CENTERTON (KFSM) – With early voting underway, Centerton voters have the opportunity to vote in a hotly contested mayor`s race.
In advance of the general election, both candidates for the seat met in a mayoral debate at Gamble Elementary.
Mayor Bill Edwards has served his first term, and is now facing candidate TJ Teed in the November general election.
“I wanted to run for a positive change here in Centerton,” Teed said. “We want to focus our efforts on economic development, strengthen the job growth in the city.”
Economic growth was a major topic at Tuesday’s (Oct. 21) debate.
"We've had a lot of growth a lot of great projects getting started, like the new high school, we have a lot of new parks and projects coming,” Edwards said. “So, I wanted to have the opportunity to follow that up and keep our vision moving forward.”
A new high school is being built in Centerton, as part of the Bentonville School District.
Both candidates say they think this is a turning point for the city, and is a center point for both campaigns.
"I believe that high school has really changed our infrastructure here in Centerton. As far as bringing commercial business, because we have a lot of homes here," Edwards said.
"I think being able to create new jobs and continuously stimulate growth. Bringing in activities for our children, whether it be a boys and girls club, or a skate park, or an aquatics center," Teed said.
Both candidates say the opening of a new high school could open many new doors for business growth as well.
"We will see an influx of a lot of restaurants and other services for the school," Edwards said.
"I think economic growth is going to be a huge aspect here in Centerton," Teed said.
Candidates met with Centerton voters following the debate.