FORT SMITH — Three candidates are vying for the Ward 3 spot on the Fort Smith Board of Directors.
It’s the only board seat for which there is a contest this year. Three other seats were up for election this year, but only the incumbents filed to run for them.
Lavon Morton, the current Ward 3 director, opted not to run for reelection.
Russ Bragg, Lee Kemp and Carl Nevin are all running for Morton’s spot in the Nov. 5 election. A runoff election, if necessary, will be Dec. 3.
If no candidate obtains a clear majority of votes at the general election, a runoff election will be held between the two candidates with the most votes, according to the City of Fort Smith.
Fort Smith’s Board of Directors consists of seven seats — one for each of four wards, the other three being at-large positions. The seats up for election this fall are Positions 1, 2, 3 and 4 — representing Wards 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. The other three board positions will be up for election in 2026.
City directors are paid $7,800 annually, plus a $600 monthly car allowance, according to Josh Buchfink, public relations manager for the city.
Russ Bragg
Age: 65
Residency: Fianna Hills for 19 years, and 36 years total in Fort Smith
Occupation: Retired from OK Foods.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in marketing, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio
Political Experience: None.
Why are you running for this office? I have been active in city politics for most of my career at OK Foods. Being the largest employer in the area we touched a lot of areas in city government. I look at this as a great opportunity to help the continued growth of the city and shape a great future.
Why should people vote for you? Experience. During my career at OK Foods, I managed a budget of over $250 million. My teams included Trucking, Logistics, Distribution, Purchasing, Commodities. I have negotiated million-dollar contracts and leases. I built a distribution center and feed mill in Oklahoma. I sat on the benefits and 401k committees. All of this experience translates well to what we need in city government.
Lee Kemp
Age: 40
Residency: Fianna Hills for four years, native of Fort Smith
Occupation: Lead pastor, Forefront Church.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in religion, Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va.
Political Experience: None.
Why are you running for this office? I am running for this office because I have strong skills in collaboration, communication and conflict resolution. Fort Smith is my hometown, and I am eager to serve our city as we work toward a prosperous future. This is an important season in our development as a community.
Why should people vote for you? I believe people should vote for me because of my experience in servant-based leadership. Our city directors play a crucial role in ensuring that the citizens understand the tasks at hand for our community. At the age of 40, I can work toward being a bridge in our community, connecting both older and younger people. My family has given me the green light to pursue this, and I hope the voters will entrust me to work hard for our community.
Carl Nevin
Age: 69
Residency: Riley Farm for 24 years, and 46 years total in Fort Smith
Occupation: Retired factory worker and small business owner.
Education: Kaiserslautern American High School, Germany
Political Experience: Ran unsuccessfully for the Position 5 seat on the Fort Smith Board of Directors in 2022.
Why are you running for this office? I am concerned about the direction the city is going. I can help business grow in Fort Smith. I want more transparency between the Board of Directors and the citizens.
Why should people vote for you? I am very approachable and outgoing. I like to listen to people talk. I really want to do what is best for the city. I want the city to be fiscally responsible to the citizens. I want to stimulate growth in business. I will be totally accessible to the citizens of Fort Smith. I am a hard worker and willing to help other people.