Is There a Vacancy?

In another sign that Mayor Dan Coody has other plans, Walt Eilers, president of a consulting firm that specializes in fundraising for nonprofits, announced today as a candidate for Mayor of Fayetteville. He has not held public office before, but he has been active in the community as chairman of the Susan Komen Race for the Cure and is involved with the Fayetteville Natural Heritage Association.

Judging by his recent political contributions, Eilers would appear to be a Democrat. He has made a contribution to the Democratic Party of Arkansas ($264) this year, and in 2006 he made contributions to Democratic candidates Mike Beebe ($200), Robert Herzfeld ($300), Lindsley Smith ($100), and Diana Gonzales Worthen ($150).

At his announcement on the Fayetteville square today, Eilers told a group of supporters that his goal was "moving Fayetteville forward." That is a safe theme but still a contrast with Koenig the Republican's slogan of "moving Fayetteville backwards."

Other names of possible candidates being tossed around in the rumor mill include Alderman Lioneld Jordan, former alderman Don Marr, and Mark Kinion.