sentences. I felt as though I was bothering him.

Council members have told me he does not play well in their "sandbox."

This is not a person I want to be the "face" of Bella Vista. I have a mental vision of how the Bella Vista mayor should act and what he should look like. Mayor Bob McCaslin of nearby Bentonville comes to mind, as does Benton County Sheriff Kelley Cradduck.

Apparently, I am not alone in my concern. The April 5 edition of The Benton County Daily Record contained an ad seeking candidates for mayor paid for by the "Concerned Citizens of Bella Vista." Is it possible Mr. Wozniak announced his intentions early to scare off other interested candidates?

I urge my fellow Bella Vistans to oppose Mr. Wozniak's candidacy. I urge anyone considering running for office to throw his (her?) hat in the ring, Please!

Karen Wenzel

Bella Vista

Editorial on 04/16/2014